Michigan football is seeking its first Big Ten title since 2004 when Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2021 Big Ten Championship Game.
Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines have the perfect opportunity to propel themselves right into the College Football Playoff with their upcoming matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game.
The Wolverines haven’t had many opportunities to get into the Playoff discussion in recent years because of the way the Ohio State Buckeyes have been able to find success in the Big Ten. Similarly, the Buckeyes have prevented the Wolverines from being able to go out and compete for the Big Ten in recent years as well.
It’s been nearly two decades since Michigan has been able to win its conference. The last time the Wolverines were able to win the Big Ten? 2004, when they shared the conference crown with Iowa.
Last Big Ten title for Michigan football came in 2004
The Wolverines and Hawkeyes had identical Big Ten records in 2004 with both teams managing to go 7-1 in conference play.
But, one notable game from that season that should be mentioned is Michigan’s 30-17 win at home over the Hawkeyes. The Wolverines were able to claim the head-to-head meeting with Iowa.
Unfortunately for Michigan, the Wolverines didn’t get through Big Ten play unscathed. The Buckeyes managed to beat the Wolverines 37-21, giving Michigan its only conference loss that season. That was enough for Michigan to technically split the conference title with Iowa.
Just one year prior, in 2003, the Wolverines went out and claimed the Big Ten title without splitting it with anyone thanks to a 10-3 overall record and a 7-1 Big Ten record.
Interestingly enough, the Hawkeyes handed Michigan its lone conference loss from that 2003 season.
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