The Iowa Hawkeyes have a big game today when they visit Michigan State. The Hawks are 7-5 in the Big Ten after a victory over Minnesota and have a chance to be alone in third if they can beat the Spartans. Iowa won the first matchup in Iowa City in their Big Ten opener.

Coach Steve Alford says Michigan State has had a couple of extra days rest and he says they’ve read that the Spartans say they owe Iowa something. Alford says they may owe Iowa something as the Hawkeyes have won four out of five against them, but he says they’ll show up and try to win.

Junior guard Justin Johnson says it will take a big effort to beat the Spartans in East Lansing. Johnson says they have to go in and play very hard.

Michigan State is 5-6 in the Big Ten and 18-8 overall.