Iowa looks to make history for the Hawkeye Football program in East Lansing tonight

The #6 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at the Michigan State Spartans (4-3, 3-1 Big Ten) in East Lansing tonight 6:00 pm Central Time on the Big Ten Network. The Hawkeyes have never started 8-0 in the history of Hawkeye Football, which began in 1889.

Iowa finished undefeated in both 1921 and 1922, but they only played seven games in each of those seasons. Iowa currently has the second longest win streak (11 games) in the FBS, sandwiched between #1 Florida and #3 Texas. Iowa's all-time win streak was 20 games between 1920 and 1923.

The Spartans have won four straight in the series in East Lansing. The Hawkeyes last win was in 1995, 21-7, when RB Sedrick Shaw had a strong rushing day on the Spartans defense. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was coaching in the NFL back in 1995. He has yet to win at East Lansing, since becoming head coach at Iowa in 1999.

Michigan State games in East Lansing have been a thorn for Hawkeye teams of late. Last year, the Hawkeyes lost a close 13-16 game, where they had several opportunities to settle for FGs, but were stopped going for first downs, including the final offensive play with a little over 2 minutes left and the Hawkeyes driving toward the MSU 30.

Our pick this week in the #6 Iowa @ Michigan State game:

• Iowa 27


• MSU 13

Look for Iowa to get over the top and get to 8-0 in East Lansing. However, it will not be easy and the Hawkeyes need to be careful not to let the Spartans hang around with their young offense, lead by first year starters at QB and RB. MSU PK Brett Swenson is a senior and a very capable weapon in the close ballgame.

Keys to victory for the Hawkeyes:

1. Keep playing strong on the road: Iowa is 3-0 this season and has yet to give up a second half point @ Iowa State, @ Penn State and @ Wisconsin.


2. Keep composure on the road: Iowa fell behind in all three road games thus far this season. By 3 @ Iowa State, by 10 @ both Penn State and Wisconsin.


3. Game Adjustments - coach Kirk Ferentz and staff are veterans, second to Joe Paterno at Penn State.


4. Control the line of scrimmage and avoid giving up the big play: MSU likes to attack in the air with the long passing attack.


5. Turnovers, miscues and penalties: A strength so far for the 7-0 Iowa Hawkeyes, especially in the second half on the road, where Iowa is 3-0 on the season.


6. QB Ricky Stanzi needs to play a solid game vs. the MSU Spartan defense.


7. Win the Special teams phase of the game: always a key to a Ferentz coached team.


8. Make MSU beat you through the air ... as the Hawkeyes seek to reach 8-0 on the season for the first time in Hawkeye Football history.

peace