After trying to prevent themselves from a let down after an emotional win in Ann Arbor, Michigan State is struggling mightily in Iowa City to say the least.

Maybe we should have expected that though?

If the year of 2020 has taught us anything, it is to be prepared for anything. After no spring practice and limited camp prior to the start, this team was bound to make mistakes.

That’s not to say that Michigan State has not played poorly, they have, and Iowa has capitalized on their mistakes. This has been bad at every turn for the Spartans.

However, this is a year where it seems anything can happen, and with little preparation time before the season for this squad, things like this are bound to happen.

Going forward in any sporting event, not just Michigan State, expect the unexpected. It is 2020 after all.

Iowa is the more physical football team so far

This is what Iowa is known for.

On the very first drive, Iowa marched down the field in chunk plays to go up 7-0. The Iowa offensive line created gaps in the defensive line for the running backs to get up field, and gave time for quarterback Spencer Petras to make smart decisions. 

That continued on their next two touchdown drives as the defensive line was held and Iowa’s wide receivers torched the Michigan State secondary without starting cornerback Chris Jackson.

Last week against a strong Michigan offensive line, Michigan State was able to create pressure to force Joe Milton to get the ball out quickly and limit their run game. That hasn’t happened today.

If Michigan State wants any chance of getting back into this one, they have to play more physical to create pressure on Petras in the passing game and force some mistakes.

If you’re Rocky Lombardi, you can’t make those throws

On Michigan State’s first drive, Lombardi’s pocket quickly collapsed. He was able to roll out but forced a ball deep, causing an interception. It is worth mentioning that his target Jalen Nailor appeared to come back on a route that he should have kept streaking up field for, but that’s still a dangerous throw to make.

Lombardi’s second interception didn’t result in a score, but still was equally questionable as Trenton Gillison didn’t look prepared nor available to catch the screen pass. 

Lombardi was finally able to get something going in the pass game by connecting with Nailor deep, but the drive ultimately stalled out and resulted in a missed field goal.

Then on the third interception, Lombardi panicked as the pressure rolled in, and instead of taking off with the ball, Lombardi made a terrible decision to put the Spartans in an almost no-win position at half.

In a game where Iowa’s offense is rolling and the run game is non-existent for the Spartans, Lombardi’s offensive line has to give him time to find his receivers deep like they did last week against the Wolverines. In addition, Lombardi has to take care of the football to take the pressure off of the defense.