Michigan State +1.5 at Iowa

[No coincidences]

Interesting game. Two very good defenses. Figured Iowa would open -3. MSU hard to back given their offense on the road until proven otherwise, but this is a huge game for them re: their future position in the Big Ten race. Still not completely sold on the Hawkeyes, who have beaten up bad competition only so far.

Thoughts?

[nvrlose37]

Iowa at home is money against Michigan state. That plus the Spartans aren't even that good, the weakest 3-0 team before they lost to the Irish.

Figured Iowa would be favored by more, this is pound city.

[No coincidences]

Iowa at home is money against Michigan state. That plus the Spartans aren't even that good, the weakest 3-0 team before they lost to the Irish.

Figured Iowa would be favored by more, this is pound city.

I think the fact that this game opened at PK instead of -3 might be saying something.

MSU has one of the top five defenses in the country.

[Da Manster!]

I took Iowa (-1.5)....I think they are a very solid team and underrated big-10 team...they blew that game against a damned good Northern Illinois squad but have reeled off three in a row including last weeks impressive 23 - 7 victory on the road against a decent Minnesota squad...that and and the fact that they are at home (always tough at Kinnick Stadium)...one other little nugget...Although I don't advocate using the transitive property when handicapping and evaluating teams, common opponents sometimes is a good handicapping tool if you want evaluate certain teams....both teams have already played Western Michigan on their home fields...Mich ST struggled and looked lethargic the whole game (yes, it was raining and there was a lightning delay)...and they scored late in the 4th quarter to put the game away for a 26 - 13 victory...I had that game as my play of the week which I posted (W.Mich + 28.5).......Well Iowa had no such problems with WMU and blew them out of the water 59 - 3!...take that for it's worth...all indicators put to Iowa being the better team.

[nvrlose37]

I think the fact that this game opened at PK instead of -3 might be saying something.

MSU has one of the top five defenses in the country.

That is true, spartans D will keep them in it but their offense is horrid in the first four games this year. Iowa is just a little more consistent and have the home field to boot.

[No coincidences]

That is true, spartans D will keep them in it but their offense is horrid in the first four games this year. Iowa is just a little more consistent and have the home field to boot.

I don't know how "horrid" MSU's offense is vs. their gameplans and strategy just being off. I actually think Burbridge and Kings are two pretty dynamic receivers, and their OL looks much better than it did a year ago. They were pounding ND up front before they got stupid and out-schemed themselves in the 2H. Should've just run the ball, which I expect to see plenty of on Saturday (especially if the weather's as bad as they're predicting).

[nvrlose37]

Do you expect a one dimensional MSU team to beat Iowa though? This could easily be a 3ot type game but i just don't see anything leaning towards MSU having the advantage in this one

[suicidekings]

I love MSU here, and the Under, most likely.

[JTrain]

People are too high on Iowa. Played one real team in NIU. NIU had an ugly game and still won. Rudock will make a costly mistake. MSU is the better team. Also like the under 42.

[nvrlose37]

People are too high on Iowa. Played one real team in NIU. NIU had an ugly game and still won. Rudock will make a costly mistake. MSU is the better team. Also like the under 42.

People may be too high on Iowa but there is no reason to look at Mich St and confidently say they are better. This is a teAm that struggled mightily against W Mich and USF.

[JTrain]

I think the great defense will win out in a conservative game between two unproven teams.

[Smutbucket]

I love MSU here, and the Under, most likely.

we on same page hear buddy, Ill be pounding MSU here too,

[coitus_maximus]

I would be surprised if 40 points are even scored in this game.

[No coincidences]

MSU -1.5 now.

[No coincidences]

I love MSU here, and the Under, most likely.

I've watched Iowa a few times -- decent team, solid running game, good defense, but they lack overall team speed and their LB's seem to be either slow or undersized. They have a better kicking game than MSU, but I don't see many other advantages they own over the Spartans. Kinnick will be rocking, though, so it all depends on if Connor Cook doesn't do something stupid.