Beyond the ‘blue bloods’ of the Big Ten (Ohio State and Michigan) are two of the most consistent football programs in America this century. The Michigan State Spartans and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Any time these teams face off it is a hard-fought game.
The last time the teams faced off, it was one of the best conference title games in recent memory. The Spartans secured a spot in the College Football Playoff with a last minute touchdown, and Iowa took the consolation prize of a trip to Pasadena.
Things are different for both sides a full season, and change later. Both programs are hoping to get back to 2015 form, and go into this weekend with tough defeats in their last game.
We were able to get some intel on this Spartans team from the Site Expert of Spartan Avenue and Saturday Blitz Connor Muldowney.
Dear Old Gold: From Big Ten champions, nearly atop the college football world, to 3 wins, and nothing seemingly going right in 2016. I asked where the Spartan program was at currently?
Connor: Right now, Michigan State is a young team still looking for its identity. This is a completely different team than last year’s 3-9 squad, but time will tell if that will translate to more wins. On paper, this team shouldn’t be any better, but the young talent is beginning to show through and the future is bright in East Lansing.
Dear Old Gold: The lasting memory of the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis was running back LJ Scott stretching the ball over the goal line when it seemed the Iowa defense made a stop. I asked if more is expected out of Scott and company after a slow start on the ground this season
Connor: Absolutely. LJ Scott has been disappointing thus far and it can be attributed to, in large part, his turnovers. He has fumbled the ball three times this season, twice at the opponent’s 1-yard line. That can’t happen if Michigan State is going to compete in the Big Ten East.
Bigger things are definitely expected out of him as most fans believe he’s capable of becoming the next 1,000-yard rusher at MSU. Madre London and Gerald Holmes also need bigger roles.
Dear Old Gold: Turning the attention to the quarterback position, I was reminded that Connor Cook’s ‘arrival’ as the Michigan State QB came in Iowa City in 2013, when the Spartans won by 12. I inquired if Brian Lewerke should instill similar fear for Iowa fans?
Connor: Is it too early to fear Brian Lewerke?
Probably, but Michigan State fans are hopeful that he can strike fear into opponents sooner rather than later. Mark Dantonio has compared him to Kirk Cousins, so there’s that. He has the ability to run more effectively than any quarterback in the Dantonio era, but his accuracy could use some work.
It’s too early to fear Lewerke, but he’s definitely on the right path to stardom.
Dear Old Gold: It is no secret that the on-field product wasn’t good in East Lansing in 2016. Also, their was off-field scandal. How are Sparty fans feeling about Coach Dantonio?
Connor: Logical fans feel good about Dantonio.
He’s built this program from the bottom up and turned Michigan State from a laughing stock in 2006 to a bowl team in 2007. Not many coaches in America could have done what he did. The 11th-year coach has earned a mulligan and the way he handled the ugly off-season issues was perfect.
He removed the right people from the program and the high-character guys remain. Mark Dantonio’s job couldn’t be safer.
Dear Old Gold: Finally, what is the pulse of Spartan fans for this game, and how do you see it playing out?
Connor: There’s a little bit of everything coming from Michigan State fans for this one.
On one hand, Michigan State looks poised and ready to bounce back from a tough Notre Dame loss and on the other, some fans believe that loss could demoralize the young team for the rest of the year.
The feeling for MSU fans is that this is a must-win in order to keep the hope of a bowl berth alive. It’s early for that talk, but we all saw how 2016 went. I think Michigan State pulls out a close win, but it could go either way. Iowa’s defense will give MSU fits all day.
We thank Connor for his time and perspective. Please follow work on Spartan Avenue and Saturday Blitz, and on Twitter at @Connormuldowney