Edge: Hoyer

Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen vs. MSU pass defense

It’s difficult to succeed when four of the five receivers listed on the preseason depth chart are out for the game. Receivers Dominique Douglas and Anthony Bowman were suspended because of an alleged credit card fraud, while Andy Brodell and Trey Stross are hurt. Oh, and don’t forget to throw receiver Colin Sandeman — who wasn’t even on the preseason depth chart — onto the injured list. Iowa City hasn’t been too pleased with Christensen and Iowa’s last-place total offense this year, but Christensen might not be to blame.

Edge: MSU

MSU running backs vs. Iowa run defense

Iowa allows 3.1 yards per carry and 117 yards per game, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten. While MSU ran into an opponent that could finally stop the run last week against Ohio State, don’t expect that to slow running backs junior Javon Ringer and senior Jehuu Caulcrick. Ringer is 19 yards away from the 1,000-yard mark this season, and he will get that — and then some.

Edge: MSU

Iowa running backs vs. MSU run defense

The Spartan run defense seemed to have more holes than a colander against Ohio State — luckily for the defense, the Hawkeyes are anything but the Buckeyes on the ground. Iowa ranks dead last in every Big Ten rushing category aside from attempts.

Edge: MSU

MSU junior wide receiver Devin Thomas vs. Iowa cornerback Charles Godfrey

Godfrey is tied with Wisconsin’s Shane Carter for the Big Ten lead in interceptions with four. Thomas, though, leads the Big Ten with 767 receiving yards. It will be an interesting matchup all day, but Thomas has been difficult to slow down.

Edge: Thomas

Iowa wide receiver James Cleveland vs. MSU junior cornerback Kendell Davis-Clark

Cleveland is the Hawkeyes’ No. 1 option by default, but he has done a stand-up job. Davis-Clark has found a little more rhythm in past weeks, though, and should be able to shut down the freshman Cleveland.

Edge: Davis-Clark

Compiled by Zack Colman