Big Ten Championship: Top Michigan State vs Iowa X-factors

Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) changes the play at the line of scrimmage during the 2nd half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. Battle in the Trenches

Like the Ohio State game, this Michigan State vs Iowa game will be won in the trenches. Both Iowa and Michigan State boast talented lines.

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Four of Michigan State’s five starting  offensive lineman received All-Big Ten Honors, including offensive tackle Jack Conklin and center Jack Allen on the first team. Iowa had center Austin Blythe and guard Jordan Walsh on the first and second All-Big Ten teams.

Michigan State’s talented defensive line received All-Big Ten honors for Shilique Calhoun, Malik McDowell and Lawrence Thomas. Iowa also received numerous All-Big Ten honorees on its defensive line including defensive end Nate Meier and defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson.

Michigan State will need to control the line of scrimmage to slow down Iowa’s rushing attack that averages 203 yards per game. Michigan State has stepped up its rushing defense in recent weeks and will have to continue that effort to force C.J. Beathard to beat the Spartans through the air.

MSU’s front seven will need to get home on passing plays to take the pressure off of its secondary. If Michigan State can get pressure on the QB and limit the ground game, you can book your flights to the College Football Playoff.

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Michigan State’s offensive line is now finally healthy and playing well after a season-long battle with injuries. Last week, Connor Cook was not touched once by Penn State’s ferocious pass rush that led the nation in sacks. Iowa does not bring a lot of pressure when defending the pass, so Cook should have plenty of time to read Iowa’s zone defense and drop passes into tight windows like he’s done all season.

Michigan State’s running attack versus Iowa’s run defense is another key match-up to watch. Iowa has the nation’s 6th ranked rushing defense, allowing only 110 yards per game. Michigan State’s offense works best when it can operate a balanced attack. Gerald Holmes has looked like Marshawn Lynch as of late and LJ Scott has been steadily working his way back after missing time with a shoulder injury.

Michigan State left tackle Jack Conklin told the media this week that Michigan State is looking to prove it is the most physical team.

“We want to be that solid, that pounding team,” Conklin said. “Iowa has had that title for a long time, and we want to prove we’re the more physical team, and I think that’s what’s riding on this game, that’s the chip on the shoulder.

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“We want to be known as the most physical team in the conference and show that on Saturday.”

Saturday’s Championship game has a lot riding on the line for both teams, and it is setting up to be a classic Big Ten slobber-knocker.

Who wants it more?

“Our players want more,” Dantonio said. “They want it all.”