Iowa's Kenneth Merrieweather is excited to play back home in Michigan
· Yahoo Sports
IOWA CITY — Iowa defensive lineman Kenneth Merrieweather grew up watching Michigan play football every week.
Being from Detroit, he recalled memories of watching Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry games. He attended games as a kid at the Big House in Ann Arbor. Now he and the Hawkeyes defense have the opportunity to play on the road at Michigan Stadium, a stadium that is loud and packs in more than 100,000 fans in its seats.
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Merrieweather, a fourth-year lineman, is excited for his chance to play back home, in front of his friends and family. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Merrieweather and the team are ready for the challenge
Merrieweather knows that the matchup against the No. 18 Wolverines (3-0) involves more than just the players on the field. The noise produced by fans at the Big House is another challenge entirely.
"It's always fun going against the fans," he said. "It's the proof of doubters, it's always fun going out there and letting the fans get all rowdy against us, but we like to be challenged. So we take that challenge, and we're going to try and execute the best we can."
On-field challenges include trying to contain Michigan's quarterback, Bryce Underwood. Merrieweather said the Hawkeyes aren't underestimating the opponent and are prepared to play a physical game.
"Bryce is a great player," he said. "We're going to try to keep containing him and bring him down when we can."
Merrieweather has started all three games for the No. 17 Hawkeyes (3-0), recording three tackles against Iowa State.
What the opportunity of playing back home means to Merrieweather
Merrieweather said he'll have "roughly 20 to 30" family members attending the game on Saturday. He's excited for the chance to play in front of them and in the Big House.
"This means a lot to me," he said. "It's a dream to play back in my hometown, it's going to be a huge opportunity for me. I'm excited to go out there and play with my guys."
When Merrieweather was embarking on the recruitment journey, he had heard of another Detroit-area guy who joined the Hawkeyes: Desmond King. While he didn't know much about the school, defensive coordinator Phil Parker and D-line coach Kelvin Bell told him a lot about Iowa in their recruiting conversations.
"Not just football-wise," Merrieweather recalled. "How they care about their players, academically, how they care about us to become better men over time. I've learned a lot over my years."
As for his family members who will be in attendance, he said he hopes they are all rooting for Iowa this weekend.
"They can't go against the grain. That would just be horrible," he said with a smile. "If they root against Iowa, we probably have to send them somewhere else."
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's Kenneth Merrieweather is excited to play back home in Michigan