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Iowa Hawkeyes: Result against Michigan State could define 2020 season

By Joe Kipp

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: "nWide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by defensive end Parker Hesse #40 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and defensive lineman Cedrick Lattimore #95 of the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: "nWide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by defensive end Parker Hesse #40 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and defensive lineman Cedrick Lattimore #95 of the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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The outcome on Saturday against Michigan State could be the defining factor for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2020.

After a disappointing 21-20 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday, Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are 0-2 for the first time since 2000. It’s not dramatic to think the team is already approaching must-win territory.

Iowa will play host to Michigan State (1-1) on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 AM CST at Kinnick Stadium. A loss could be the defining moment this season for Ferentz’s program; the difference between turning it all around, or the beginning of a sinking ship.

The Hawkeyes had three losses across 13 games in 2019. Coming off a 10-win campaign with a victory in the Holiday Bowl over USC, many believed Iowa had a legitimate chance of fighting for a Big Ten West title in 2020.

So far, the Hawks have been one of the most frustrating teams to watch in all of college football. They’ve suffered two losses by a combined five points, all while out gaining their opponents in both contests.

Arguably the biggest difference between last season to now is Iowa’s willingness (or lack there of) to run the ball. They rank sixth among all college teams in passing play percentage (60.8 percent), compared to last season’s ranking of 52nd (49.1 percent).

With a running back duo as dynamic as Tyler Goodson and Mekhi Sargent, you’d expect Iowa’s offense would be more run-centric. The combo averages 4.8 yards per carry this season.

Unfortunately, Iowa probably wouldn’t have much success running the ball against Michigan State anyway. The Spartans are allowing just 3.4 yards per carry through two games. The Iowa offense unquestionably needs a more balanced approach going forward, but doing so on Saturday may not be realistic.

While Michigan State hasn’t been particularly impressive overall this season, Sparty still managed to pull off the upset this past weekend against No. 13 Michigan, 27-24. They lost their season-opener to Rutgers, 38-27.

Whatever happens on Saturday for the Hawkeyes, don’t be surprised if the result changes the trajectory of the current season; for better or worse. The difference between 1-2 and 0-3 is greater than it appears.