Ryan Van Bergen made Michigan football history Monday.

The feat couldn't be verified, as the Wolverines, for some reason, don't keep statistics for references to "feng shui" in a news conference, but Van Bergen's drop — in regards to the famed pink visitor's locker room at Iowa's Kinnick Stadium — surely is a first.

Ryan Van Bergen

"I love the pink locker room," said the senior defensive tackle, who has been a media-favorite this year. "I've never had an issue with the pink locker room. I think it gives it nice decor, the feng shui really feels good before the game. It warms you up. It's very welcoming.

"I think more teams should go with pink. I have no problem with it. I think it's a great touch. It's better than the off-white jail-cell look. So, I say paint 'em up."

Does Van Bergen even know what feng shui is?

"It's a word," he replied.

No. 13 Michigan (7-1, 3-1) hits the road to face Iowa at noon Saturday on ESPN. The Wolverines haven't won at Kinnick Stadium since a 23-20 overtime thriller in 2005, and the Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2) are unbeaten there this year.

The tradition of the pink locker room was started by former Iowa coach Hayden Fry, a psychology major who said pink had a calming and passive effect on people. It's drawn criticism over the years — including from former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler — but has persevered.

The only time Van Bergen has played in Iowa City, quarterback Denard Robinson threw a pick in the final minute to end a comeback bid in a 30-28 loss in 2009.

At least he had a pink locker room to soothe him afterward.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.