Michigan is 3-0 and back in the top 25 after some ups and downs and because of the rollercoaster ride, there are plenty of questions surrounding the Wolverines ahead of Big Ten play.
With Michigan coming off a 52-16 win over UTEP and heading into a top-20 matchup with Iowa to open Big Ten play, there are a lot of legitimate questions beyond "can Michigan win?"
1. Can Bryce Underwood continue to take steps forward?
Michigan's starting quarterback has been under incredible scrutiny to start the 2026 season but he's gotten better week after week. He turned into a major ball carrier against Oklahoma and was a big part of that upset win. Against UTEP, he played his best game going 19-of-25 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 22 yards on the ground. He did lose another fumble, which he needs to clean up, but he was solid all around.
Underwood needs to take another step forward against an incredibly disciplined and opportunistic Iowa defense. If he keeps improving week after week, he's going to put Michigan in a position to win a lot of games.
2. Can Michigan run the ball consistently against Iowa?
Michigan only averaged 4.4 yards per carry against UTEP, which is not going to be good enough against a defense like Iowa. Jordan Marshall is a little dinged up, so it'll be interesting to see who is even available on Saturday. Luckily for Michigan, freshman Savion Hiter and Bryson Kuzdzal can easily step up in Marshall's absence.
Iowa's defense is stout and currently No. 11 in the country against the run. If Michigan can't be somewhat productive on the ground against the Hawkeyes, it's going to be a tough day for the offense.
3. Will Michigan finally start faster?
Michigan didn't score a point in the first quarter against UTEP and found itself down 7-0 after the first 15 minutes. That cannot happen against a fundamentally sound football team like Iowa. If you fall behind the Hawkeyes, you might not ever get back in front of them. They're too good on defense and Kirk Ferentz knows how to keep another team's offense on the sidelines. Michigan has to score early and often to put the pressure on Iowa's offense.
4. Can Michigan win the turnover battle?
Iowa is in the top 25 when it comes to turnover margin, while Michigan is outside of the top 100. That formula will not work when a Kirk Ferentz team comes to town. The Hawkeyes don't make mistakes and don't beat themselves. If Michigan gets loose with the ball and loses a couple of fumbles (again) or if Underwood throws it to the wrong team, things could go sideways for the Wolverines in a hurry.
5. Can Kyle Whittingham win his first Big Ten game at Michigan?
This is obviously a big picture question, but it's Kyle Whittingham's first chance to win a game in conference. He got a big one a couple of weeks ago against Oklahoma, who was ranked No. 11 at the time, and he's currently undefeated as Michigan's head man. If he can get another W against Iowa to start off 1-0 in the Big Ten, it'll just add another shot of confidence for him, his staff and his players as they dig deeper into conference play.
