Ben Ross: A lot of things happened. Iowa’s corners got burned just about every play, and Jordan Lynch dissected the defensive backfield at will. Iowa coaches didn’t have the foresight to predict a fake punt that about a dozen different media members announced coming long before the snap. And Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock made the biggest mistake of his career so far by throwing an out route to a blanketed Kevonte Martin-Manley late in the fourth quarter. While I do believe NIU is incredibly talented and doesn’t get a lot of credit, I think there’s no way Iowa will lose that game if the two teams were to play again.

SB: As the fourth leading rusher in the nation, how is Mark Weisman a different player this year? Is it opportunity or improvement?

BR: It’s absolutely improvement, but not just on his part. This Iowa offensive line is likely the best unit the Hawkeyes have put out since 2009, and Weisman is reaping all the benefits of having a healthy Brandon Scherff at left tackle. But there really are no gaping weaknesses on this Iowa offensive line. Weisman came into this season as a running back, instead of a fullback like in 2012, so he had been preparing to carry the load, and adjusted his training to reflect that of being a bell cow in the Iowa backfield.

SB: What does quarterback Jake Rudock bring to the table and how has he looked so far in 2013?

BR: Rudock brings an aura of competency and leadership to the quarterback position, which is something that James Vandenberg lacked last year. Rudock is showing that he can make just about any throw he’s asked to so far, as well as tuck it and run when needed — he’s already accounted for five scores on the ground. He continues to make mistakes by forcing the ball into tight windows, and often holds onto the pig skin too long when he’s comfortable in the pocket. Iowa hasn’t needed to rely on his arm to win a ball game so far this year, but that time will come, and I look forward to see how he responds when he’s given the keys.

SB: The Hawkeyes are ranked No. 7 in total defense, so do you expect that to be the backbone of this year’s team? And who are some players to watch on that side of the ball?

BR: Yes and no. I think the backbone of this team so far are Iowa’s lines — offensive and defensive. Iowa has dominated the trenches on both sides of the ball, which has allowed Iowa’s biggest play makers on defense — linebackers Anthony Hitchens, James Morris and Christian Kirksey — to sub in fancy blitz packages or roam free in coverage. Those three have already combined for 113 tackles, three interceptions and nine tackles for a loss.

SB: From what you’ve seen, will this be one of those Iowa teams that sneaks under the radar and finds a way to contend for the conference title?

BR: No, I don’t this Iowa team sniffs the conference title. It will beat one or two teams it has no business beating, but also piss away a game or two it had total control over in the fourth quarter. This team features strong lines — a staple of successful Ferentz — coached teams of past, but lacks the experience or skill at two or three positions to make this a special Iowa team.

My prediction – Iowa 13, Michigan State 7. I think Michigan State dominates much of the first half, but won’t be able to convert yards into points. The Spartan offense is too one-dimensional, and Iowa figures it out. Despite the Michigan State defense dominating Iowa’s offense for much of the game, Iowa is able to get a big play or two from Mark Weisman and Damond Powell to turn into points. Mike Meyer is money at kicker, and the offense gets him close enough a couple of times for the senior the seal the deal through the uprights.