Michigan State-Iowa Preview

Here we stand, just 2 days from what could be the biggest regular-season Big Ten game in Mark Dantonio's time here. For the first time since his arrival, MSU is ranked in the BCS Top 10, and has  achieved their highest national poll position to date. With the chance to gain an even firmer grasp on the conference title, this game has major implications for Michigan State's postseason aspirations. Dantonio talked about eventually bringing the Spartans to this level, and if his team leaves Iowa City victorious, he'll be one step closer.

But, as with any conference game, a win will not be easy. As I mentioned on Tuesday, Iowa's defense presents a stern test-the unit is tied for 20th in the country with 12 overall picks, in addition to ranking 11th in terms of points per game allowed. 2 of those interceptions have even gone back for touchdowns, and that's potentially worrisome, as MSU has yet to experience that this year. Looking at specific players who might pose a threat to the Spartans, Hawkeye defensive end Adrian Clayborn has totaled a sack in the past three contests, and had a 10 tackle game against Penn State-although the Nittany Lions are struggling this season with a 4-3 mark, they're still a Big Ten opponent, with Big Ten-caliber players.

 I'm particularly intrigued to see how Spartan tackles J'Michael Deane and D.J  Young handle his pass rush, as MSU's line has yielded 16 sacks on the year.

Looking at the Hawkeyes offense, QB Ricky Stanzi keys an offense that averages 33.7 points and 413 total yards. In fact, Stanzi ranks 2nd in the NCAA's top division with a whopping quarterback rating of 174.9, a figure surpassed only by unbeaten Boise State field general Kellen Moore. With a completion percentage nearing 70% (he's completed 68.9% of his throws officially),  and only 2 picks, Stanzi has proven himself to be an effective game manager. It'll be particularly interesting to see if the Hawkeyes attack freshman Darqueze Dennard with Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Stanzi's favorite target in regards to scoring strikes (Koulianos has caught 8 TD's this year, all from his starting quarterback).

But, statistics and comparisons on  paper can only take a team so far. Something tells me this Michigan State squad won't heed the analysis delivered on SportsCenter or College GameDay-they'll just go out and play. As Coach Dantonio says, on Saturday, "Winner takes all."

--Beau