GameDay: #14 Iowa at #19 Michigan in the Big House

The #14 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0 B1G West, 4-0) travel to #20 Michigan (1-1 B1G East, 3-1) for a Homecoming showdown in the Big House. It is an 11 AM kickoff on FOX. The Hawkeyes have won five of last six in the series over the past decade.

The Hawkeyes and Wolverines have not meet, since the 2016 season. The Iowa Hawkeyes upset then-#2 Michigan 14-13 in Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa has won two in a row in the series, and the Hawks have won the last two Homecoming match ups in the Big House.

Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines were the Big Ten favorite by the Media entering 2019. However, a Big Ten opening loss two weeks ago in Madison, 35-14 have tempered views on the Wolverines.

The Wolverines got back on the winning track last week with a 52-0 win over Rutgers at home. The Hawkeyes opened Big Ten play in Week 2, with a 30-0 win over Rutgers. Rutgers has fired head coach Chris Ash, after the 0-2 B1G start.

This is a big game today for the Wolverines and very important for the Hawkeyes, as well.

Both teams feature senior quarterbacks. Iowa has three year starter Nate Stanley, while former Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson is in Year 2 at the helm of the Michigan offense.

Iowa is coming off a 48-3 win over Middle Tennessee and the offense is clearly humming. The Michigan offense under first year OC Josh Gattis and smooth sailing has not been the case, until last week over the Scalet Knights. A program that hasn't won a FBS match up, since 2017.

The Hawkeyes have played clean football in 2019, with the fewest turnovers in College Football. But, Iowa enters the game as the underdog.

Michigan is the favorite, despite the inconsistent play on offense. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh called Iowa "consistent" in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. Not to surprising for a Kirk Ferentz team.

The Hawkeyes will likely have to bring that game to Michigan, if they want to remain undefeated in 2019.

Our pick:

Iowa Hawkeyes 30
Michigan Wolverines 20

The Hawkeyes should bring a very balanced attack to Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes have a sold offensive and defensive line. It will come down to the 3 keys in football: turnovers, explosive plays and tackling on Saturday in the Big House.

Year 21 under Kirk Ferentz: Is Iowa finally coming to age?

• at Iowa State, W 18-17
• at Michigan, Saturday, 11:30 am Kickoff on FOX

Has there ever been a bigger game in the two series?

Michigan is ranked, unlike Iowa State, who the Iowa Hawkeyes beat 18-17, in a game that included to separate lightening delays for roughly three hours But, heading into each road game this season, has there ever been a bigger game in Ann Arbor or Ames, for that matter for both teams?

The 1985 game was the biggest game to date in the Iowa - Michigan series, but oh my, how important is this one, on Saturday for each team?

• Iowa head coach was OL coach under Hayden Fry
• Michigan head coach was QB, under Bo Schembechler

Iowa is going for its third win on a Michigan Homecoming, under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes won the previous games, 34-9 in 2002, and 38-28 in 2010. Iowa is 7-5, since 2001, during the Kirk Ferentz era against Michigan.

Since 2001, Iowa has won 152 games and finished in the Top 10 nationally, five times. For Michigan, it is 151 wins, and four Top 10 finishes.

Know the foe: Iowa

Although the Hawkeyes barely escaped against Iowa State on the road, they've played well to start the season. They've shared two common opponents with Michigan: Middle Tennessee State, who they beat 48-3 on Saturday, and Rutgers, who they beat 30-0 in Week 2. The offense has impressed under the direction of quarterback Nate Stanley. The senior is completing 64% of his passes, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and has eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. The run game features a trio of backs in Mekhi Sargent, Toren Young and Tyler Goodson; collectively, they are averaging 6.2 yards per carry and have 752 rushing yards. The defense is allowing just 8.5 points per game and is anchored by star defensive end A.J. Epenesa, a future high NFL draft pick. - Detroit Free Press

Iowa at Michigan, Week 6 - Homecoming for the Wolverines.

Another battle of two quarterbacks. This one, features two seniors at the helm, of each offense for Iowa and Michigan, respectively.

However, defense and special teams are always important to each of these programs.

And, what about fifth year Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh?

Homecoming for the Hawkeyes: Illinois (0-1 B1G) @ Iowa (0-2 B1G) square off looking to get in the B1G win column for 2017

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 0-2 B1G West) opened September with three straight non-conference wins, but the past two Saturdays in the Big Ten have lead to an 0-2 start against two East division opponents. The Hawkeyes return to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday for an 11 a.m. kickoff against fellow West division foe, Illinois (2-2, 0-1 B1G West).

It is Game 6 for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2017 College Football season, ahead of their bye week. The Hawkeyes are seeking to get back on track in all three phases of the game.

"Nice of the Hawkeyes to promote breast cancer awareness month
by painting our locker room pink. #Illini 👌 – at Kinnick Stadium,"
the Illinois program tweeted ahead of today's game.

Illinois' last win against Iowa came during the 2008 season. The Hawkeyes have won six of last seven in the series.

One player to watch is Illinois junior WR 18 Mike Dudek, who
is back, after missing back to back seasons, due to knee injuries.

Iowa is 57-43-5 in 105 Homecoming games. The #Hawkeyes have won 5 of its last 7 Homecoming games. Iowa is 6-5-2 vs. Illinois on Homecoming.

#FightforIowa is the rally cry in 2017-18 for Hawkeye athletics ...

Our prediction at Kinnick ...

• IOWA HAWKEYES 28
• Illinois Fighting Illini 9

Iowa Hawkeyes win on Homecoming 29-20 over Illinois to improve to 6-0 in 2015

Honorary team captain Colin Cole, a former DT on Iowa's 2002 B1G championship team (8-0), 

with Iowa game captains #27 Jordan Lomax, #63 Austin Blythe, #16 C.J. Beathard and #95 Drew Ott, 

who suffered a season ending injury on Saturday, during Iowa's 29-20 Homecoming win 

over the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0, 2-0 B1G West) for the first time, since the beginning of division play, in the Big Ten, in 2011, sit on top of their division at 2-0. The #22 ranked Hawkeyes have paid a price on the injury front though heading into the second half of the 2015 season, as senior defensive end Drew Ott is done, after an ACL injury impacted the four year starter, in the second half, of today's 28-20 win on Homecoming over the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-2, 1-1 B1G West).

Iowa senior DE #95 entering his final game, as a Hawkeye, after suffering
a season ending ACL injury in the 29-20 win on Homecoming at Kinnick
Stadium. The senior DE from Nebraska helped the Hawkeyes with one of three
sacks and two of five tackles for loss in the win over the Fighting Illini.

The Hawkeyes are 2-0 in the Big Ten for the sixth time under Kirk Ferentz (2002, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015). For the second straight year, in year two of the West division, the Hawkeyes are undefeated in conference play. The Hawkeyes control their own destiny, with six B1G conference games remaining, with a road game @ Northwestern (5-1, 1-1 B1G West) next Saturday.

The Big Ten will not see a repeat of the 1995 season, when Northwestern went 8-0. Or a repeat of the 1995 season, when Iowa lost back to back games against Illinois and @ Northwestern, after Iowa defeated the Fighting Illini on Homecoming at Kinnick; while #18 Michigan (5-1, 2-0 B1G East) blanked #13 Northwestern 38-0 for their Homecoming victory in Ann Arbor.

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard is making a huge difference using his feet
and through the air, as Iowa's signal caller in 2005. Numbers include
116-of-199 (58.3) passing for 1,484 yards, 10 touchdowns,
and three interceptions, and 221 yards rushing with three rushing touchdowns.
 The last Iowa quarterback to win his first seven career starts was Matt Sherman,
who won seven from 1994-95. Beathard will seek to top Sherman next week.

In 1985, another QB wore
#16, as Chuck Long lead
the Black and Gold at
Iowa. Long was another 
Iowa QB to make plays 
with both his arm and legs.

The decision of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz to replace #1 signal caller Jake Rudock with C.J. Beathard, in January, for 2015 season has worked out well for the Hawkeyes. Beathard is now 7-0 as a starting quarterback for the Hawkeyes. Rudock graduated at Iowa in the Spring. He is now leading the Michigan Wolverines now as their #1 signal caller.

More and more Hawkeye fans in Iowa City want to see a repeat of the 1985 game, in a battle of #1 vs. #2 in the nation. For it to take place, the Hawkeyes and Wolverines will have to win their respective divisions. There are six B1G conference games remaining. Next week:

• Iowa @ Northwestern, as the Wildcats host Homecoming and look to get back into the B1G West race head to head with the B1G West leading Hawkeyes
• Michigan State @ Michigan in the Big House for a huge game in the early Jim Harbaugh era for the Wolverines, as former Iowa QB Chuck Long ('85 team) says the Wolverines are back tonight on the Big Ten Network, as he provided color for the MSU @ Rutgers game

Former Iowa QB, now Michigan QB #15 Jake Rudock leading Wolverines
offense. The Wolverines won 38-0 for their third straight shutout in '15.
Rudock is now 3-0 against Northwestern, after two wins a Hawkeyes QB.
Northwestern will host Iowa next Saturday for their Homecoming game.

Iowa is bowl eligible for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons under head coach Ferentz. The Hawkeyes are 6-0 for the first time since 2009, the second time under Ferentz, and the seventh time in school history, with the win over the Fighting Illini on Homecoming, as Ferentz moves to 13-4.

Dean of Big Ten coaches, Kirk Ferentz
during the 2015 Homecoming game.

The win today gives Ferentz 121 wins as a member of the Big Ten Conference, The ninth most in conference history. Ferentz is one win shy of tying Lloyd Carr for eighth all-time (122). Ferentz has 70 Big Ten wins, tied for the ninth most in conference history (John Cooper). A victory @ Northwestern will move Ferentz up the all-time conference list, as the current dean of the Big Ten coaches.

The Hawkeyes are one of three final undefeated Big Ten teams in 2015, joining the past two Big Ten champions, Ohio State and Michigan State. In the East, there are four undefeated team in Big Ten play, with Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State all 2-0, but it is early, with six B1G games remaining.

Iowa senior RB #33 Jordan Canzeri is off to a monster senior season, as he
runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini. It was another career day with
two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving for his 9th and 10th of season!

In the win over Illinois, Iowa’s 51 rushing attempts ties for the 10th most in the Ferentz era. The Hawkeyes outgained the Illini 278-46 on the ground. Iowa last rushed 51 times in 2014 against Purdue, which was Beathard's first career start as a Hawkeye QB.

Iowa senior RB Jordan Canzeri running untouched for a 75 yard TD run in the
third quarter to put the Hawkeyes up 23-13 against the Fighting Illini.

Senior RB Jordan Canzeri’s 75-yard touchdown run was the longest touchdown run by a Hawkeye since Shonn Greene’s 75-yard TD in 2008 against Purdue. It is the longest rush by a Hawkeye since Adam Robinson’s 75-yard rush in 2010 against Iowa State, the last season Iowa was ranked and won a bowl game.

Iowa's offensive line has been stung by injuries in 2015, but senior RB #33
Jordan Canzeri is providing outstanding leadership by example on the field.
Senior C #63 Austin Blythe has been anchoring the O-Line very well in '15.

Canzeri recorded career highs in rushing yards (256) and attempts (43). The 43 carries is a Iowa school record, and the rushing yards ranks third all-time. It is the second week in a row he set a career high in attempts (26 vs. Wisconsin). His previous career-best rushing performance was 165 yards against Purdue in 2013. He has four 100-yard rushing games this season, six in his career.

Iowa junior TE #46 George Kittle is leading Hawkeye TEs in scoring in 2015,
including a TD  in each of the last games. He is playing a big role in the passing game,
with the injuries to two key seniors, WRTevaun Smith and TE Jake Duzey.

Junior Iowa TE George Kittle caught a 21-yard touchdown for the first score of the game. Kittle has three career touchdown receptions, one in each of the last three weeks. Kittle's senior cousin, TE Henry Krieger Coble, matched his career high with five receptions against the Fighting Illini.

Senior TE #80 Henry Kreiger Coble with one of his five catches vs. Illinois.

True freshman WR Jerminic Smith entered the game with no career catches. He caught four passes for 118 yards, becoming the first true freshman in the Kirk Ferentz era to record 100 yards receiving in a single game. Four times since 1997 an Iowa redshirt freshman had 100 yards receiving in a single game (listed by most recent):

• James Cleveland, 101 yards vs. Purdue (11/20/07)
• Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, 119 yards vs. Northwestern (11/3/07)
• Calvin Davis, 109 yards vs. Illinois (11/1/03)
• Kevin Kasper, 115 yards vs. Arizona (9/9/98)

Iowa has missed two key seniors in the passing game lately. Senior wide receiver Tevaun Smith has missed the past two B1G games due to a bruised knee, while senior TE Jake Duzey has missed most of the first half, due to injuring his knee during spring practice and having surgery.

Iowa true freshman #9 Jerminic Smith brings explosiveness to the Hawkeyes
passing game, as finally connects with C.J. Beathard, after making his
second career start, against the Illinois Fighting Illini.

WR Jerminic Smith’s 118 receiving yards is the most by a Hawkeye since TE Duzey in 2013 (138 vs. Ohio State). It is the highest receiving yards total by a wide receiver since WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had 119 receiving yards against Northwestern in 2007. 

By the way, the 2007 season was the last time Iowa opened the Big Ten season @ Wisconsin, and later hit the road @ Northwestern. The Hawkeyes last win 28-17 in Evanston was in 2007. Back then, the Hawkeyes were lead by first year starter Jake Christensen at quarterback.

Unlike, 2007 leading Western Michigan, Illinois Bill Cubit didn't enjoy a
win, after a game at Kinnick Stadium vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Ironically in 2007, present Illinois head coach Bill Cubit won in Iowa City with his Western Michigan team by the score of 28-19. It wasn't the case on Saturday, with his interim role leading the Fighting Illini, they didn't go away easy against the Hawkeyes on Homecoming, but they didn't win.

Illinois true freshman RB #5 Ke'Shawn Vaughn put Illinois on the scoreboard in the first
quarter on a 4-yard run, preceded by a one-handed catch by Malik Turner earlier in the drive.
The Hawkeyes gave up their first rushing TD of the season against Illinois and
trailed 7-6, after the first quarter. The Hawkeyes lead 16-7 at the half.

The Fighting Illini failed to complete a fourth-quarter come back win and snapped its three-game winning streak in Big Ten games. Illinois moves to 3-2 on the season. They showed a lot of improvement over last season's 30-14 loss against Iowa in Champaign.

In the fourth quarter, the Fighting Illini completed seven-play, 85-yard touchdown drive to close the deficit to 23-20. The touchdown drive was the longest the Illini have produced this season.

Iowa did give up explosive plays against an improving Fighting Illini team,
especially in the passing game, but the run defense gave up their first TD run.
The Hawkeyes faced Illinois senior WR #8 Geronimo Allison, who came
into the game as the Big Ten's leading receiver and showed why.

Iowa junior DT Jaleel Johnson, an Illinois native, had a career best six tackles, including one quarterback sack. Sophomore DT Nathan Bazata matches his career with four tackles, including one sack. Sophomore MLB Josey Jewell led Iowa with 12 tackles.

Iowa sophomore DT #99 Nathan Bazata recorded one of the three Iowa sacks. 

Iowa was plus-two in turnovers today and is plus-five on the season. Iowa has 12 takeaways this season, and turned them into 44 points. Junior CB Greg Mabin had an interception today, while MLB Jewell recovered a fumble, which was forced by redshirt freshman DE Parker Hesse, in for the injured Ott. Iowa’s 12 takeaways through six games is its highest total since recording 12 in 2013.

Iowa junior CB #13 Greg Mabin was happy to intercept this Illini pass from
WR Geronimo Allison, after a long day defending the talented receiver.

Iowa PK Marshall Koehn was perfect on three field goals (19, 34, 40). He is 8-for-9 on the season, including 4-for-4 on attempts 40 yards or longer. Koehn had 11 points today, raising his career total to 119, 24th all-time. He did overcome an early miscue, when he missed his second extra point, after the first touchdown of the game, to give Iowa a 6-0 lead.

The Hawkeyes gave up explosive plays against the Fighting Illini, including a 53 yard touchdown recepiton. Though the Hawkeyes are 6-0, there is a lot of work ahead, with a road trip against Northwestern ahead. The Hawkeyes have won back to back games against at home, and three of the last four, with each of the wins at Kinnick.

Iowa true freshman James Daniels has been playing at both guard spots this
season, but when starting sophomore RT Ike Boettger went out, Daniels
made the move outside. It was troubling at times, but Iowa found a way to
prevail in the second half, after the injury.

Northwestern won three straight over Iowa from 2008 to 2010, including a knockout loss, when Iowa was 9-0 in 2009 at Kinnick, after quarterback Ricky Stanzi was injured on a tackle in the end zone. The Wildcats also won the last game played in Evanston, with a 28-17 win, during the 2012 season.

The 1985 Iowa Hawkeyes opened the season 7-0. There seventh straight win was in Evanston against the Northwestern Wildcats 49-10. The Wildcats are up for the Hawkeyes in 2015, as the Hawkeyes seek to go 7-0 again. The Hawkeyes are an under the radar team nationally in 2015. They weren't thirty years ago in Evanston, as they arrived ranked #1 in Evanston ranked in 1985.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz after winning his 70th all-time Big Ten game against
the Fighting Illini. The Hawkeyes have a lot on the line heading into next week.

Game Day Saturday: Happy Homecoming at Kinnick, the Big House, Columbus and Happy Valley

It is Homecoming Saturday at four Big Ten schools this weekend, as the #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0, 1-0 B1G West) host Illinois (4-1, 1-0 B1G West), #18 Michigan (4-1, 1-0 B1G East) hosts #13 Northwestern (5-0, 1-0 B1G West), #1 Ohio State (5-0, 1-0 B1G East) hosts Maryland (2-3, 1-0 B1G East) and Penn State (4-1, 1-0 B1G East) hosts Indiana (4-1, 0-1 B1G East) in conference play.

The other undefeated B1G, #4 Michigan State (5-0, 1-0 B1G East) travels to Rutgers (2-2, 0-1 B1G East) in a prime-time game on the Big Ten Network. The Scarlet Knights are coming off their bye week, ahead of the showdown with the Spartans.

Iowa junior CB Desmond King has stepped up his game in 2015. The Hawkeyes
are looking to get to 6-0 today, with a Homecoming game against Illinois.

• Illinois at #22 Iowa 11:00 am on ESPN2 - The Hawkeyes won 30-14 last year, in this one. The last time the game was played at Kinnick was 2007, when the Hawkeyes won 10-6, which was Iowa's score last weekend at Wisconsin.
  Our pick for today's score: Iowa 31, Illinois 20

The Hawkeyes are 5-0 for just the third time since 1986 and the secret is that the new thing is the old thing.

"It's like everything you do and about anything that's important in life. You get back to the basics. We haven't split atoms or anything like that. It's just trying to do everything a little bit better." - Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz

Over the years, when you think of the Nittany Lions, defense often sets the
tone. It is Homecoming in Happy Valley, as the IU Hoosiers visiting ...

• Indiana at Penn State 1:00 am on ESPN - The Hoosiers lost the Big Ten opener at home last weekend, with 38-31 hard fought defeat to #1 Ohio State; so, the Nittany Lions need to be careful, to avoid second loss in series history.

The Big Ten Network has three B1G games today spotlighting OHIO,
Michigan-Northwestern and Michigan State: 11 am, 2:30 pm and 7 pm ...

• Maryland at #1 Ohio State 11:00 am on BTN - The final game for Randy Edsall at Maryland? What happens, if the Terrapins pull off the upset in Columbus?

How does this game play out in 2015?

• #13 Northwestern at #18 Michigan 2:30 pm on BTN - Twenty years ago, the rolls were reversed, as the Wolverines were undefeated ... the Wildcats won and went onto an 8-0 B1G record and title, with coach Pat Fitzgerald, then on the gridiron.
• Minnesota at Purdue 2:30 pm on ESPNU - The Golden Gophers face back to back road games to open Big Ten play, in a battle of 0-1 B1G teams in the West ...
• Wisconsin at Nebraska 2:30 pm on ESPN2 / ABC - The Badgers and Cornhuskers each opened Big Ten play at 0-1, so a big one in Lincoln, as each program looks to rebound, under new coaches.

Michigan State opened the 2015 season on the road; time to hit the road
in the Big Ten, with a first road opener @ Rutgers.

• #4 Michigan State at Rutgers 7:00 pm on BTN - some suggest this could be a trap game for the Spartans, but MSU begins back to back road games, with a date at Rutgers and even a bigger game in Ann Arbor next Saturday in the Big House ...

Other Games of Note in Week 6 of the College Football Season ...

• Baylor at Kansas 11:00 am on FS1 - Big 12 leaders ... 
• Oklahoma vs. Texas 11:00 am on ABC - Red River Shootout should be one sided this year!
• Virginia at Pittsburgh 11:30 am ESPN Extra / ACC Network - Panthers are off to good start under first year coach ...
• Northern Iowa at North Dakota State 1:00 pm ESPN Extra / CSNC  / espn3 / NBC ND (cable) - The Panthers appear to be off to an 0-2 start in Valley play ...
• Georgia at Tennessee 2:30 pm on on CBS - Who stays alive in the SEC East?
• Georgia Tech at Clemson 2:30 pm on ESPN2 / ABC - The ACC race ... can the Tigers lead?
• Iowa State at Texas Tech 2:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - The Cyclones hit the road in Big 12 ...
• LSU at South Carolina (Baton Rouge) 2:30 pm on ESPN - The Gamecocks try to play at home in Louisiana, after tragic flooding in South Carolina ...
• Navy at Notre Dame 2:30 pm on NBC - the series is more competitive than decades past!
• Oregon State at Arizona 3:00 pm on FS1 - The Wildcats seek to improve in the Pac 12.
• Washington State at Oregon 5:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The Ducks have lost some feathers in early 2015 ...
• Arkansas at Alabama 6:00 pm on ESPN - Bama seeks to keep pace in the SEC West ...
• Boise State at Colorado State 6:00 pm on CBSSN - MWC showdown in the Springs! 
• Illinois State at Youngstown State 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra - Could this be a Valley upset?
• Oklahoma State at West Virginia 6:00 pm on ESPN2 - The Cowboys are undefeated right now!
• East Carolina at BYU 6:30 pm ESPNU / WatchESPN - The Cougars host a C-USA club ...
• Florida at Missouri 6:30 pm SEC Network / WatchESPN - another SEC East showdown for the Gators
• TCU at Kansas State 6:30 pm on FOX - Big 12 road test for Horned Frogs ...
• Miami-FL at Florida State 7:00 pm on ABC / espn3 - The battle of the Florida ACC ...
• California at Utah 9:00 pm on ESPN - Who is the Top Pac 12 team right now in 2015?
• Colorado at Arizona State 9:00 pm on PAC-12 Network

The Battle for Top Pac 12 team, as 5-0 Cal visits 4-0 Utah ...

  

The 2015 Big Ten West appears to be headed into Wild Wild West ...

• Illinois (1-0, 4-1 overall) - Could Bill Cubit become the permanent guy in Campaign?
• Iowa (1-0, 5-0 overall) - the Hawkeyes are off to the best start, since 2009, as the 17th edition of Kirk Ferentz football has seen some change over the past nine months, in Iowa City!
• Northwestern (1-0, 5-0 overall) - the Wildcats won the Big Ten twenty years ago, when Pat Fizgerald was a player; now, they may have his best team, in the past ten seasons!
• Wisconsin (0-1, 3-2 overall) - the Badgers won the Big Ten West in 2014, after starting 0-1, but that was with Gary Anderson as head coach and Melvin Gordon at running back!
• Minnesota (0-1, 3-2 overall) - the Golden Gophers clearly are missing leadership and the senior class of 2014, as Jerry Kill needs an offense to show up, as they have back to back B1G games ...
• Nebraska (0-1, 2-3 overall) - the Huskers welcomed Mike Riley back in December 2014, but the honeymoon may be coming to a quick end, as they open 2-3 for the first time, since 1959!
• Purdue (0-1, 1-4 overall) - the Boilermakers keep turning the ball over and over and over at -4 in turnovers ... only Maryland and Rutgers are worse in turnover margin in all games!

Big 12 Conference fines Iowa State AD after comments following ISU-Oklahoma State football game on Saturday

In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand of Iowa State University Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard for his comments following Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State. In addition, the Conference assessed a $25,000 fine for Pollard’s post-game remarks and put him on notice that any similar behavior will result in a more serious penalty.

“Mr. Pollard’s public statements called into question the integrity and competence of game officials and the Conference’s officiating program,” stated Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “To insinuate that games are called unfairly to negatively impact a program is irresponsible and completely baseless.  Accordingly, the seriousness of this violation warrants a public reprimand and a financial penalty. We take pride in our officiating programs and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards and the fairest competition."

The above was the official release from the Big 12 Conference on Monday. Oklahoma defeated Iowa State in Stillwater 37-20, as the Cyclones fall to 0-3 in the Big 12 standings.

In the public statements, Mr. Pollard suggested that ISU's negative vote prior to the 2013 season on Big 12 adding an eighth official may have lead to unfair officiating, which is pretty out there as a conspiracy.

Mr. Pollard claims he's sorry for implying that Iowa State's vote against adding an eighth official in 2013, while the other nine programs all voted in favor of the measure was used against ISU. Mr. Pollard suggested that while he felt a need to defend Iowa State after an overturned review gave the Cowboys a crucial touchdown, he also realizes that he broke the Big 12 Conference's guidelines on sportsmanship.

Clearly, the Big 12 officials missed a blatant holding penalty against Oklahoma State's defense in the Cyclones second offensive series of the game, when TE E.J. Bibbs was held going out on a pass. It upset ISU coach Paul Rhoads throughout the next TV break.

Officiating is a human element of the game. Mistakes get made and yes, they can cost teams, such as Stanford at Notre Dame and Iowa State hosting Texas, in recent seasons.

The Big Ten Conference followed suit ahead of the 2014 season, with the addition of a eighth official. It is interesting Mr. Pollard would suggest such a conspiracy against the Big 12 Conference.

Oktobersfest has arrived in Grand Fashion in College Football

How about Katy Perry and her first Saturday enjoying College Football with the ESPN GameDay show?

Welcome to College Football, as the first time was clearly of historic proportions, as Week 6 rattled the College Football world in the Top 10, with five of ten falling and visions of the Fall of 1967 being revisited in the Big Ten.

October has arrived with a heavy wind and a chill in the air for many across the college landscape, as teams fall and others rise to victory. By the way, Thursday night saw the Green Bay Packers roar in the NFL Central Division for the second straight week.

Oregon fell on Thursday night in Eugene to kick off Oktobersfest in College Football, during Week 6. Arizona is now 5-0 to open 2014, under coach Rich Rodriguez, who was ironically runned out of Ann Arbor, after 2010. The Wildcats have been thorns for the Ducks now in back to back seasons.

Ole Miss won their first ever over a #1 team, it was mentioned on Saturday, with a win over Alabama. Though, with defending champion holding on undefeated in 2014, should Bama even have been considered #1 over Florida State, this early in 2014?

Yes, I am being a little Rebel today.

Florida State should be #1 this season, though Auburn may give FSU a better game this year, if they meet now? The Tigers rolled over LSU on the first Saturday, this October. They have to host undefeated Mississippi State, who took out once undefeated Texas A&M on the first Saturday of October, as well.

The Seminoles have found a way to survive each week, despite September near stumbles with Clemson and at North Carolina State in the ACC. No worry hosting Wake Forest on the first Saturday in October.

Oklahoma found the Big 12 road at TCU to steep of hurdle, despite the bye week between Big 12 road trips, as the Sooners fall, as September has ended and October arrives.

Utah likes road venues in 2014. They went into Ann Arbor and earned a W in September, then opened October by garnering another road W, from the Boys from Westwood, as UCLA is the final Top 5 to fall on Saturday or is that Sunday for the most of us?

In the Big Ten, Michigan (2-4) starts 0-2 in the B1G for the first time, since 1967.

The B1G East is giving more pause for the Wolverines than the Legends did, over the first three seasons under Brady Hoke. Michigan did show a pulse finally at quarterback, with Devin Gardner playing, but Rutgers (5-1, 1-1 B1G East) was still to much for the Wolverines handle on the road.

Penn State (4-1, 1-1 B1G East) was idle for the first time in 2014, since September ended. The Nittany Lions head to Ann Arbor looking to feast on the Wolverines and rebound from their recent ugly B1G home loss, the worse,  since 2001.

Northwestern (3-2) leads the B1G West at 2-0, after holding Wisconsin to under 20 points, and pulling off their first FBS win of the season in Evanston. The Wildcats beat the Nittany Lions the week before on the road.

Northwestern heads to Minnesota this Saturday for a first place showdown in the B1G West, with the Golden Gophers, who took care of business last year, in this series.

Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1 B1G West) continued their road woes in B1G openers, in year 2 under coach Gary Anderson, with Saturday's lost at Northwestern. The Badgers have not won yet outside Madison in 2014.

In 1967, it was the last time Indiana and Minnesota both won a share of the conference title. Both programs hold the longest drought in the B1G, not including the three newest teams, who have yet to win one.

How are the Golden Gophers (4-1) enjoying their first bye week, now at 1-0 in the B1G West?

Not sure Indiana (3-2, 0-1 B1G East) can roll back into the B1G with as much excitement, as the Golden Gophers, but Hoosiers defeated North Texas to close out non-conference play in 2014.

Next up: at Iowa for the Hoosiers.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 B1G West) enjoyed a bye week to open October. The Hawkeyes needed a bye week to get healthy and allow the coaching staff to focus on some of the younger players in practice and some recruiting on Saturday. The game with Indiana will also be Homecoming in Iowa City for the Hawkeyes

Oktobersfest activities could be found down down the road from Iowa City in the Amana Colonies this weekend, as you could see the Nebraska, Purdue and Packers colors out and about enjoying the sounds, smells and drink.

Nebraska (5-1, 1-1 B1G West) fell for the first time in 2014 and are the final B1G to leave the list of unbeaten teams. Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 B1G East) opened B1G play by holding on in East Lansing over the Cornhuskers, after a solid 17-0 lead at halftime, but a 27-22 win.

Purdue (3-3, 1-1 B1G West) gave second-year coach Darrell Hazell his first B1G win with a road win at Illinois (3-3, 0-2 B1G West) on Saturday. The Fighting Illini only B1G win in three seasons now under Tim Beckman came last year at Purdue.  Both programs face huge hurdles next week, as Purdue hosts MSU and Illinois travels to Madison.

Ohio State (4-1, 1-0 B1G East) appears to be getting their sea legs back, after Week 2 loss in Columbus. The Buckeyes took care of business in the B1G opener on the road, with a sound win at Maryland (4-2, 1-1 B1G East).

Maryland, Ohio State and Rutgers will be idle this Saturday in the B1G East, as the Terrapins ready for Homecoming, hosting Iowa. Rutgers and Ohio State will face off in Columbus, after the bye week. Nebraska will get a B1G bye ahead of another B1G road game at Northwestern, in Week 8.

Elsewhere in the State of Iowa, Northern Iowa falls to Indiana State to open Missouri Valley Football Conference action. While Iowa State (1-4) falls to 0-3 in Big 12 at Oklahoma State, with a 37-20 road loss.

But, ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard has had enough with the Big 12 officials and went off with the media ahead of head coach Paul Rhoads postgame press conference. Fitting it was in Stillwater, after Oklahoma State's coach Mike Gundy's rant several seasons ago.

“It’s no longer fair to put our student athletes, our coaching staff and our fans in that position,” Pollard said. “I don’t know how things change, but it’s frustrating and it’s not fair.''

Former Iowa and Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby is the Big 12 Conference commissioner and it will be interesting to see how he responds to the Iowa State AD's rant?

Iowa State has never won a Big 8 or Big 12 football title. Will this loss or call by an official cost a head coach, an athletic director or the college's president their job? Mr. Pollard mentioned the stakes bad official calls can lead to and he doesn't want any part of it at Iowa State.

The Cyclones head back to Ames for Homecoming against the MAC's Toledo. The Cyclones face a tough six remaining Big 12 games, after their final non-conference game in 2014. ISU was 3-9 last year overall, 2-7 in the Big 12. ISU won the Cy-Hawk Trophy Game in September for their lone win thus far in 2014.

First October Saturday in College Football spotlights Homecoming for many teams

Air Force at Navy 10:30 a.m. CBS (HD) / CBS Video - Seriously, with Washington partially shutdown, there was talk that the military academies games might be suspended?

Ball State at Virginia 11:00 a.m. FSN Affiliates / RSN (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - It's October, but still time for a non-conference match up involving MAC vs. ACC!

Eastern Michigan at Buffalo 11:00 a.m.MASN2 / (ESPN-GP / espn3) / ERTV (cable) -MAC show down in Buffalo on Saturday! 

Illinois at Nebraska 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD) / WatchESPN - B1G game in Lincoln for Cornhuskers Homecoming game, as Huskers will go second straight game without Taylor Martinez.

#7 Louisville at Temple 11:00 a.m. ALT / MASN / SNY / (ESPN-GP / espn3) / cable - Teddy Bridgewater and his Cardinal teammates hit road off bye week heading into AAC play!

Maryland at #8 Florida State 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) / WatchESPN - Battle of unbeatens in the ACC!

Michigan State at Iowa - 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) - Spartans open B1G play coming off bye week, while Hawkeyes host Homecoming coming off B1G opening road win at Minnesota last week. Pick: Hawkeyes 26, Spartans 13

Penn State at Indiana 11:00 a.m.BTN (HD) / BTN2Go -Both teams open B1G play coming off bye week, as quarterback play will be critical for each team!

Rutgers at SMU 11:00 a.m. ESPN News - Scarlet Knights open new AAC league play coming off bye week!

Texas Tech at Kansas 11:00 a.m. FS1 (HD) - Jayhawks open Big 12 play with Red Raiders for Homecoming off bye week for home team!

Georgia State at #1 Alabama 11:21 a.m.SEC TV / ESPN-GP / espn3 - Back to back defending BCS champion Crimson Tide welcome Panthers to Tuscaloosa again, after 63-7 whipping in '10.

North Carolina at Virginia Tech 11:30 a.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / ACC Network (HD) - It's Homecoming in Blacksburg, as Hokies look to make it back to back wins in ACC to open conference play in '13!

South Alabama at Troy 12:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3)  / Sun Belt Network (cable) - The Trojans return home to Sun Belt play hosting Panthers for Homecoming! 

#5 Clemson at Syracuse 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2) (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - The Orange open first ACC game on Homecoming vs. Top team in conference!

East Carolina at Middle Tennessee 2:30 p.m.FSN Affiliates - Pirates return to C-USA play coming off nice win at UNC, as new conference foe, the Blue Raiders host Homecoming in Murfreesboro!

# 6 Georgia at Tennessee 2:30 p.m.CBS (HD) / CBS Video - Bulldogs hit road in SEC East, after 2-0 start in conference play!

Georgia Tech at #12 Miami-FL 2:30 p.m.ESPNU / WatchESPN - Yellow Jackets head to Miami for Hurricanes conference opener!

Kansas State at Oklahoma State 2:30 p.m.(ABC (HD) / WatchABC) / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - Wildcats lost Big 12 opener on road two weeks ago, then bye week, as they face Cowboys, who lost Big 12 opener last week in Morgantown.

Minnesota at #23 Michigan 2:30 p.m.(ABC or ESPN2) (HD) - It's Homecoming in Ann Arbor as Golden Gophers and Wolverines square off for Little Brown Jug trophy!

North Carolina State at Wake Forest 2:30 p.m.FSN Affiliates / RSN (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - New Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren looks to get first road win as Demon Deacons play host in ACC play!

North Texas at Tulane 2:30 p.m. DTV: 623 / FCSC (cable) - The Mean Green and coach Dan McCarney coming off bye week open C-USA play for Green Wave Homecoming!

#24 Northern Illinois at Kent State 2:30 p.m.(ESPN-GP / espn3) / TWC (cable) - Undefeated Huskies open MAC play as Golden Flashes host Homecoming in Kent!

Northern Iowa at #1 FCS North Dakota State 2:30 p.m. DTV: 626 / FSNO+ / (FCSP / ND NBC) (cable) - The Panthers aren't favored in this MVC showdown between unbeatens, who each notched wins at Big 12 schools in season openers! 

Rice at Tulsa 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD) - The Golden Hurricane are off to a rough start in 2013, as C-USA West play begins vs. Owls in key conference opener.

Washington State at California 3:00 p.m. FS1 (HD) - Pac 12 North match up, as Cougars seek another win in the state of California in '13.

#3 Oregon at Colorado 5:00 p.m.PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - inter-division game in the Pac 12, as Buffalos host Ducks.

Arkansas at #13 Florida 6:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) - Coach Bret Bielema heads to Sunshine State

#10 LSU at Mississippi State 6:00 p.m.ESPN (HD) - Tigers seek to rebound!

New Mexico State at New Mexico 6:00 p.m.RSNW / RSRM / MWC Video

Ole Miss at Auburn 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD) / WatchESPN *9

TCU at #11 Oklahoma 6:00 p.m. FOX (HD) - Sooners

Texas State at Louisiana Lafayette 6:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / (KVNA / Cox4) (cable)

#22 Arizona State vs. Notre Dame (Arlington) 6:30 p.m. NBC (HD) / NBC Video - both teams have a blemish or two, but Sun Devils have offense to pair with defense.

Kentucky at #12 South Carolina 6:30 p.m. FS South (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3

Louisiana Tech at UTEP 6:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD)

Missouri at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) / (CSS / MO alternates) (cable)

#4 Ohio State at Northwestern 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD) - Does Holleywood script unfold for coach Pat Fitzgerald on the Wildcats Homecoming primetime game with Big Ten's top dog, the Buckeyes? Tough road...

West Virginia at Baylor 7:00 p.m. FS1 (HD)

#14 Washington at #2 Stanford 9:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) - Huge Pac 12 North showdown at Stanford.

Games online only or not scheduled for nationally available networks.

Army at Boston College 12:00 p.m. espn3 - The Cadets head to Boston in October, as BC regroup, after ACC road loss.

Central Michigan at Miami-OH 12:00 p.m. espn3

Cincinnati at South Florida 6:00 p.m. espn3 / cable

Florida Atlantic at UAB 2:00 p.m. $ULive Video

Florida International at Southern Miss 3:00 p.m. CSS (cable)

#21 Fresno State at Idaho 4:00 p.m. KSEE 24 (cable) / $Video - this used to he a conference game in the old WAC, but Fresno is now in MWC and Vandals join Sun Bun in '14.

Liberty at Old Dominion 5:00 p.m. CST (VA cable) / Flames Sports (cable) - if you are moving to FBS, then one wants to take care of business vs. FCS opponent.

Ohio U at Akron 1:00 p.m. espn3 / Video - Can Bobcats ruin Zips Homecoming?

San Jose State at Hawaii 11:00 p.m. Oceanic  PPV / MWC Video - Aloha in the Mountain West Conference!

UCF at Memphis 3:30 p.m. espn3 / cable

UMass at Bowling Green 2:30 p.m.espn3 / BCSN

UTSA at Marshall 1:00 p.m. $ULive Video / TW (TX) (cable)

Western Michigan at Toledo 2:00 p.m. espn3 / BCSN - MAC match up for Rockets Homecoming, as Broncos search for first win in coach P.J. Fleck era.

Game Day Saturday: Happy Homecoming at many venues around the B1G, including Kinnick Stadium

It is Homecoming in the Big Ten at four of the five venues, including Iowa City, Iowa.

• Michigan State @ Iowa (1-0) - B1G's best defense vs. an Iowa program that may be playing as well as any B1G team in all three phases, lead by an improved Hawkeye defensive in Year 2 under DC Phil Parker
• Illinois @ Nebraska - Illini 4 year starting QB Nathan Scheelhaase lead Illinois into Lincoln, as Cornhuskers redshirt freshman QB Tommy Armstrong gets his 2nd career start on Homecoming
• Minnesota (0-1) @ Michigan - Battle of the Little Brown Jug on Homecoming for Wolverines, as Golden Gophers come to Ann Arbor
• #4 Ohio State (1-0) @ Northwestern - The Buckeyes bring a 28-1 record into series, as two remaining undefeated B1G teams square off in Evanston for the Wildcats Homecoming in prime-time on ABC at 7 p.m.  Coach Pat Fitzgerald is 1-8 off bye weeks, including bowls per Phil Steele
• The other conference game takes place in Bloomington, as each team opens B1G play!
• Penn State @ Indiana - as Hoosiers choose to wait until November for Homecoming... Nittany Lions own 16-0 series lead over Indiana, though game two years ago in Bloomington finished close in a 16-10 Nittany Lion win



11 a.m. on ESPN2

• Wisconsin (1-1) and Purdue (0-1) enjoy bye weeks in Week 6 of the season

Game Day Iowa City

B1G Football has arrived in Iowa City, with the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 Legends) hosting Michigan State (3-1) for Homecoming for a 11:00 a.m. kickoff at Kinnick Stadium on ESPN2.  Week 6 brings a full slate in College Football.

The Spartans are looking for back-to-back wins in Iowa City for the first time since 1987 and 1989.

While Iowa has won three of the past four games in series, though Michigan State beat Hawkeyes 37-21 in 2011.

MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 2-4 during his tenure against Iowa, including a 1-2 record in Iowa City. Under Dantonio, four of the six meetings against Iowa have been decided by seven points or less, including two in overtime (2007, 2012). Michigan State is 3-3 in Big Ten openers under Dantonio.

The Hawkeyes are 6-0-1 against the Spartans on Homecoming, including four straight wins since a 6-6 tie in 1972. Iowa is 11-3 in Homecoming contests under Kirk Ferentz.

First-year starting
QB Jake Rudock
leads Iowa offense

Iowa averages over 200 yards rushing (244.4) and passing (203.0) -- it's that kind of balance that offensive coordinator Greg Davis will be looking for when the Hawkeyes face the Spartans inside Kinnick Stadium on Saturday.

"We've been able to run the ball and mix it up, due in large part to our offensive line," said Davis after Thursday's practice. "We have good leadership on our line with our two tackles #70 Brett Van Sloten and #68 Brandon Scherff. Anytime your two tackles are playing well, that's a great start, because a lot of times the inside people can get help."

Could senior TE C.J.
Fiedorowicz be a
weapon to watch
coming off play action
vs. Spartans?

Davis went on to say that winning the line of scrimmage will play a big part in Saturday's outcome. It will be a challenge, since the Spartans defense is considered the B1G's best and may be as strong as any in the nation against either the run or pass.

"If you can run the ball then your play action and first-down drop backs are all easier to protect," Davis said. "If you get into a game where you are playing from behind or you have to throw the ball, you put a lot of pressure not only on the line, but also the receivers, quarterbacks and protection calls."

Davis points to Michigan State's experience that makes them such a tough defensive unit.The Hawkeye offense will face a Spartan defense that hasn't allowed more than 17 points in a game and is tops in the country in total defense (188.8), pass efficiency defense (72.6) and pass defense (153.8), and second in rush defense (58.2).

"They a really good defensive football team," said Davis. "They have seven veterans, and the guys who are new are also extremely talented. They've been doing the same thing for a number of years and do it well. They play really tight man-to-man on the outside, which allows them to overload the box."

Iowa QB #15 Jake Rudock enters Saturday's game 39 passing yards shy of 1,000, completing 79 of his 128 pass attempts (61.7 percent) through five games. So far this season, opposing quarterbacks are completing only 36 percent of their passes against the Michigan State defense.  Rudock has shown good decision-making, including throwing six touchdowns and running for five.

"Being successful on first and second downs is always important, but it will be especially important in this game," said Davis. "Their third down package is unique in what we see in the Big Ten. They do several different styles of blitzes -- so when you can stay out of long yardage and stay in that situation where you may run or throw, it gives you an advantage."

RB Matt Weisman
ran for 116 yards
@ MSU last year

Leading the Hawkeye ground attack is junior RB #45 Mark Weisman, who averages 123 yards on 119 attempts. The bruising running back's 119 carries lead the country and are more than 10 different teams.  Last year, in Iowa's 19-16 double overtime win at Michigan State, Weisman lead the Hawkeye offense with 116 yards rushing, scoring the game tying touchdown near the end of regulation.

Junior WR #11 Kevonte Martin-Manley leads the Hawkeye receivers averaging 5.2 receptions per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten.  Martin-Manley appears to be buying into the Ferentz business-like approach, as well as any recent Iowa player.

This is the 45th meeting between Iowa and Michigan State, with the Hawkeyes winning seven of the last eight meetings in Iowa City dating back to 1994. Iowa leads the all-time series at 23-19-2. 

Iowa and Michigan State have played one common opponent this season. The Spartans defeated Western Michigan in East Lansing, 26-13, in their season opener; Iowa defeated Western Michigan in Iowa City, 59-3, in Week 4. The Hawkeyes clicked in all three phases of the game, in that win over Western Michigan.  The Spartans defense has fueled Michigan State all season, with the exception of win over Youngstown State.

The area to watch on both teams is at Linebacker, since each unit are among the Big Ten and nation's best units.

• Junior 34 SLB Taiwan Jones, Senior MIKE 40 Max Bullough and Senior SAM Denicos Allen are as solid of unit as they come. Allen has 2 sacks on the season and leads the Spartans in tackles, while Bullough is the leader of the unit in the middle.
• Iowa starts three seniors at LB, with OLB 20 Chirstain Kirksey, MLB 44 James Morris and 31 Anthony Hitchens - the Hawkeyes top 3 tacklers.  Morris has a sack and two interceptions entering into Week 6. Kirksey has a nose for the football and if Phil Parker decides to blitz, watch Hitchens from the LB unit.

"It was a tough game (talking of last year's MSU game)," said Weisman. "The run wasn't working for a while, but then we broke a couple in the fourth quarter. It was a battle, and it's going to be another battle this game too."

After rushing for 6 yards on his first carry last October, nine of Weisman's next 10 carries resulted in a gain of three yards or less. He finished with 17 such rushes in the game. On his 12th carry, Weisman gained 8-yards and on his 16th carry, he scampered for a 31-yard gain. His 24th carry resulted in a 37-yard gain to set up a 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game on his final attempt.

"There are going to be negative plays, one, two-yard gains, but eventually we'll break one," said Weisman.

Junior left tackle Scherff says the offensive line needs to prove itself at the line of scrimmage with its physicality.

"We have to come out and try to be the most physical unit on the field and play a full 60 (minutes)," said Scherff. "They're going to come in and give us their best shot, and we're going to give them ours."

"It's a big challenge. They're a big, physical unit, and we're looking forward to that. That's Big Ten football."

Iowa's defensive line has been a great work in progress, especially showing excellent development during the four game winning streak the Hawkeyes are now enjoying. Senior defensive end #79 Dominic Alvis leads the unit in tackles, including two sacks, as the leader of the unit.

The Michigan State defensive line is always stout.  Senior DT #91 Tyler Hoover leads Spartans unit with two sacks and in tackles in this unit.

Other than Iowa's ability to maybe establish the run, like last year's game late, the defensive units appear ahead of the offense's in this one. The wildcard is Iowa's improving offense in the second year under OC Davis.

Whatever the reason, MSU senior left guard #64 Blake Treadwell is sure the Spartans will get plenty of advice from the Hawkeye fans, who'll be sitting within arm's reach behind them in Saturday's Big Ten opener at Kinnick Stadium.

"There's been no hot dog throwing (at us), but they'll let you know if you're not playing, I'll tell you that," Treadwell said. "They'll say, `Your jersey looks a little clean No. 64.' They'll talk some trash."

Treadwell sat out the 2011 game in Iowa City because of injury and played on the defense line there the previous year.

"They said some stuff that made the hair raise on the back of your neck," Treadwell said. "If I do anything, I just smile and laugh, but I don't talk back. I love fans who are passionate, especially away fans when they try to get after me and trash talk. I embrace it. I'm excited to play there."

Some of MSU's most gut-wrenching games of all-time have come against Iowa. Four of the last six games have been decided by an average of just under four points.

The Spartans have used three quarterbacks in 2013, but appear to be settling on sophomore #18 Connor Cook, who is 43-81 for 411 yards and five touchdowns.  None of the three quarterbacks have thrown an interception this season.  Last year, senior #10 Andrew Maxwell struggled against the Hawkeyes.  Cook has ran for 74 yards in 19 carries this season.

MSU #33 Jeremy
Langford leads
Spartans with
4.6 yards per carry
with 268 yards, 4 TDs

The Spartans lost leading rusher Le'Veon Bell (1,793 yards) to the NFL, from last year's team.

Iowa hasn't given up a touchdown run on defense in five games in 2013. Michigan is the other FBS program that hasn't given up a touchdown on the ground all season.

The Spartans have three running backs that they can throw at Iowa, along with Cook at quarterback.  Iowa has seen several teams this year that have a dual threat quarterback and running attack, so the Hawkeyes should be ready for Michigan State.  

Starting junior RB #33 Jermey Langford is a threat as a runner and receiver.  He is backed up by junior #20 Nick Hill and redshirt freshman  Riley Bulough, Max's brother.

"When you play Iowa, both teams know that it's going to be a bloodbath, it's going to be a battle. They're saying the same things over in their football office - `You've got to be the tougher team; you've got to make them quit first,' Michigan State linebacker coach Mike Tressel elaborated.

"We're saying the same things. Our guys know what to expect. They know you can't take one play off. If there's one play you want to take the easy route and not be physical, it will cost you," Tressell added.

The Michigan State receiving corp is lead by sophomore WRs #3 MacGarrett Kings (2 touchdowns) and #16 Aaron Burbridge with 12 receptions. Senior WR #13 Bennie Fowler has eight catches, one touchdown, as the veteran of the receiving corp. The tight ends are used mainly as blockers.

Q. Michigan State got flagged for five pass interferences, in that Notre Dame game. Is that something that you can go after? 

COACH FERENTZ: I don't know if we can go after them, it's a bi-product of their play and whenever you do that you're going to have penalties. The down side is they got flagged but if you look at how many yards they give up a week in a pass, it's kinda like anything, if you're a hard man cover team, not that they are, but when they lock down on you, they're in your face, it's not a lot of breathing room there. So it's a risk/reward thing, but you look at their pass statistics, they're probably comfortable with the style of play they have. It's an active pass rush, and if a guy is good at getting a jump on it, most coaches will give guys a hall pass if they can get a couple of sacks during a game.

Iowa has six players on its roster from the state of Michigan, including starting WR Martin-Manley (Pontiac), starting DT junior #71 Carl Davis (Sterling Heights), redshirt freshman #25 Ruben Lile (Detroit), redshirt freshman LB #51 Laron Taylor (Detroit), junior TE #87 Jake Duzey (Troy) and the Hawkeyes lone true freshman starter CB #14 Desmond King (Detroit). Duzey may get some plays set up for him against his home state.

Like Iowa State, Michigan State has a strong punter in junior #3 Mike Sadler. The placekicking duties are now handled by true freshman #4 Michael Geiger. Sophomore Andre Sims averages 8.6 yards per punt return, while Nick Hill has a 19 yard kick return average on five returns.  This is an area where Iowa needs to separate from Michigan State... it would be in special teams. The Hawkeyes are very capable in this phase of the game.

Iowa DC Parker was an all-Big Ten DB at Michigan State and was a Spartans graduate assistant in 1987, when MSU beat Iowa. There are no Iowans on the Michigan State roster. 

Our Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes 26, Michigan State Spartans 13, as Iowa program continues success with Spartans. The weather is very similar this year, like last year's game in East Lansing.