After two tough meets on the road, the No. 3 Michigan men’s gymnastics team is finally coming home.

Tonight, the Wolverines face No. 12 Iowa, a team that has yet to score above 330 points in any meet this year.

But that doesn't mean Michigan plans to let its foot off the gas pedal.

The team remains unsatisfied with its early-season performances after failing to reach its preseason goal of 100 percent hits in a meet. Its one-place drop in the national rankings is also motivation. With a big score at home, the Wolverines could leapfrog No. 2 California or even No. 1 Oklahoma.

But to do so, there needs to be a bit of improvement from their past meets.

“Floor was a disaster,” Michigan assistant coach Derek Croad said of last week’s meet at then-No. 3 Penn State. “It’s a huge (motivator) because they know they didn’t do what they were supposed to do.”

The Wolverines are well aware of the dangers of underestimating the Hawkeyes.

Last season, Michigan rested several of its top competitors against the Hawkeyes, and though the team notched its first-ever win in Iowa City during the Kurt Golder era, the Hawkeyes made the competition uncomfortably close.

“Even though in the scores we might be 20 points up, anything can happen,” Croad said. “You could really be screwed by thinking, ‘We’re going to blow them out.’ … Mentally, I keep the same thing, like we’re going into Penn State again.”

And just like against Penn State, Michigan won’t be holding back any regulars this weekend.

The Wolverines will also get a boost from two familiar faces making their return to the lineup tonight.

Junior Torrance Laury was a key contributor on the Michigan team that was ranked No. 1 for much of 2007. After an injury to his latissimus dorsi, he will return from a lengthy rehabilitation to compete on the still rings and vault.

Senior Scott Bregman, one of Michigan’s top floor men, suffered his second-straight season-ending ankle injury last March. He will make his 2009 debut on the floor exercise and vault.

Two sophomores will also make their first home appearances tonight — Adam Hamers, who won the pommel horse title last week in his first-ever meet, and Devan Cote, who will be participating in his first collegiate competition.

The first home dual is always a rousing occasion. Instead of a tiny fan section fighting to be heard among a sea of opponents, the Wolverines will have all of Cliff Keen Arena behind them.

“The atmosphere changes, the guys get more excited because we’re at home,” Croad said. “You’re happy to be at home and show (your skills) in front of your own fans.”

On the Iowa side, Croad said spectators should keep an eye on junior Jonathan Buese, the Hawkeyes’ top all-arounder, and senior Geoff Reins, who is No. 25 in the country on vault.

Although the meet may end up a bit one-sided, Croad nearly waxed poetic when asked why people should come to watch.

“You watch guys who work 365 days a year, killing their bodies, and then you come and you realize how amazing the sport is,” Croad said. “It’s an absolutely beautiful sport. It takes artistic ability and strength to do anything out there.”