The Iowa Hawkeyes prepare for a key Big Ten battle with Michigan State this weekend to close out the home schedule. With a victory the Hawks would still control their own fate in the Legends Division race while a loss drops them out of contention.

Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg says they don’t look at it like that, the are undefeated at home and they want to keep it that way and send the seniors our with a victory. The Hawkeyes pounded the Spartans 37-6 a year ago and Vandenberg knows they will be ready to play. He says anytime you’re playing a team that has had some good close games in the past and then a big loss, there’s some added incentives.

Vandenberg leads an offense that has seen running back Marcus Coker top the one thousand yard mark and receiver Marvin McNutt is nearing one thousand yards in receptions. He says they have good balance and are able to attack all phases of the defense.

Iowa is 6-3 overall while Michigan State is 7-2.