EDGE: MSU — Although busted coverages and missed tackles are troubling, Iowa can’t match the speed Indiana running back Marcus Thigpen burned MSU with last week. A strong Homecoming crowd should bother the inexperienced Stanzi into an unnecessary timeout or two.

Iowa offensive line vs. MSU front seven

As much as the Spartans rely on star running back Javon Ringer, the Hawkeyes will need to be just as dependent on their stud in the backfield, junior Shonn Greene. While the banged-up Greene has the power to break tackles, it all starts up front in the running game. The Hawkeyes have two seniors and three juniors on their starting line who combine with starting tight end Brandon Myers to average nearly 300 pounds. MSU shut down the Hoosiers running game last week, with the exception of a 78-yard Marcus Thigpen run, and did the same two weeks ago against Notre Dame.

EDGE: Push — Greene has averaged more than 130 yards per game nearly halfway through the season against strong opponents, so his offensive line has been earning its stripes. If the Spartans can tackle Greene on first contact, the matchup could switch in their favor.

MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer vs. Iowa secondary

The Hawkeyes secondary has been opportunistic all season, picking off nine passes in five games. Iowa cornerbacks Amari Spievey and Bradley Fletcher have combined for three of those interceptions and Fletcher was a force against MSU last season with 13 tackles and a forced fumble. MSU will need continued balance from its offense as the season progresses, which will put more of the game on Hoyer’s shoulder. Hoyer had his best performance numbers-wise of the season last week and will need to make at least one or two deep throws each game to keep some of the focus off Ringer.

EDGE: Push — Hoyer burned the Hawkeyes by completing 25-of-42 passes for 308 yards last season, but couldn’t make a big play late in MSU’s double-overtime loss. Iowa senior safety Harold Dalton has only started two games this season, but shouldn’t have any problem catching up on MSU after starting against the Spartans last season. Hoyer should be able to maintain his stats from last week, but a strong secondary could pose problems if Hoyer is pressured.

Intangibles

Iowa’s three victories — home wins against Maine, Florida International and Iowa State – aren’t sparkling and the Hawkeyes dropped their Big Ten home opener last weekend, but Iowa players and coaches remain upbeat. The home crowd and a few early scores could demoralize an Iowa team that might be on the brink of collapse with another early season loss.

EDGE: MSU — These teams are going in opposite directions in the win-loss column, so the Spartans have to come in with more confidence. As long as the Spartans avoid dumb penalties, costly turnovers and mental mistakes, all of which haunted them last week, Iowa shouldn’t pose much of a threat.