Michigan punches ticket to Big Ten Championship, will face Iowa

The Michigan Wolverines punched their ticket to the Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa with a 30-24 win over Ohio State.

For the Wolverines, it’s the third straight Big Ten title game appearance under Jim Harbaugh after never reaching the game to start his tenure. Michigan will go for its third straight title.

So now, the stage is set for Michigan against Iowa as the Hawkeyes look to win a conference crown and spoil the CFP hopes for the Wolverines.

The Wolverines took the 30-24 lead late in the fourth quarter which set up for great drama. Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord took the field with one minute to go down by six.

After driving the Buckeyes into Wolverine territory, McCord was picked off by Rod Moore to seal the deal.

Michigan to take on Iowa for Big Ten Championship

Iowa ended its regular season 10-2 with a 13-10 win over Nebraska Friday afternoon. Marshall Meeder nailed a 38-yard field goal to give the Hawkeyes the win.

Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz was very emotional following the win.

“Just really excited for our guys. They’ve been really resilient. (Ethan) Hurkett gets a pick, the defensive lineman gets a pick. And then an unsung guy comes out and kicks a field goal. It’s kind of representative of this team,” a teary-eyed Ferentz said. “Somehow, someway, we’ve won 10 games and it’s pretty good.

“It’s hard to win – first and foremost. It speaks to the kind of kids we have. These guys are really fun to work with. They believe in themselves, believe in each other, care about each other. So it’s just really special.”

Ferentz even joked that he was actually going to watch Michigan vs. Ohio State on TV Saturday.

“I don’t watch much TV but I’m actually going to watch that one. Normally I wouldn’t but a little vested interest this time,” Ferentz said. “I know we’ll have to be good – I know that.”

Iowa last made the Big Ten Championship Game in 2021, a 42-3 loss to Michigan in Indianapolis. Previously, it was a 16-13 loss to Michigan State in 2015.

The 2023 Big Ten Championship Game will take place Saturday, December 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET in Indianapolis (Ind.).