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Michigan State Football: 3 keys to keep an eye on vs. Iowa

By Carlos Araoz

Michigan State's Rocky Lombardi throws a pass against Michigan during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.201031 Msu Um 121a
Michigan State's Rocky Lombardi throws a pass against Michigan during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.201031 Msu Um 121a /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 31: Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 31: Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

3. Make life miserable for Iowa’s quarterback

On the year, Hawkeye signal caller Spencer Petras has thrown for 481 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 touchdowns. The statistics suggest that he’s nowhere near elite. MSU needs to get to him early and make him uncomfortable.

Drew Beesley was fantastic in the opener. Naquan Jones and Jacub Panasiuk were stronger in spurts of the second contest of the season. A second interior defensive lineman has to surface as a reliable counterpart for Jones.

Iowa’s top receiver (Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been suspended for this game which is a crushing blow for the Hawkeyes). The top remaining target for Petras is tight end Sam Laporta. Expect Xavier Henderson and Co. to be glued to him all game long. On paper, Iowa’s offense doesn’t have many players who scare you but they cannot be underestimated.

Iowa has not had a running back top the 80-yard mark thus far. MSU’s strength as a defensive unit has been stuffing the run for years. Antjuan Simmons and his unit should be able to neutralize Tyler Goodson & Mekhi Sargent.

If MSU’s defense can pressure Petras and create a few turnovers, the Spartans should be in store for a joyous plane ride home.

Next. MSU football: 3 bold predictions for November. dark

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