Iowa, Michigan State fight for Big Ten title in Indianapolis

Four games later, King had a first-hand view of Dennard’s work in 2013 when he earned Big Ten defensive player of the week honors after intercepting two passes and recording eight tackles in Michigan State’s 26-14 win at Iowa.

Michigan State -3.5. Under the point total. Michigan State comes in after winning against Penn State and Ohio State over the past two weeks, while Iowa finished the regular season with wins against Nebraska and Purdue. Michigan State, despite being installed as the betting favorites by Vegas, enter one spot behind the Hawkeyes at number five.

Regardless, it’s not far fetched to have the Buckeyes in the playoff discussion, Big Ten Champions or not. The Hawkeyes and Spartans have exceptional turnover margins, their quarterbacks are efficient, and they have been able to win close games.

Beathard, however, joins Clemson’s Deshaun Watson as the only starting quarterbacks on undefeated teams – and wins and losses ultimately stand as the most important numbers of all.

The Hawkeyes will take their first West Division title into their first Big Ten Championship Game.

Michigan State earned its 11th victory of the season, marking the fourth time in the past five seasons that the Spartans have won at least 11 games. Bowl games for Big Ten teams will be announced on Sunday.

The Spartans (8-0) trailed by as much as 13 in the first half and didn’t take their first lead until there was 6:47 left. Then come back to BTN for extensive postgame coverage. Stanford 8. Notre Dame 9.

For most of the final month of the season, Michigan State has essentially been in playoff mode. “We have a lot of people doubting us and we have that each week”. Iowa is 4-0 in games decided by single digits, while Michigan State is 5-1 in such games.

Coach Rick Pitino didn’t talk to reporters after the game, leaving Willard to relay what he said to his players. “Makes good decisions with the ball, seems like he has a high football I.Q”. CJ Beathard has played well for the Hawkeyes and he comes in with 2354 yards passing and 14 touchdowns with just three picks this season.

Sure, teams that make it to the playoff games and national championship make the big bucks and we’re talking millions of dollars, but along with that, comes a lot of costs as well.

The Hawkeyes know Michigan State will be the toughest team they’ve played all year, a challenge that will be a physical battle. Look for Gerald Holmes and L.J. Scott to continue their success on the ground and look to combine for over 100 yards yet again.

Michigan State has overcome adversity all year long. Michigan State and Western Michigan are now the only FBS teams with three different underclassmen with more than 400 rushing yards in 2015. Cornerback Arjen Colquhoun and safety Demetrious Cox had started one game between them before this season.

VandeBerg, from Brandon, South Dakota (Brandon Valley HS), had a break-out season with 59 receptions for 625 yards and three touchdowns. Their 670 third-quarter yards allowed were the fifth-most in the league.

Over the past few seasons under coach Mark Dantonio, Michigan State has become one of the Big Ten’s top programs, while embracing seemingly every opportunity to use perceived slights as motivation. He has also rushed for 285 yards and six touchdowns.