Michigan State Football: Q&A with Iowa Hawkeyes blog, Dear Old Gold
Spartan Avenue got a chance to speak with Dear Old Gold regarding the upcoming Michigan State football game against Iowa.
Michigan State football is coming off its toughest game of the season, one that ended in a crushing defeat to Notre Dame. The Spartans are better than what they showed last Saturday, but they must prove that against Iowa in Week 5.
Must Read: MSU Football: Game-by-game predictions for Big Ten play
The Hawkeyes, too, are coming off a tough loss, but their game against Penn State went down to the wire as they lost on the final play of the game. There’s plenty of intrigue heading into this one, but who will come out on top?
We got a chance to sit pick the site expert of FanSided’s Iowa blog, Dear Old Gold, Joe Favia’s brain about the Hawkeyes’ upcoming matchup with the Spartans.
Q: What is feeling around the team after a heartbreaking loss to Penn State?
JF: Funny you should ask. Similar to the feeling walking out of Lucas Oil Field in 2015 after the Spartans historic last drive. The feeling that one stop, or one ball bouncing our way and we would be victorious. On the other hand, there is a sense of optimism for how tough the Hawkeyes looked, and could be a team to fear in the Big Ten West. Also, that Saquon Barkley is superhuman.
Q: What area of Iowa’s game (offense, defense, run game, etc.) should Michigan State be most worried about?
JF: The standouts that most people have heard about have the ability to win games on their own. That being running back Akrum Wadley and linebacker Josey Jewell. Both are having exceptional years. Iowa seems to be getting traction on the offensive side of the ball under first year OC Brian Ferentz as well.
Q: Last season was obviously a step back for Iowa compared to its 2015 Big Ten title game team, but what are the expectations for this year?
JF: Preseason, I believe that most fans would have taken seven or eight wins with the new offensive coordinator, new quarterback and a youthful secondary. But, after strong wins in non-conference, and playing with an elite Penn State team, the bar could be raised to keep up with Wisconsin for a trip to Indy. I think most fans want a bowl win, too, its been a long time since we won one.
Q: What are your early impressions of Nathan Stanley?
JF: Stanley won the job the week before the season started over Franklin, Mich., native Tyler Wiegers. Since that time he has looked like a guy who could be under center for the next three seasons. He leads the Big Ten in touchdown passes, and has been poised in some big spots. Iowa might have a good one on their hands.
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Q: What’s the consensus feeling around the Iowa fan base for the MSU game and what’s your prediction?
JF: Personally, I think this is a pivotal game in the season. I think most fans are going to use this game as a barometer of how good they really are. This decade, and a little before, Spartans and Hawkeyes have been in some fun ones. If they can get off the mat after that soul-crushing lose at home to the Nittany Lions, and win in a tough place like East Lansing, it would be huge. I like the Hawkeyes by 10 points.