Michigan State at Iowa: 11/7/20 College Football Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Michigan State is allowing their opponents to average 31.0 ppg on 364.0 total yards per game (235.0 passing yds/g; 129.0 rushing yds/g).

The Iowa Hawkeyes dropped to 0-2 (0-2 Big Ten) on the season after being defeated by the Northwestern Wildcats, 21-20, this past Saturday. Iowa jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead in the 1st quarter agianst Northwestern, however, the offensive struggled the rest of the way and the Hawkeyes allowed the Wildcats to fight back for the victory after Northwestern took 21-20 lead with 6:05 left in the 4th quarter on a 2-yard TD run by Jesse Brown. Iowa was outgained by Northwestern by a 293-273 margin and committed three turnovers in the loss. Leading the way for the Hawkeyes was WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette who has 7 receptions for 84 yards.

On the season, Iowa is averaging 20.0 ppg on 376.5 total yards per game (240.5 passing yds/g; 136.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Iowa has been led by the backfield duo of Tyler Goodson (29 att, 120 yards, TD) and Mekhi Sargent (15 att, 91 yards, TD). QB Spencer Petras has completed 53.9% of his passes for 481 yards, TD, and 3 INT. The top receiving threats for the Hawkeyes have been Sam LaPorta (11 rec, 117 yards), Ihmir Smith-Marsette (7 rec, 84 yards), Nico Ragaini (7 rec, 77 yards), and Tyler Goodson (7 rec, 67 yards).

Defensively, Iowa is allowing their opponents to average 22.5 ppg on 329.5 total yards per game (206.0 passing yds/g; 123.5 rushing yds/g).

The Spartans are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 conference games and just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games overall. The Hawkeyes are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. Michigan State, however, just 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.

It has already been an interesting season for Michigan State as after getting upset by Rutgers to kick off their season, the Spartans had an incredible bounce back after defeating Michigan on the road. I cannot say I have been overly impressed by Iowa as they could not defeat a Purdue team that was missing key players while also allowing Northwestern to fight back from a 17-point deficit to win the game. Iowa is a tough place to play and Michigan State has struggled here over the past few years, however, I think Rocky Lombardi can will be able to find enough success on the offensive end for the Spartans to at worst, cover with the points. Good Luck!