Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio says if the series with Iowa has become a rivalry it is one based on success. The Hawks and Spartans had played three close games until last year’s 37-6 Iowa victory in Kinnick Stadium.
“We have a great deal of respect for how Iowa goes about their business,” Dantonio says. He says Iowa is one of the teams he looked at as an example when he came into the conference.
Dantonio says the Spartans will need to display the toughness needed to win in Kinnick Stadium. He says the emotional state of his team is the most important thing when they have adverse situations, and they need to be able to play through them.
Dantonio says the Spartans they did not do a good job of handling adversity last year. Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins has 13 touchdowns this season but he has struggled on the road. Dantonio says pass protection is a big factor and he says protecting him from the defensive pressure is a key issue.
Michigan State is 4-1 in the Legends Division race and would take a big step toward the division title with a win.