Michigan State @ Iowa preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Michigan State 6, Iowa 37

THE STORY: No. 13 Michigan State looks to extend its Big Ten Legends division lead with a victory over Iowa on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. The Spartans, who hold a one-game advantage over Michigan, are coming off a 37-6 win over Minnesota. Michigan State trailed for the majority of the game but outscored the Gophers 10-0 in the fourth quarter to earn its fifth win in its last six games. Meanwhile, Iowa is coming off an impressive 24-16 victory over the 13th-ranked Wolverines. The Hawkeyes closed the game out with a goal-line stand in the final minutes while holding Michigan to its second-lowest point total of the season. This will be the 43rd meeting between the schools. Iowa holds a 22-18-2 advantage over Michigan State, including a 37-6 victory in 2010.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: Michigan State -2.5.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (7-2, 4-1 BIG TEN): Michigan State has put together a solid season largely because it is one of the most balanced teams in the country. Offensively, the Spartans are led by Kirk Cousins, who threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory over Minnesota. Cousins has thrown for 1,989 yards and 13 touchdowns, three of which have been caught by B.J. Cunningham. Defensively, Michigan State is allowing just 16 points per game. The Spartans have held opponents to 14 or fewer points in six of their nine games overall.

ABOUT IOWA (6-3, 3-2 BIG TEN): Iowa’s defense, which allows more than 22 points per game, came through in a big way in last week’s win over Michigan. The Hawkeyes forced two turnovers and held their opponent to less than 20 points for the fourth time this season. Led by quarterback James Vandenberg and running back Marcus Coker, Iowa’s offense averages more than 235 passing yards and 31 points. Vandenberg has thrown for 2,089 yards and 18 touchdowns and Coker has rushed for 1,101 yards and 12 touchdowns, including two in the win over the Wolverines.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan State has lost two in a row against Iowa and four of the last five.

2. Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz is 6-4 all-time against the Spartans.

3. Iowa has won 55 of its last 66 home games and is unbeaten at home this season with a 6-0 record.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 28, Iowa 24 – The Hawkeyes should keep it close throughout, but in the end, the Spartans should have just enough to steal a tough road victory.