| Iowa running back Mark Weisman has been the most surprising player in the Big Ten this season. (US Presswire) |
Iowa (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten) at Michigan State (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten)
Kickoff: Saturday, noon ET (ESPN)
Spread: Michigan State by 10
Watchability: Iowa’s RB Mark Weisman has shredded inferior defenses thus far but Saturday’s game pits the physical runner against the best defense in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes may catch the Spartans reeling a bit after they escaped Bloomington last week with a 31-27 victory over the Hoosiers. It will be Andrew Maxwell’s final dress rehearsal before three straight games against Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
Shining Stars: Michigan State: Linebacker Max Bullough has been the heart and soul of the Spartans defense, which has allowed just 273 yards per game, the eighth-best mark in the country. He has a team-high 47 tackles, including 21 in the past two games. Keeping tabs on Weisman, who rarely goes down after first contact, will be the responsibilities of linebackers Bullough, Chris Norman and Denicos Allen. Iowa: There hasn’t been a more surprising player in the Big Ten than Weisman. The former transfer is averaging 103 yards per game, the 22nd most in the country. He's also sixth in the Big Ten in rushing yards but has 79 fewer attempts than the next leading halfback, Montee Ball. The Hawkeyes are coming off a bye week, meaning Weisman will be more rested than he’s been all month since taking over the starting running back duties.
Who could steal the show: Michigan State: Despite a 1-1 record in the past two weeks, Maxwell is clearly getting more comfortable under center. He hasn’t thrown an interception in five games and had his two highest passing games against Ohio State (269) and Indiana (290). He’s still plagued by a lack of depth at receiver but last week against the Hoosiers, freshman Aaron Burbridge, who had just two career receptions coming into the game, caught eight passes for 134 yards. Tight end Dion Sims will miss the game with an ankle injury, giving other receivers a chance to step up. Iowa: Not everyone benefitted from the Hawkeyes’ bye week. Cornerback Micah Hyde was arrested on alcohol-related charges last weekend but will play Saturday against Michigan State. He lost his status as the team’s captain and is eager to return to the field. “I have a game to prepare for,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I have a big week ahead of me, just like my teammates do.” In the past two weeks, Hyde’s recorded 20 tackles and two pass deflections. Given the Spartans’ lack of playmakers at receiver, Hyde could be more opportunistic and attempt to jump one of Maxwell’s routes.
You going? Ranking the road trip: The Spartans desperately need a victory to keep pace with Michigan, which is 1-0 in the division and plays Illinois this weekend. The other team atop the Legends Division is Iowa, so this game could have postseason ramifications.
Magic Number for Michigan State: 1. The Spartans are 16-1 when Le'Veon Bell scores a rushing touchdown. The only loss came last year against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.
Magic Number for Iowa: 12.6. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens is averaging 12.6 tackles per game, the most in the Big Ten and the third most in the country. Two weeks ago against Minnesota, Hitchens recorded 12 tackles and a sack.
The game comes down to: Whether Iowa can stop Bell. If Iowa’s defense, which has let up just 17.4 ppg, continues to stifle opponents, the Hawkeyes' offense could grind out a close game with Weisman dominating the ball. If Bell gets the Spartans an early lead, it will be difficult for James Vandenberg to mount a comeback against Michigan State’s stellar pass defense.
Prediction: Michigan State 24, Iowa 20
For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.