Big Ten championship: Michigan locks up playoff slot with 42-3 win over Iowa

INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time 2004, Michigan football has won the Big Ten. 

And now, the Wolverines get a chance to play for a national championship. 

Several big plays on offense and special teams helped Michigan beat Iowa, 42-3, on Saturday in the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. It's the first conference title game win and the first for Jim Harbaugh in his seven years at the helm.

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Hassan Haskins had two second-half touchdown runs to become the school's all-time leader in rushing scores in a season (20). The Wolverines jumped out to a 14-0 lead on a 67-yard TD run by Blake Corum. Then after holding Iowa to a three-and-out, they struck again on the first play of the next drive with a halfback pass from Donova Edwards to Roman Wilson for a 75-yard score.

© Kirthmon Dozier, Detroit Free Pr Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates a play against Iowa during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.

Next up for the Wolverines is a spot in the College Football Playoff. They entered this weekend ranked second in the playoff rankings and locked up a spot in the semifinals. The Wolverines will play in either the Cotton Bowl or Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. 

Michigan will learn who will be its opponent — most likely either Georgia, Alabama or Cincinnati — early Sunday afternoon. 

Contact Michael Cohen at mcohen@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Cohen13. 

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Big Ten championship: Michigan locks up playoff slot with 42-3 win over Iowa