As always, Iowa (4-2, 2-1) is led by a stout defense. Michigan State will need to shore up its turnover problems, as it will be hard enough to score. Offensively, former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara runs the show for Iowa, and the Hawkeyes' run game is improved from last year.

Michigan State opened the season 3-0 for the first time since 2021 but has dropped three straight, including 31-10 at Oregon before the bye. Iowa followed a lopsided loss at Ohio State with a 40-16 victory against Washington.