Michigan State Football: Early preview of 2023 games 4 through 6

2 of 3

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 29: A fan holds a sign calling for the dismissal of offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of their match-up against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium, on October 29, 2022 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

at Iowa (Sept. 30)

This could be a rare case where the Michigan State Spartans actually catch a break. Any other year, I would have them losing at Kinnick Stadium mainly because it’s such a tough place to play historically. But The Hawkeyes lost three games at home last year, including a stinker against Nebraska.

They hung their hats on defense, which was top five in the Big Ten in points allowed and yards allowed. On the flip side, the Hawkeye offense ranked dead last in the Big Ten in total yards and points per game. Add to the fact that Iowa lost two defenders in the first round of the draft, including the Big Ten’s best linebacker in Jack Campbell, and their best pass-catcher (by far) in tight end Sam LaPorta.

If this game starts at 12 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. local time, it’s Michigan State by seven. If it’s a night game, it’s Iowa by three but I don’t think Iowa’s athletic department is wasting a night game on the second conference game of the season.

Prediction: Michigan State 17, Iowa 10

Home/Spartans Football