Was the dramatic come-from-behind 27-25 win over previously unbeaten Penn State a turning point for the Michigan season or just another blip in an inconsistent season?

Michigan should learn a lot more about itself this week when it travels to Kinnick Stadium to take on surging Iowa.

Michigan was down to one play with one second left on the clock when QB Chad Henne lined up under center against the Nittany Lions at the 10-yard line. He took the snap, faded back in the pocket and found a wide open Mario Manningham for the game-winning touchdown.

It was a moment of vindication for Henne, who has not played as well this year as he did during his freshman season in 2004. He also had a rather embarrassing moment against Penn State when Nittany Lion CB Alan Zemaitis stripped the ball from Henne while tackling him in the third quarter and then ran 35 yards for a TD that gave Joe Paterno's team the lead.

Despite his inconsistency this season, Henne's teammates still believe in him. "We have all the confidence in the world in Chad that he's going to lead us through," tight end Tyler Ecker told the Detroit Free Press. "He's led us on game-winning drives in the past, and we have faith he'll do it in the future."

Henne will need another solid game if the Wolverines are going to beat Iowa on the road. The Hawkeyes have won 22 straight at home and Michigan's defense -- ranked first in the Big Ten against the pass -- will have to do a solid job against Drew Tate if they want to come up with a streak-breaker.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Michigan has an offense that is better than the numbers it has put on the board to this point. The Wolverines rank ninth in scoring (28.4 ppg) and total yards (394.6 ypg), but the combination of QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WRs Jason Avant and Mario Manningham are very dangerous. The hard-hitting Iowa defense is solid, but it will be challenged by Michigan's size, strength, skill and speed.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines have a pretty good pass defense. Michigan is ranked first in the Big Ten against the pass, allowing just 180.9 yards per game. Credit CBs Grant Mason and Leon Hall for improved coverage this season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's how you judge a quarterback -- how they react to the pressure. Trust me, there wasn't a lot of space in that defense, and those people can rush the quarterback. He didn't do it by himself, but I don't think anybody can ask any more of Chad Henne." -- Head coach Lloyd Carr on the play of QB Chad Henne in the 27-25 win over Penn State

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Iowa, Oct. 22 -- The Wolverines came up with a huge win against Penn State and can get their season back on track with a win at Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won 22 straight games at home and it will take a consistent effort to beat this team at home. QB Chad Henne came through in the clutch vs. Penn State and is hoping to build off that against the Hawkeyes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Mike Hart -- He has run for 556 yards and is averaging 4.8 yards per carry. The Hawkeye run defense is average -- fifth in the Big Ten -- so Hart should have an opportunity to break a big run or two.

WR Mario Manningham -- His game-winning TD on the last play of the game against Penn State has earned Manningham a place in Michigan football lore. He is a skilled route runner with a nose for the big play. He has 16 catches through the first seven games -- and five have gone for touchdowns.

WR Jason Avant -- He continues to be Chad Henne's top target. He has caught 53-662-5 and is at his best in clutch situations.

WR/RS Steve Breaston -- He won Big Ten special teams player of the week honors for his play against Penn State. His 41-yard kickoff return in the final minute gave Michigan an opportunity to go downfield and score the game-winning TD on the final play of the game. Perhaps that play will get him going and allow him to finish the season on an upswing.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Mario Manningham (undisclosed), defensive lineman Rondell Biggs (knee), linebacker Scott McClintock (back) and defensive backs Brandent Englemon (undisclosed) and Willis Barringer (knee) are questionable against Iowa. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington (ankle) is sidelined indefinitely. Offensive lineman Grant DeBenedictis (knee) is expected to miss the entire season. Defensive back Ryan Mundy (shoulder) is expected to miss the remainder of the season.