Hawkeyes Mic: Hawkeyes – Spartans Predictions (09/29/17)

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The Hawkeyes Mic picks are in for the Iowa – Michigan State game. No one seems to be straying too far apart for point totals but it is unanimous once again. Check them out – see if you agree or disagree.

Scott Dochterman – Iowa 16-13:

These teams clash regularly in a war of attrition. It’s always a bruising fight between Iowa and Michigan State, and this should be no different. However, I think Iowa has the upper hand here for the first time in a while.

The Hawkeyes are more experienced along the line of scrimmage and at linebacker. Michigan State has had a difficult off-season and last week turnovers ruined any of the Spartans’ chances to beat Notre Dame. I think Iowa has the better team, the better quarterback and save for anything unpredictable like turnovers or injury, I think the Hawkeyes win 16-13 but it could be more decisive than that.

LandOfTen.com; @ScottDochterman on Twitter

Steve Batterson – Iowa 16-14:

It won’t be much to look at – Iowa-Michigan State games seldom are – but the turnover-prone Spartans may give the Hawkeyes a chance to grab a second road win of season in what promises to be Iowa’s most physical test so far this season. The first team to 200 yards on the ground may win this one.

The Quad City Times; @SBatt79 on Twitter

Tyler Tjelmeland – Iowa 17-14:

Michigan State is sort of an unknown this year after a horrendous disaster of a 2016 campaign. Iowa appears to be growing at a rapid rate & looked their best against a great Penn State team last week. Kirk Ferentz and Mark Dantonio have played numerous close games including a B1G title game in 2015 which saw Sparty just demoralize Iowa after a 9+ minute drive to slam the door on the Hawks. Josey Jewell, Bo Bower and others were on the field when that happened.

I see this being a tight, prototype B1G slobber knocker most of the game, but Iowa’s overall experience should win the day. Nate Stanley has been cool as a cucumber in tough spots early on, but Spartan Stadium will be a tough test for the youngster & the offense which stalled at times last week. Expect a heavy dose of Wadley (unsurprisingly) & play action from Iowa throughout with an emphasis on tight ends. This one could easily be decided by one turnover or opportune play. Classic B1G game feel. Should be fun.

HawkeyesMic.com; @TylerTjemeland on Twitter

Jack Brandsgard – Iowa 17-13:  

This will be a classic Big Ten game; close, low-scoring, and defensively-dominated. Both teams are coming off tough losses and will be looking to rebound. Iowa has talked all week about the 24-hour window they have to get over the Penn State disappointment, and players seemed to be genuinely focused on Michigan State. Akrum Wadley seemed especially bummed about the loss, and I expect him to be a big difference come Saturday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Toren Young this week. I expect a rough-and-tumble affair, the type of game that’s perfect for Young’s rugged style.

In the end, Iowa escapes East Lansing with a quality road win.

HawkeyesMic.com; @JackBrandsgard on Twitter

John Patchett – Iowa 24-17:

Everyone is going low in picking the point totals this week. Based on the recent history of this series, that makes perfect sense. Two tough, physical Big Ten teams duking it out on the gridiron. The last time these two teams played – the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game – the contest was the prototype of that description. There are still players on both teams who remember that game. Some on Iowa remember it too well – and the lingering pain that went along with the loss.

But there are some things that are a bit different this season. For one thing, the Spartans have a true dual-threat quarterback who leads his team in both total offense and rushing yards. The Hawkeyes have Nate Stanley who has 12 touchdown passes in his first four games – and a new Offensive Coordinator who is clearly trying to make Iowa’s Offense a bit less predictable and more diversified.

So I think Iowa wins this game but it’s not going to be quite as low scoring as it has been in the past. Michigan State has been having turnover issues. Iowa also has Akrum Wadley. Both of those will be a factor in this game. Kirk Ferentz moves up to 8-7 all time vs. MSU and 5-4 when facing off against Mark Dantonio.

HawkeyesMic.com; @HawkeyesMic on Twitter