Going into this game, MSU (2-2 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) is riding its strong second-half performance against Indiana, while Iowa (2-2, 0-1) is reeling from a 30-17 beating, courtesy of Michigan. The Hawkeyes came away looking like a weak offensive team and the Spartans boasting a potentially dominant defense. MSU gets Iowa on the road, which can mean certain defeat in the Big Ten. The Spartans faced that same challenge last week and showed the ability to fight back.
Given MSU's growing confidence and Iowa's recent struggles (two straight losses), the Spartans seem to have all the intangibles in their favor. But another sluggish start, like the one in Indiana, could turn the tables in Iowa's favor faster than DeAndra Cobb's 40 time.
Quarterbacks
Finally, one can discuss MSU's quarterback with a sense of certainty. Against Indiana last week, sophomore Drew Stanton showed he can hurt defenses with his feet, but his passing accuracy isn't as certain. It will be interesting to see if Iowa accounts for Stanton's running because Indiana was never able to adjust. If the Hawkeyes find a way to bottle Stanton up on the ground, he'll be forced to go the air. Unlike Stanton, Iowa's Drew Tate has been a mainstay at quarterback. He has been solid, but not spectacular. It's still too early to know what to expect from Stanton.
Advantage: Even
Running backs
If the Spartans' coaches use Stanton like they did last week, he will have a profound effect on MSU's running game. Even without Stanton, based on running backs alone, the Spartans have been a more productive running team than Iowa. The Hawkeyes still haven't found a back to replace the output of Fred Russell, who gained 1,355 on the ground last season.
Fans might have expected redshirt freshman Jehuu Caulcrick to get more carries against Indiana, but junior Jason Teague isn't going anywhere. As a duo, Teague and Caulcrick have been more reliable than Iowa's starter, Jermelle Lewis. Lewis' inconsistency is a big reason why Iowa ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing offense.
Advantage: MSU
Receivers
Like the Spartans, Iowa spreads the ball among a handful of receivers. With 16 receptions and 219 yards receiving, Ed Hinkel leads the Hawkeyes' receiving corps. Hinkel's totals exceed those of MSU's leading receiver, junior Matt Trannon. But the Spartans have more talent overall and will make life hard for Iowa's secondary.
Advantage: MSU
Offensive line
MSU's line seems to get better each week. It's a young group and the progress is encouraging. Junior left tackle Stefon Wheeler is battling an ankle injury but the line should be fine with junior Gordon Niebylski filling in when necessary. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said this week he's concerned about his line's lack of cohesion, which was a glaring flaw against Michigan last week, when Iowa had -15 net rushing yards.
Advantage: MSU
Defensive line
Iowa is second in the conference in rushing defense and its line is a big reason why. The Hawkeyes lost two of its best linemen from last year, Howard Hodges and Jared Clauss, both seniors - but have recovered nicely. The Spartans' line, like every other aspect of the improving defense, had a good game last week against Indiana, limiting the effectiveness of the Hoosiers' multiple offensive weapons. It will be a dogfight in the trenches for both teams' defensive lines.
Advantage: Even
Linebackers
Juniors Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway lead a talented group of linebackers for Iowa. Greenway is second in the conference in tackles with 42, two behind Indiana's Kyle Killion. Though sophomore David Herron Jr. and senior bandit Tyrell Dortch's impact grow each week, the Hawkeyes have a stronger unit.
Advantage: Iowa
Defensive backs
MSU's safeties, senior Jason Harmon and junior Eric Smith, are as strong as ever. Senior cornerback Roderick Maples is probably playing the best football of his career. At the other cornerback spot, junior Jaren Hayes is becoming a target for opposing offenses. It seems that he is still learning his new position. Iowa's secondary, like nearly every other position group, is recovering from a major loss. All-American safety Bob Sanders has moved on to the NFL and the Hawkeyes, seventh in Big Ten pass defense, are getting by in his absence.
Advantage: MSU
Special teams
Based on return average, Iowa is home to the conference's two top punt returners, Hinkel and Walner Belleus. But Iowa's edge in special teams ends there. MSU senior place-kicker Dave Rayner is back on track, senior kick returner Cobb is so dangerous some teams won't kick to him and sophomore Brandon Fields is the Big Ten's best punter.
Advantage: MSU
Coaching
Iowa head coach Ferentz, in his sixth year at Iowa, has built the Hawkeyes into a national force. Ferentz followed up his 2002 Big Ten championship season with another stellar campaign last year, going 10-3 and playing in a New Year's Day bowl. MSU head coach John L. Smith rallied his team after a disastrous start against Indiana. It will be interesting to see if his team comes out sharp against the Hawkeyes.
Advantage: Iowa
