Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer in Iowa, 2007
Emotions, anticipation and intensity will be running high at Spartan Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday when the Spartans take on the 7-0 Iowa Hawkeyes. It’s only the eighth night game in Spartan Football history, with the last meeting against the Hawkeyes ending in a close 16-13 MSU victory in 2008.
The Spartans increased their overall record to 4-3 after last Saturday’s win against Northwestern, playing out what is considered to be one of the most difficult schedules in the NCAA. Big games are the team’s specialty, although, including a key victory against U of M on October 3, 2009.
Despite the hard losses against Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin early in the season, Michigan State ranks high statistically in the nation, including individuals who are forces to be reckoned with:
- Greg Jones: After receiving Big Ten Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Honors, the Junior linebacker has proved his potential. He leads the Big Ten, second in NCAA for tackles (85). Also a conference leader in sacks (5.0 for 32 yards) and tackles for loss (1.21 per game).As of this week, Jones was named as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Mid-season First-Team All American by Phil Steele. Jones has posted double digits in tackles in 12 of his last 14 games.
- Blair White: Against Northwestern last Saturday, the fifth-year senior had a record 186 receiving yards and 12 receptions,tying his two touchdown career high (White also had two touchdowns against Montana State and Notre Dame.) The Wide Receiver leads the team with 45 catches and 635 receiving yards and was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week as well as National Wide Receiver of the Week by College Performance Football Awards. White ranks second in the Big Ten with six touchdown receptions.
- Kirk Cousins: The sophomore quarterback has achieved his momentum and emerged as a leader, ranking as the second sophomore in Spartan Football history to be named Captain. Cousins ranks first in the Big Ten for pass efficiency with 146.6 and has thrown for 1,283 yards and nine touchdowns. He led the team in rushing versus Michigan, with 75 yards and 227 total yards. Between Cousins and Nichol, the Spartans rank No.17 in the NCAA for passing.
Other dominant forces include that of Kicker Brett Swenson, Defensive Tackle Jerel Worthy, Runningbacks Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, and Linebacker Eric Gordon.
With four straight losses under their belt at Spartan Stadium, there’s no doubt Iowa will come out to play. Freshman superstar Larry Caper will have a hard time driving against the undefeated Hawkeyes, as they were 33 quarters with no rushing touchdowns against them.
Of course, the Hawkeyes will be fighting to remain undefeated, whereas the Spartans are trying to climb the charts. Coach Mark Dantonio commented at Tuesday’s press conference that the team has “already been down this year. There is extra stretch, (that the team didn’t have after winning six straight in 2008.)”
Knocking off another ranked team would clinch confidence for the team. With conference losses at Ohio State and Penn State, MSU is in the running for the Big Ten title.
Go Green!
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