Spartans face historic losing streak and potential rock bottom against Iowa. Can they avoid ignominy in Kinnick Stadium?
This football season has not gone the way Spartans fans, coaches, players, boosters, supporters, enemies, and literally everyone in the world thought it would.
Michigan State is on the verge of finishing with the worst conference record in school history and going winless in nine Big Ten attempts. If they lose this week to Iowa, MSU’s losing streak will hit eight in a row — the longest since their first year in the conference in 1953.
HOW TO WATCH:
Venue: Kinnick Stadium
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Fubo
TV: FS1
The tragic collapse of a once-great Big Ten program is uncanny. This team was a College Football Playoff participant a decade ago and consistently one of the top teams in the conference for years.
That changed with the retirement of Mark Dantonio. Since then it’s been a carousel of coaches — some undone by off-field issues, others by questionable recruiting choices — and a series of disasters that don’t even need to be rehashed at this point.
Mel Tucker’s abrupt ending still casts a shadow. His era was a setback that continues to haunt the program, and it’s fair to say he should be viewed as public enemy number one among Spartans fans. Fortunately, his name won’t be appearing on a sideline again anytime soon.
What we will keep seeing, unfortunately, is Jonathan Smith — once confident and steady, now looking more like the coach from The Waterboy. But for now, this is who the Spartans ride with.
So do I think Michigan State walks into Iowa City and pulls off the upset?
No.
But let’s talk about why.
Prediction Breakdown
Iowa is a 16.5-point favorite over Michigan State. The Hawkeyes are -900 on the moneyline; the Spartans are +575. The over/under is 42.5.
Iowa averages 28.7 points per game, while Michigan State allows 31.1. That number is inflated from early-season disasters when teams like Boston College and UCLA put up 40 with ease. But with key players returning from injury, the Spartans defense has become the anchor of this team — for whatever that’s worth. They still give up points thanks to fatigue (because the offense can’t stay on the field) and some miscommunication issues, but I actually expect a spirited performance from them this week.
Michigan State’s offense averages 24 points per game, while Iowa allows just 14.9. And that comparison pretty much tells the entire story.
The Spartans offense struggles mightily, and without any real options to keep Tommy Milivojevic upright, things could get ugly fast.
This prediction assumes MSU rolls with Milivojevic again and he plays the whole game. But I wouldn’t be shocked if one of the freshmen gets snaps, because this offensive line can’t block a flu.
Final Prediction
Michigan State — 13 Iowa — 27
Lower scoring and a little closer than most expect. But the game will feel out of hand early.