Game report: Iowa 15, Michigan State 13

Family reunion

Three branches of the Aunan family converged on the Lansing area last night.

Tom, Jill and Jeff Aunan of Iowa City joined John and Zeke Aunan from Waukee, and Brian, Landon and Lincoln Aunan from Maquoketa on a family trip to the game. Tom and John Aunan are brothers, and Brian is their nephew.

The family decided to travel to Michigan State hours after Iowa beat Wisconsin last week. They drove halfway to Lansing on Friday before finishing the drive Saturday.

“Every two or three years it seems we try to get in a road game somewhere,” said Brian Aunan. “We're tired of going to Iowa State so we're trying to find somewhere else to go.”

The family was excited to say that three generations of Aunans were in attendance last night. Usually they travel to Ames or Minnesota for a road trip.

“It's a great opportunity for the young kids to see a different campus,” Tom Aunan said. “To experience a game day away from town. Growing up in Iowa City, it's so common and we're there all the time to this is a nice experience for them.”

Something had to give

Michigan State Coach Mark Dantonio and Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz had posted even records entering last night's game. Dantonio, who is in his third seasons as coach, was 1-1 against Iowa. Ferentz, who is in his 11th season, was 4-4 against Michigan State.

TV time

Iowa and Michigan State met for the first time on the 3-year-old Big Ten Network. The schools first played one another on television Sept. 25, 1954, on ABC, a game Iowa won 14-10. That game marked Iowa's second appearance on national television. Iowa's first was Oct. 24, 1953, against Indiana.

Hard Knox Streaks

(12) or (11)

Iowa's longest winning streak began Nov. 6, 1920, with a 20-0 win against Northwestern. It ended Oct. 20, 1923, with a 9-6 loss to Illinois.

During that streak, Iowa beat Knox College of Galesburg, Ill., three times by a combined score of 157-17.

Honorary captain

Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Peterson served as the Spartans' honorary captain. Peterson was a member of Michigan State's team that leveled Iowa 49-3 in 1999.

Dated: Oct. 24

Saturday's game was the second time Iowa had played Michigan State on Oct. 24. The Spartans beat Iowa 37-0 in 1970.

Swenson's boot

Michigan State kicker Brett Swenson booted a 34-yard field goal with 3:39 left in the first quarter to set the school record for field goals in a career with 63. Dave Rayner (2001-2004) held the previous record.

True freshmen

Iowa running back Brad Rogers was dressed Saturday night, the first time on a road trip. Other true freshmen making the trip and playing were wide receiver Keenan Davis, cornerback Micah Hyde and running back Brandon Wegher.

Online chat

GazetteOnline published hundreds of comments during its chat during the game. Among the best comments include:

“Great defense ... momentum changer” after Iowa stopped Michigan State on a goal-line stand.

Here's a voice of reason: “Calm down, we aren't Husker fans five years ago who become perplexed when things don't go perfectly.”

On a punt return, this reader wrote, “(Iowa returner Colin) Sandeman looked like he was running in slow-motion ... but he must be pretty damn fast.”

After wide receiver Colin Sandeman left the game following a huge hit, one reader wrote, “I hope we have enough players to finish the game.”

After Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi completed a 32-yard pass to wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, one read wrote, “Now bash Stanzi ...”

After Daniel Murray's 20-yard field goal with 2:56 left in the game, one reader wrote, “At least Murray can get points on the board.”