Before the big conference championship games ‒ Michigan State vs Iowa ‒ review what Inside the Pylon head writer Mark Schofield had to say about these teams throughout the season. Click here for Temple vs Houston, Florida vs Alabama, Stanford vs USC, and North Carolina vs Clemson.
Michigan State faced a tough test early in the season, as the Oregon Ducks came to Lansing. In this preview, Schofield looked at how Michigan State would attack Oregon’s defense throwing over the middle and using counter action plays.
The Spartans were able to outscore Oregon, 31-28. The defense played a big role in the win, specifically on this play, that showed that the defense had done their homework on the Ducks’ offense.
Michigan State struggled against in-state opponent Central Michigan, but the Spartans’ offense was able to overcome those struggles with a fourth quarter, six-play touchdown drive to seal the win.
Quarterback Connor Cook is a no doubt NFL prospect, and he was the focus of this On Two feature. Mark Schofield highlights Cook’s anticipation, which is a necessary quality for success at the next level.
The Hawkeyes were up by eight points in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers, and sealed the victory with this touchdown drive.
The Iowa ground game is a big reason for their undefeated season. In their last regular season game, running back Jordan Canzeri took advantage of poor angles from Nebraska’s defense for a huge touchdown late in the game.
The only thing standing in between Michigan State and the Big Ten Conference Championship was the Penn State Nittany Lions. Cook and wide receiver Aaron Burbridge connected on a big touchdown that put the Spartans up by three scores in the third quarter.
Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSchofield.