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Michigan State football: Game-by-game predictions for the 2017 season

By Colton Wesley

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans and members of the team walk to Spartan Stadium before the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 24, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans and members of the team walk to Spartan Stadium before the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 24, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 05: Shilique Calhoun #89 of the Michigan State Spartans hits C.J. Beathard #16 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 05: Shilique Calhoun #89 of the Michigan State Spartans hits C.J. Beathard #16 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

September 30: vs. Iowa

Iowa’s offense consists of running the ball down your throat and throwing a lot of screens. After dealing with all kinds of injuries last season, the Hawkeyes have the personnel this season to run that offense masterfully.

They have an experienced offensive line and brought in a three-down running back in Nevada transfer James Butler. The good news is that a lackluster receiving corps means that Iowa will likely be one-dimensional. The bad news is that they’re very good at that one dimension and while Michigan State’s bad rush defense from last season didn’t improve during the offseason.

Iowa’s defense is okay: the linebackers are experienced while the corners are young. It’s strength on strength: Iowa can stop the run, Michigan State’s offense is built on the ground. In any case, Iowa is very Iowa this year, which means they are a strong team with enough depth to wear down a young Michigan State squad. Iowa 28 – Michigan State 17 (2-2)

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