A closer look at Iowa football’s matchup with Michigan State

IOWA CITY — For one more time in 2025 inside Kinnick Stadium, here comes the Swarm.

Iowa hosts Michigan State in its final home football game of the season, with expectations to rebound after a two-game skid against back-to-back ranked opponents. Now, although the end-of-season goals are gone, the Hawkeyes have a chance to recognize 27 seniors in a pregame ceremony and end the home season with a win.

“Nothing but top respect for all these guys,” Head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “And just really be great for the fans in Kinnick to have a chance to salute them, honor them.”

Beyond the pregame festivities, here are the keys to victory for Iowa’s matchup against Michigan State.

3 keys to victory

Force a turnover

If the Hawkeyes can get at least one turnover, it bodes well against a Spartans offense. Michigan State’s offense hasn’t found a consistent groove for most the season. It’s a team that can score points, but with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation, there’s some opportunities for Iowa to change possession.

Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic took five sacks last week, bringing the team’s total to 35 sacks this season. Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith said Milivojevic has taken some bigger-than-expected hits, but isn’t expecting any major changes at signal caller.

“He is definitely midseason-healthy after a couple of starts,” Smith said. “We are optimistic that he’ll be good to go this weekend.

Adjust as the line of scrimmage needs

Iowa’s offensive line has dealt with some injuries to three of its starters after the USC loss. Though all three of them were listed on this week’s depth chart, Ferentz said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that all three will face the Spartans on Saturday.

“I think it's realistic to think all three of them have a good chance to play,” Ferentz said. “We're being very careful with what we do daily right now, and probably know more certainly Thursday or Friday ... So like probable, non-probable, you know, whatever.”

Guards Beau Stephens and Kade Peiper, along with tackle Genning Dunker all exited the game against the Trojans early with injuries. Ferentz said if Stephens isn’t available, Leighton Jones would fill into that role. The Hawkeyes are required to submit their injury report for Saturday two hours before kickoff — approximately 12:30 p.m.

Iowa has allowed just 13 sacks this season, and put together a three-game stretch midway through the season without a sack allowed.

Keep the tight ends involved

Iowa’s passing game ascended to the fan expectations that were set back in August, but the tight end room has caught some key plays since the second bye week. Specifically, DJ Vonnahme has found his way into a consistent rotation.

Vonnahme had six catches over the last two games, scoring his first touchdown of the season against Oregon on Nov. 8. His advancement as part of Iowa’s offense, even beyond this season, helps boost a tight end room that hasn’t seen the same level of success as before.

For one final time in Kinnick Stadium this season, why not flash a bit of TEU?

“Nobody would have predicted him being this far at this point, but it's been pretty good,” Ferentz said. “And I don't see it changing, just because of the way he works and the way he approaches the game.”

Prediction

Iowa’s two-game slip may have hurt the Hawkeyes’ chances of a memorable postseason appearance, but there’s two games to play. It’s OK to be disappointed, but if the team can implement its 24-hour rule, they should find success agains the Spartans.

Iowa 31, Michigan State 17

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