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Sports | Football

FOOTBALL

Liveblog: Football vs. Minnesota

The No. 16 MSU football team looks to get back on the winning track against a one-win Minnesota team. Chat with State News sports reporters during the game.

FOOTBALL

'Hard work pays off'

John Stipek is not a pouter. The senior center endured two coaches, two positions and much waiting before finally getting an opportunity to be a key player in No. 16 MSU’s 8-1 start.

FOOTBALL

Spartans not overlooking 1-win Golden Gophers

On Saturday, when No. 16 MSU (8-1 overall, 4-1 Big Ten) welcomes Minnesota (1-8, 1-4) to Spartan Stadium (noon, Big Ten Network), head coach Mark Dantonio said his team won’t have any trouble getting motivated following last season’s matchup between the two programs.

FOOTBALL

Still standing

The Spartans couldn’t have been much higher heading into the game with No. 15 Iowa (6-2, 3-1). MSU was undefeated, winning its first eight games of the season for the first time in 44 years. And as the only Big Ten team without a loss, the then-No. 5 Spartans were in the driver’s seat to win an outright conference championship.

FOOTBALL

Senior linebacker Gordon making his own story

Five years since making the decision to become a Spartan, Gordon has put together a career that easily would make him the star player of many defenses throughout the country. But no matter what Gordon has been able to accomplish in his four years as a starter at MSU, he always has played in the shadow of fellow senior linebacker and All-American Greg Jones.

FOOTBALL

Reinstatement OK, but Rucker shouldn't play vs. Iowa

A little more than two weeks ago, when MSU head coach Mark Dantonio suspended senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker for being charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or OWI, I had an immediate gut reaction: It was nice watching you in a Spartan uniform, Chris, good luck at the next level.

FOOTBALL

Matchup vs. Hawkeyes has making of close contest

Ricky Stanzi’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Marvin McNutt as time expired last season lifted undefeated Iowa to a 15-13 victory on Oct. 24 at Spartan Stadium and an appearance in a BCS bowl last year. This year, the No. 5 MSU football team would like to return the favor.

FOOTBALL

MSU skill positions could hold edge vs. Iowa

The No. 5 MSU football team will face its toughest remaining challenge and likely its biggest obstacle to an undefeated season when it visits No. 18 Iowa on Saturday. Here’s a look at four individual matchups that will determine Saturday’s game.