Michigan's massive Iowa challenge brings a first for Kyle Whittingham

The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Kyle Whittingham are coming up on a huge test of the strength of their team. One of the biggest games of the season happens on Saturday, and the challenge is evident.

We're talking, of course, about the Wolverines going up against Iowa. The teams go at each other for a Week 4 showdown on Saturday in the Big House. Iowa is ranked No. 17 and Michigan is ranked No. 18 in the newest Associated Press Top 25 poll, so they're neck and neck.

Both Whittingham, 66, and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, 71, have been at this for a long time. They're not newbies. Whittingham has been a head coach in college football for 23 years, while Ferentz has been at it for a whopping 30 years. So, it'll be a treat to watch these two seasoned coaches compete in the spotlight.

Kyle Whittingham has high praise for Kirk Ferentz

This game actually brings a cool first for these guys. It's the very first time they've ever played each other in all of their years of coaching. That makes it a special moment.

Ahead of the game, Whittingham had glowing things to say about his soon-to-be opponent.

"Yeah, I've met with him — not met with him; I've come across, crossed paths a few times, but nothing extensive," Whittingham said, according to USA Today. "But just my initial impression was a great person, an absolute rock-solid football coach, and has done it the right way for a lot of years.

"So on film, good football team. Defense in particular, I guess leading the nation in defense right now, both total yards and in scoring D. So playing outstanding on that side of the ball, like usual. It's been an MO of theirs for years. Got some playmakers on offense, especially the receiver, explosive players. So they'll be a very stiff test for us, no doubt about that."

Michigan and Iowa will play starting at 3:30 p.m. EDT at the Big House. You can catch the game on CBS.