Preview of Iowa Game

Very busy these days, so I'll keep this short and sweet.  Folks, the Iowa game is going to give us a lot of asymmetric information. Lose this game, and I think we can safely expect MSU to lose at least 4 more games, and possible 5. Win this game, and we still don't know if MSU is a legit B1G contender -- we won't know that until after the UM game. In any case, this is a game MSU should win.

Offense

MSU will struggle to put up points against Iowa's 26th-ranked defense. The Spartans have made worse defenses look elite, and that won't end here, unfortunately. Iowa has a solid d-line, and we all know the MSU o-line is struggling. I hope for a pleasant surprise, but I predict the running game will be limited. So MSU's scoring will need to come from its receivers and their inconsistency could be an issue. Aaron Burbridge has to have a big game and needs to become the first receiver to play 2 good games in a row. Hopefully, Bennie Fowler will take another step up and we'll see Lawrence Thomas emerge as a legit receiving threat.

Defense

Iowa's offense is about as bad as MSU's, this year. So I expect MSU to keep them pretty much in check most of the day. Watch, then, for Iowa to try to score with some big plays. By now, everyone knows Johnny Adams is struggling, that includes the Iowa coaches. I expect Iowa to go after Adams as many as a dozen times. If he holds, Iowa will score less than 10 points. If he gives up another big play, they'll get around 13 points.

Upshot

MSU should be able to move the ball better than Iowa. But can they score when they get their opportunities? I will predict that the answer is . . . just enough. Burbridge and Fowler will play well again, Mumphery will look like he did against OSU, and LT will catch at least 4. Bell will run for 100 yards and 1 touchdown. That should be enough for MSU to score 17 points.

Final score: MSU 17  Iowa 13