Michigan St. - Predictions

Iowa's season has left many fans wondering what has happened.  The fact of the matter is, Iowa just needs to win to share of the Big Ten title.  That task begins this weekend as Michigan State will place their #5 BCS ranking on the line when they roll into Iowa City.  Last season, Iowa went into East Lansing with a #6 BCS ranking and escaped with a 15-13 win.

When Michigan State has the ball:
The Michigan State offense is like Iowa looking into a mirror.  Their run game is almost exclusively zone plays, whether it is inside or outside the run the zone.  Don't look for them to run much downhill, Iso or Power type runs like Wisconsin ran last week.  They have very good running backs that are patient and allow the blocks to develop.  The offensive line isn't near as good as Wisconsin's, but they are probably more athletic and get to the second level to block linebackers much better than Wisconsin.  When they go to the air, the Spartans have a very talented receiver corps.  Like Iowa, they will use their tight end in various positions and create mismatches. Cousins usually makes good decisions, but does have some gun slinger in him.  He has a tendency to hold the ball a little longer than he should and opens himself up to sacks.

When Iowa has the ball:
Iowa will do what Iowa does, they will run the ball and setup the defense for the play action pass.  Michigan State poses a solid front 7, they will blitz and have possibly the best set of linebackers that Iowa will face all season.  The Spartan defense is susceptible to the run as they allowed Wisconsin to run for a little under 200 yards when they played.  Iowa has a distinct advantage with its receivers over the Spartans defensive backs, look for Stanzi to exploit this early and often.

Predictions:
Iowa - 31
MSU - 24

Stanzi gets his second ever 300 yard game with 3 TD's
Robinson totes the ball 25+ times for 100+ and a TD
DJK sets the receptions record and gets closer to the TD record with 2
Iowa nets 5 sacks
MSU scores on special teams
Cousins throws three INT's
Iowa holds MSU under 175 yard rushing