MSU vs. Iowa Scouting Report and Prediction

MSU vs. Iowa Scouting Report and Prediction

Â
This game is huge for the Spartan Nation, but I don’t think for the same reasons that others think. Let me explain.

Â
Sure being 5-1 is a big deal, but there is a bigger deal. The Spartans are a much-improved program since Mark Dantonio took over the helm, but his success has made some fans completely unrealistic. I said 8-4 before the season and I stand by that, but this game has an even bigger significance.

Â
The Spartans under previous regimes would have lost against Notre Dame when they hung around and even made a move at the end of the game. The IU game was another one that previous regimes would have lost. The Spartans were on the road in an uninspiring atmosphere against a lesser opponent.

Â
Now here is why this game is huge. The Spartans are at home. They are favorites to a good football team. How many times in your life have you heard people say, “The Spartans always lose one stupid game.”

Â
This is going to be a packed stadium and the Spartans have bought in. They have bought the place out and they need to win a very tough game at home that they are supposed to win.Â

Â
There are a lot of people who are drinking way too much kool aid in their comments about MSU football. Remember my friends how bad of shape we were in when Coach Dantonio came here. Remember how bad the program was in not just on the field, but also off of it. The program isn’t even comparable to what it was, but this is still a very young team and not even two years into a major overhaul. I expect them to stumble somewhere. I won’t lose enthusiasm I expect it. I understand that adversity and rebuilding isn’t an easy thing.

Â
This game will be a much bigger measuring stick for this program. The stands will be packed with alumni, donors, fans and recruits and this one will say we can win the games we should. We may struggle while we rebuild, but we are at least at the level of winning what we should at home.

Â
How the Hawkeyes Win?
Â
The Hawkeyes will be able to stop the run and get pressure on Hoyer forcing him to make mistakes. They also have to get pressure and that equates to sacks for the Hawkeyes and if they do that, they win. Hoyer under pressure makes mistakes and if Javon isn’t running them over the Spartans are done.

Â
How the Spartans Win?
Â
The Hawkeyes and every other remaining opponent will be watching what IU did. They will make stopping Ringer the task and force Hoyer to beat them. This is the biggest game of the season and probably the biggest of the career of fifth year senior Brian Hoyer. If Hoyer makes good decisions and his teammates catch the ball, the Spartans will roll. The Spartans have to throw some to win they simply have to put Hoyer in spots where he throws when they want to and not when Iowa wants to. Throwing on first down and throwing off of play action in short yardage situations are great opportunities to throw when the Spartans want to.

Â
Prediction:
Â
I think the Hawks are a very good run defense team and the Spartans will see Brian Hoyer have his best game of the season (maybe not statistically) and the Spartans win a tight one. Make it 27-21 MSU. Not as pretty as everyone wants, but it will be a big win and it sends a statement about the program.Â