MSU was much cleaner offensively compared to its first six games, carving up one of the best defenses in the country drive after drive. Not including a 37-second kneel-down to end the game, nine of ten Spartan drives ended with either a field goal attempt or touchdown, a stark difference between MSU's offensive efficiency prior to Saturday.

What shaped up to be Iowa's game to lose in the trenches became a party for a struggling MSU run game of late. The Spartans totaled 118 rushing yards to Iowa’s 28 in the first half and ended the game with a 212-133 rushing yards advantage.

Neither team found the end zone in the first half, but MSU sixth year kicker Jonathan Kim carried the load with four field goals in the first half and two in the second, missing just once from 55 yards to end the first half. Kim set an MSU football record with six made field goals in a game.

"It’s an honor to be able to set that record," Kim said postgame.

In the first half, MSU's offense moved with consistency but had to turn to Kim five times. The Spartans led 12-0 at the break.

Despite neither team seeing the end zone in the first half, MSU’s rushing offense was stronger and more efficient than that of the Hawkeyes, who have built their brand on a physical, run-centric identity, with a powerhouse running back in Kaleb Johnson to tote the rock. Johnson was held in check outside of a 75-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"I feel like we did a good job defensively this game besides that one 75-yard run," junior defensive back Nikai Martinez said.

Prior to Saturday, Johnson had a total of 937 rushing yards throughout six weeks. MSU as a whole entered Saturday with 721 yards rushing. The Spartans held him to 98 rushing yards — 23 without the long run — under the lights in a critical game for their morale. 

With more gaps and breathing room in the run game, MSU sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles played with more confidence and better decision-making. The 19-year-old showed major improvement and resourcefulness, using his legs more often and leading the team in rushing yards during the third quarter.

"It’s a good feeling," Chiles said. "I want to feel like this every week."

MSU sixth year running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams led the offense in rushing yards (86) and Chiles followed with 51. Redshirt junior running back Nate Carter, the starter to begin the season, totaled 49 rushing yards and scored one touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

"I think the energy’s there and everybody’s on the same page," Chiles said. "It’s a beautiful thing to watch. We get five, six yards rushed, it’s a first down in two plays every time."

Michigan State’s offense was more refined and showed resilience and ability to respond, a trait the Spartans haven't shown often against high-level teams this season. When Iowa scored two touchdowns to start the second half, MSU held it together, answering both drives with points of its own. 

It was an important night for the Spartans, who also passed for 256 yards. Explosive freshman wideout Nick Marsh led the way with 113 receiving yards. 

MSU showed it used the bye week properly, cleaning up its offense on multiple levels and showing the country it can handle teams the caliber of Iowa.

The Spartans have a real chance to show what they're made of next week against rival University of Michigan at the Big House.