Live Updates on Michigan State's Game at Iowa

Michigan State (3-7 overall, 0-7 Big Ten) is nearing one of its final chances this year to get a conference victory. The Spartans are matched up against Iowa (6-4, 4-3), with MSU trying to keep its losing streak from reaching eight. Iowa has lost its last two games to current CFP No. 7 Oregon and No. 15 USC.

Below is a quick preview of the game and live updates on how this clash is going. A more in-depth preview can be read RIGHT HERE.

Quick Preview

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The big question for Michigan State is if it can simply score enough points. MSU's offense has not scored more than 20 points in each of its last five games, and now has to go up against a Hawkeye defense that is in the top 10 nationally in yards and points allowed per game.

Alessio Milivojevic will be making his third consecutive start at quarterback for the Spartans. Former starter Aidan Chiles was also ruled out for Saturday's game on the availability report, which means true freshman Leo Hannan is probably the backup.

One big thing that needs to happen for the Spartans to be able to score is for the offensive line to play better. Starting left tackle Stanton Ramil is still out, and Michigan State has never seemed to protect very well ever since he first got hurt against USC. Milivojevic has been sacked 12 times in his two starts; Iowa has totaled 19 sacks over its 10 games.

Additionally, the Spartans are going to have to do without top running back Makhi Frazier. This is the second time in three games that he has been unavailable. His absence will likely result in Elijah Tau-Tolliver getting an uptick in touches, and perhaps Brandon Tullis.

Michigan State running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (4) tries to break out of a tackle from Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) during a game on Oct. 25, 2025. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI

Iowa is not dealing with injuries as much as MSU is. The only truly notable player the Hawkeyes will be missing is starting cornerback T.J. Hall, who has the second-best grade among starters on Iowa's defense, one pick, and eight pass breakups this season.

As is always the case when playing Iowa, the key for Michigan State's defense will be stopping the run. Starting quarterback Mark Gronowski has more than twice as many rushing touchdowns (13) as he does passing touchdowns (6).

Running back Kamari Moulton has also been very consistent this year. He has 612 yards in only eight games and has been within 68 and 99 yards during every game against Big Ten foes this year.

Game Updates

Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic takes the snap on a play against Penn State during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

First Half

Iowa won the coin toss and elected to receive and take the ball first.

First Quarter

THREE-AND-OUT: Both teams punt on each of their first two possessions, but MSU's second drive is the first three-and-out.

IOWA TURNOVER: Gronowski goes deep and MSU's Malik Spencer intercepts it at the 6-yard line.

TOUCHDOWN, IOWA: Kaden Wetjen returns a punt 62 yards for a score; 7-0, Hawkeyes.

End of Q1: Iowa 7, Michigan State 0

Second Quarter

FIELD GOAL, MICHIGAN STATE: Martin Connington's 27-yard field goal is good; Iowa leads, 7-3.

MICHIGAN STATE TURNOVER: Milivojevic's screen pass is intercepted by Iowa's Zach Lutmer in the closing moments of the second quarter.

MISSED FIELD GOAL: Drew Stevens' 53-yard field goal attempt is no good as time expires.

HALF: Iowa 7, Michigan State 3

Second Half

Third Quarter

THREE-AND-OUT: Michigan State's offense doesn't get anything going to start the second half.

IOWA TURNOVER: Gronowski fumbles while attempting a shovel pass. Quindarius Dunnigan forced it out, and Jordan Hall recovered.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Milivojevic goes deep to Chrishon McCray for a 45-yard touchdown; 10-7, MSU.

THREE-AND-OUT: MSU's defense gets off the field quickly after the offense grabbed the lead.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Milivojevic finds McCray again on a goal-line, back-shoulder fade on third-and-goal; 17-7, Spartans.

End of Q3: Michigan State 17, Iowa 7

Nov 22, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith talks with an official during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Fourth Quarter

FIELD GOAL, IOWA: Drew Stevens hits a 26-yard attempt; 17-10, MSU still in front.

THREE-AND-OUT: MSU punts it away after only three plays on the ensuing drive.

THREE-AND-OUT: Iowa quickly boots it back to MSU in kind.

THREE-AND-OUT: MSU punts it away after only three plays again.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: Michigan State's defense does the job again, as Gronowski's fourth-and-11 pass is incomplete.

THREE-AND-OUT: MSU punts again, only takes 1:08 off the clock, and allow Wetjen to have another big return.

TOUCHDOWN, IOWA: Gronowski throws to Jacob Gill for a 13-yard touchdown; 17-17.

FIELD GOAL, IOWA: Drew Stevens makes a 44-yard kick as time expires; 20-17, Iowa.

Final: Iowa 20, Michigan State 17

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