This trade leans towards Kansas City’s benefit. They not only cleared $17 million in cap space with sending Smith off, they ended the quarterback debate. It is now Patrick Mahomes time. Mahomes was selected 10th overall in last year’s draft and started one game last season. He is now 1-0 as a starter.

As both teams are happy with what they received, there is one uncertainty still remaining. Where will Kirk Cousins be playing for the 2018 season and beyond?

The Scenario

Kirk Cousins had a pretty steady career with the Redskins. He went 26-30-1 in Washington while throwing for 16,206 yards, 99 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. He also led the Redskins to two playoff appearances, one in 2012 and the other in 2015.

Kirk Cousins’ numbers aren’t the greatest, but he still is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL today. At the age of 29, he still has some decent years ahead of him.

The Redskins front office has never been high on Cousins. Not due to his character or ability, but they expected that Robert Griffen III would’ve been the one to carry them to the promised land. Especially with the money they were paying RG3, the praise never came to Cousins.

Once Cousins lead them to a playoff appearance, the skepticism never left. With this recent trade, Cousins has a shot to play for a team that will value him. But, there will be a hefty price to whoever wants to take him in.

These teams are just a few on the radar for Cousins, but at the end of the day, who knows who will spend some dough for him.

The Candidates

1. Cleveland Browns:

Oh no, another quarterback that will fall victim to the Browns. With lots of cap space, they could be able to outbid any other team for Cousins. Not to mention, they were also trying to get Alex Smith to be a Brown before the trade.

However, with a few new members in the front office, we could see some coaching switches. Head coach Hue Jackson plans on staying, but maybe new offensive and new defensive personnel may turn things around. And by turn things around, that means a win or two.

Although the Browns may be able to meet Cousins’ price demand, there isn’t much else that is appealing about this team. A lot of young players with potential, but that is all you can look forward to. If Cousins other deals fall through (which they probably won’t), we could see him joining this team and having quite a bit of money to take to the bank.

2. New York Jets

The Jets are coming off a pretty surprising season. One thing that stays uncertain, is the quarterback position. While Josh McCown had a solid year, he is also 38 years old, and will be 39 before the season starts. And with former quarterbacks in Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, and Mark Sanchez, the Jets have yet to find a stable option.

The money is there for New York, but is the potential? Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson had a remarkable year, having 64 receptions for 941 yards and 7 touchdowns. That is about it, and not much else. With that being said, we could see the Jets draft a quarterback, as they hold the number six pick in this year’s draft.

There is a little hope in Jets fans that their new quarterback will Cousins, but more are banking on getting their next franchise quarterback through the draft. Drafting a quarterback has a lot of more pros than cons. One HUGE pro, is that it is a LOT cheaper than the deal that Cousins will be wanting. I see the Jets being in the middle of Cousins’ list of future destinations.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Will the Jags pull the plug on Bortles or not? Many fans think so, but there are some experts saying one more year to prove himself wouldn’t be a terrible idea. The thing is, at quarterback, a offseason can do a lot of good for them. A little time to rest, to improve, and to get more comfortable. Well, Bortles is running out of time to become comfortable, which is why we could see Cousins take his spot.

Although the price tag may be a little much for the Jags, they could be major contenders in the AFC next season. Imagine if they had Cousins going against that Patriots defense in the AFC championship. If Nick Foles can put on a fantastic display, it is pretty safe to say Cousins could do the same.

This destination shows a lot of promise, probably the most, if not, a close second. Why? Well the stout defense will be back, and with lots of anger. The future is bright in their receiving core. And Leonard Fournette started to show some flashes of greatness in his first season. If Cousins wants to immediately make an impact, the Jags look like a promising place to play. The only thing he will have to worry about, is if the organization is willing to match the price.

4. New York Giants

Another New York team with quarterback problems. What’s new? Although Ben McAdoo is no longer the Giants’ coach, there is still uncertainty on how this team will be. With a flashy receiving core, having Odell Beckham Jr. as the star, Cousins could have some reliable weapons.

However, none if this happens if the new coach will play Eli Manning. Insert Pat Shurmur, former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, now Giants’ head coach. We should expect Eli Manning to make a statement next season. Especially with a crafty play caller in Shurmur.

Lots of things have to go Cousins’ way if he wants to head to the Big Apple next season. The Giants could have a stout offense, but lots is still to be desired from the defensive side of the ball. Especially in the secondary. The Giants could make this happen if Manning isn’t their guy anymore. But, all signs are pointing towards Manning being the quarterback for the 2018 season.

5. Minnesota Vikings

The story that is Case Keenum is one that Vikings fans will tell for generations to come. However, there is still much speculation on how certified Keenum is for the job. This debate is a little more complex, however. Teddy Bridgewater is a free agent, and so is Sam Bradford. All 3 quarterbacks have contributed mightily to the Vikings in the past 3 years.

The Vikings are more likely to sign Bridgewater or Keenum, as Bradford’s injury ridden career seems to bring more risks than rewards. Although quarterback position is still uncertain, the surrounding pieces are still quite promising.

With Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen at wide receiver and Kyle Rudolph at tight end, Cousins will have a number of weapons. The line is much improved, and not to mention, Dalvin Cook will be returning next season after suffering a season ending injury in 2017. Cousins could fit right in. ‘Could’ is the key world, because the Vikings have yet to name an offensive coordinator, as Pat Shurmur is now the head coach of the Giants. Money will be tight for the Vikings, but Cousins could be the missing, reliable piece they need.

The Verdict

Some names other than the ones listed are the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and the Miami Dolphins. Lots of teams has Cousins on their radar, but does he have them on his?

According to KFAN broadcaster Paul Allen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, some reliable sources have informed him that Minnesota is at the top of Cousins’ list on locations where he wants to be next season.

We may find out soon, and possibly after the draft. The draft could play a huge part for the decision of Cousins. Even though the rumors of him wanting to join the Vikings, we could see the Jets as the front runners, as of now.

Whoever lands the purchase of Kirk Cousins, they will have a stable player at the quarterback position. As they should, thanks to the hefty price that will come with him.

The post Where Will Kirk Cousins Land? appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Once the Redskins drafted Robert Griffin, most of us thought they were done drafting quarterbacks then in the fourth round they drafted Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State, many Iowa fans remember Cousins performance at Kinnick in his Senior year. Cousins was seen as a backup plan or trade-able for future draft picks.

Robert Griffin flourished in his first season as the starting quarterback, bringing the read option with him from Baylor. He won Rookie Of The Year with his 20 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions.  He lead Washington to a NFC East division champions. In the playoffs, he played on the dreaded unstable turf at FedEx  Field against the  Seattle Seahawks and tore his ACL and LCL.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rnPjr6U1c    (graphic content advised) People started to question Robert’s relationship with head Coach Mike Shanahan.

Kirk Cousins was left to mop up duty and a few starts late before the playoffs due  to Robert’s injury versus Baltimore  earlier in the year.

Just days after the loss to Seattle, Robert Griffin had ligament surgery by the world renowned Dr. James Andrews.  He was expected to make a full recovery and be ready by the start of the regular season.

Kirk Cousins got most of the off-season training activities know as OTAs and preseason work. At the time he was more ready to lead the team to start the season then Robert because of his rhythm he had with the offense from OTAs.

Instead Robert started week one looking rather rusty because he didn’t get much practice time with the team recovering from surgery.  causing the offense to sputter. He was forced to more of a passing quarterback than than a dual threat(passing and running). He wore a knee brace all season and that may have affected his performance.

With three games left coach Shanahan shut him down for the remainder of the season, giving Cousins another chance to show his value.  Robert never has seemed to fully recover from surgery. The Redskins ended up with three wins and 13 losses which was in a large part defense and special teams issues, not always the sputtering offense.

Cousins lead the team to three close losses while Robert relationship with Shanahan continued on a rocky course headed for disaster.  Shanahan was fired after the season with one year left on his contract which wasn’t surprising news to Washington fans. The Redskins hired Jay Gruden, (Jon Gruden younger brother) and instantly the debate began over who would and should start.

In the preseason a month ago,  Cousins played lights out while Robert struggled a little.  Many people believe Cousins is the better quarterback right now and should have started again to start the season.

Week 1 the offense struggled mightily only putting up six points.

In week 2, Robert was driving the team down the field when on a scramble outside the pocket avoiding a defender, he

completed a pass to get the drive alive. He came down awkwardly on his plant foot and was in immediate pain.  He stayed down for a couple minutes then they put a brace on his leg and carted him to the locker room for X-rays.

Cousins entered the game and played exceptional yet again, leading the Redskins to a 41-10 win. He threw for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The diagnosis for Robert was  6-8 weeks recovery time. With how Coustins played Sunday, I don’t see any hurry to rush Robert back before he’s ready. Unconfirmed reports say coach Gruden prefers Cousins over Robert.

Personally being a Redskins fan, I think Cousins is a better fir for the offense than Robert right now because Cousins is more durable and consistent. I do think Robert is the better player but since his surgery I don’t think he’ll be the same player as his rookie year. He reminds me of Bob Sanders a great player but just couldn’t stay healthy.

I haven’t lost confidence in Robert but at the same time I want what’s best for the team. It will be intriguing to see how this situation shakes out with Robert being the face of the franchise but being out performed right now.

The post Cousins or RGIII for Washington? appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Michigan State is almost there.  Where is there?  What is the there?  The team in already elite by conference standards.  They just have to take that last mile there.

There is national recognition.  There is the Rose Bowl or ascending to the BCS level.  There is an outright Big Ten championship.  If they want to get there, they are so, so close.

Head coach Mark Dantonio has put Michigan State into contention to get there.  If the 2011 Spartans were a car, Dantonio was its mechanic and driver.  His steel baby at five years in the making has turned into a consistent winner in the conference.  Eventually, the chips will fall his way completely because his machine will have every part it needs to get there.

Consider the signs of progress.  Win on the road?  Done.  Wins at Ohio State and Iowa in 2011, stadiums that have been very rough on Sparty in the past, pushed the team down the road.

Establish a standout defense?  Yes, clearly.  The Spartans ranked in the top twelve nationally in four defensive categories.

Win your division?  Key wins over Michigan, Northwestern, and Iowa solidified a Legends division championship.

Win a bowl game for the first time under Dantonio at Michigan State?  What a doozy as the Spartans came back from a sizable deficit to beat Georgia in the Outback Bowl, 33-30 in three overtimes.

So how to get through that last mile?  Get to the Big Ten championship game (again) and win it.  Last year, in the inaugural championship game, Michigan State battled Wisconsin in one of the best conference games of the year.

Down 21-7, Dantonio’s steel baby roared to a 29-21 lead off a 22-0 run, including a fake extra point play for a 2-point conversion.  Wide receivers Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham caught everything down the middle.

In the end, though, it wasn’t enough.  Wisconsin, the upperclass of the Big Ten, found its running lanes and took the championship, 42-39.  The 2012 Dantonio steel baby still has its chops, though.  Perhaps this year it’s ready to drain its tank into Pasadena.

KEY ADDITIONS: Junior wide receiver Bennie Fowler has been in the MSU program long enough to be considered an established upperclassman.  He qualifies as a key addition because of his absence in 2011.  Fowler only played in two games last season because of recurring foot injuries.  He caught two passes for 20 yards against Minnesota.

As a freshman in 2010, the 6’2” Michigan native showed promise while catching 14 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.  He also rushed on reverses seven times, scoring once and tallying 62 yards with a long dash of 22 yards.  New Spartan quarterback Andrew Maxwell will rely on Fowler considering the current void in pass-catching experience (see soft criticisms below).

KEY LOSSES: Jerely Worthy became one of the most unstoppable, fluid man-whales to play defensive tackle in the Big Ten in the past five years.  His 2011 statistics won’t make you gasp (31 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks), but consider that when he got his man, he was a crushing force.  Teams often ran the ball away from Worthy and put a double-team on the 300 pounder, creating opportunities for other defenders.

Worthy also had a swim move that would make Ryan Lochte smile.  Iowa fans will remember Worthy for being an Oscar-worthy flopper, as well as a great disruptor.  Georgia fans will remember him for (literally!) single-handedly ending the 2012 Outback Bowl with a blocked field goal in the third overtime, giving East Lansing the win.  Worthy skipped his senior year and is now bolstering Green Bay’s defensive line.

Also of note: Fan favorite quarterback Kirk Cousins and all-time leading pass catcher B.J. Cunningham are gone, as well as magical wide receiver Keith Nichol (Hail Mary deflection against Wisconsin, supreme lateral for touchdown in Big Ten title game), second-leading receiver Keshawn Martin, and dependable tight end Brian Linthicum.  Whoa nelly.

WHO WILL DELIVER IN 2012: The offensive line and the defense.  Incoming junior quarterback Andrew Maxwell needs time to throw to a batch of (mostly) new wide outs.  Convenient it is that he has four returning offensive linemen, including tackles Dan France and Fou Fonoti.  Experienced center Travis Jackson will give Maxwell and offensive coordinator Dan Roushar peace of mind.

This defense will be, once again, a real humdinger.  Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi turned down the Akron Zips head coaching job to stay at Michigan State.  With eight returning starters, the Spartan defense will rank as one of the conference’s best.  Last season, Michigan State ranked first in total defense and rushing defense in the conference as well as third in scoring (18.4 points per game allowed) and pass defense.

Note that they ranked in the top-twelve nationally in those four defensive categories.  The team returns their three starting linebackers in Max Bollough, Denicos Allen, and Chris Norman.  The reserves at each linebacking position are also game tested, giving Narduzzi excellent depth.  Denicos Allen and dinosaur defensive end William Gholston combined for 16 sacks last season.  Future NFL cornerback Johnny Adams also returns.

WHO WILL NOT: The unrecognizable wide receivers.  Michigan State is, fair to say, a talented and experienced team.  By the end of the year, the top five ball-catchers may be playing brilliant, polished ball.  For now, we at KRUI have to pick on a group.  Over 2,700 yards of catches are gone in Cunningham, Martin, Linthicum, and Nichol.

Running back Le’Veon Bell was the team’s third-leading reciever with 35 catches for 267 yards.  Bell will be the leading tailback this fall–like last season–so one can’t expect him to be the team’s main pass target.  Bennie Fowler may happily re-introduce himself as capable, but guys like Tony Lippett, Keith Mumphrey, and the Sims (tight end Dion and  receiver Andre, no relation) must rise to the occasion.  Though inexperienced, these youths have tremendous talent.

PREDICTIONS: Michigan State will know right away if it’s in decent shape.  The Spartans host Boise State on August 31st.  Boise State may not be the same super mid-major that they’ve been in the past few years, but Bronco head coach Chris Petersen is an elite leader.

The Legends division schedule for Sparty essentially comes down to a road game at Michigan.  Otherwise, State gets Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern at home.

A cross-over game at Wisconsin will be a challenge, but in this new split conference, divisional games are obviously of the highest importance.  Ten wins and another divisional championship seem realistic.

The post The Season Ahead: Michigan State appeared first on KRUI Radio.

A week after facing off against eventual Legends division champion Michigan State, a game in which the Hawkeyes committed three turnovers at critical moments and couldn’t stop Kirk Cousins’ wide receivers or Spartan running back Le’Veon Bell (20 rush, 112 yards, 1 touchdown), the Iowa Hawkeyes finally soothed their road rage in a 31-21 win over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Before last Saturday’s game at Purdue, concern simmered near boiling point in Iowa City after Iowa’s loosely played 37-21 loss to the Spartans.  In the Hawks first loss at home (and last home game) this season,  James Vandenberg threw a rare interception, resurgent defensive back and kick returner Jordan Bernstine inexplicably fumbled on a return, and the consistently suspect Iowa defense could not do enough in the first half to control the damage of Iowa’s turnovers.  Kirk Cousins took every opportunity given to him, throwing three first half touchdowns.

The second half started to look like an unlikely Hawkeye comeback, as Iowa closed the 31-7 halftime score to 34-21 on touchdowns by Marcus Coker and Marvin McNutt.

Any hopes of making the game competitive evaporated, however, when Zach Derby caught a pass inside the red zone and fumbled midway through the 4th quarter.  The Spartans took the third Iowa turnover of the game and marched down the field to kick a field goal, settling the 37-21 final score.

While Iowa committed three turnovers over the course of the game, Michigan State committed none.  The superior green-clad defense left Kinnick Stadium largely the same, stuffing Marcus Coker and draping over Vandenberg’s wide receivers.  It was evident that day that Iowa was not in the same league as Michigan State.

…

Fast forward a week, and Iowa’s trip to Purdue looked daunting.  While not particularly spectacular in one single area of play, the Boilermakers were playing at home and had upset Ohio State the week before, 26-23 in overtime.  At 5-4, Purdue sought to take advantage of a seemingly weak road competitor in Iowa and become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2007.  Questions hovered over the Hawkeye players’ willingness to turn the last two games of the season into worthwhile outings.  The “team identity” questions persisted, as Iowa had lost their last game at home by the widest margin since a 38-20 loss to Indiana in 2007.  Questions regarding Marvin McNutt, however, had been answered weeks before.  The senior wide receiver, Iowa’s all-timer, had left the Michigan State with his fourth straight 100-yard receiving game, and seventh of the season.

By the time it was all said and done Saturday at Purdue, Iowa’s “triplets” (Vandenberg, McNutt, and Coker) had their way and the Hawkeyes got their first road win of the year.  Vandenberg threw three touchdown passes, two to McNutt, and Coker blasted a short touchdown with 139 yards rushing.  McNutt finished the game with 151 yards receiving on 9 catches, his fifth straight 100-yard receiving game and eighth 100-yard receiving game overall.  The eight 100-yard receiving games is a decade high in the Big Ten.  McNutt now has 1240 season receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and every single-season and career record at Iowa except for all-time receptions (12 catches shy, chasing Derrell Johnson Koulianos) and single-season receptions (14 catches shy, chasing Kevin Kasper from 2000).

The Hawkeye defense played its best game of the year, forcing four turnovers and corralling Purdue’s backfield with 9 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.  Defensive linemen Mike Daniels (2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss) and Broderick Binns (7 tackles, 1 sack) played like desperate seniors,  eager to see Florida for the holidays.

The score could have been more in Iowa’s favor had the Hawks not turned the ball back over to Purdue after forcing a turnover on their opponents previous series.  In one such instance,  Tanner Miller’s interception at the two yard line certainly wiped itself of opportunity after James Vandenberg fumbled in his own end zone and Purdue recovered for a touchdown.  Iowa took a 21-14 lead into the half.

Iowa plugged its turnover leak in the second half and Marvin McNutt got his second touchdown of the game, catching a bobbling, 51-yard touchdown that was without question the Hawkeyes’ offensive play of the game.  And a bit of luck finally fell Iowa’s way, as well.  With a 31-21 lead and the game nearing end, quarterback and Miami transfer Robert Marve (and victim of two Tanner Miller interceptions) dove for the pylon to seemingly score a touchdown.  Upon review, however, the judges ruled that he fumbled onto the pylon.  Iowa received the ball in exchange–along with the win–served up nicely on the touchback platter.

Iowa (7-4, 4-3) now travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the Cornhuskers (8-3, 4-3) in the inaugural Heroes Game.  It’ll be the first time the teams have played since 2000.  The Hawkeyes and ‘Huskers had a two game series in ’99 and 2000, both games dominated by Nebraska.  It’s been an up and down year for Nebraska in its first year in the Big Ten.  The ‘Huskers are the only team to have beaten Legends division champion Michigan State, but they are coming off a 45-17 loss at Michigan last Saturday.  The praised “Blackshirt” defense of Nebraska has been at times dominant but largely inconsistent in a disappointing Big Ten debut.  At best, this game represents a contest for bowl positioning.  The game will be played on Friday, 11 a.m., on ABC.

Sam’s football viewing for Turkey consumers’ holiday:

Thursday: Packers at Lions, 11:30 a.m. central, Fox

…(there are other NFL games Thursday, all day, but this one is the best).

Friday: Iowa at Nebraska, 11 a.m. central, ABC

…(and other good NCAAF games).

Saturday: Penn State at Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. central, ESPN stations. 

…(Decides Leaders division champion.  Winner plays Michigan State a week later for Big Ten title, and other good NCAAF games like Ohio State at Michigan).

Sunday: More NFL

4 days, likely 6,450 mg of sodium consumed.

The post Hawkeyes get a win in the white jersey appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Tomorrow at Kinnick Stadium, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans will duel for crucial positioning in the Legends division of the Big Ten–hoping to clear the air of a foggy and inconclusive race in their respective division.  The Spartans sit in considerably the best position in the division, having lost their first conference game two weeks ago at Nebraska.  With one divisional loss and no non-divisional losses, the Spartans (7-2 overall, 4-1 in conference) hold an armored upper hand on three teams behind them that boast a 3-2 conference record: Nebraska, Iowa, and Michigan.

After the 24-3 loss to the Cornhuskers on October 29th, it appeared that Big Red was in control.  They had only one loss in conference, a wretched but non-divisional 48-7 defeat at Wisconsin.  That all changed last Saturday when resurgent Northwestern won 28-25 at Memorial Stadium, stunning Husker fans and further muddying the Legends division race.

For Michigan State, the aim is simple: beat Iowa for some conference separation, go home to face the meek Indiana Hoosiers (the scare of Ohio State aside), and then finish the year at revived–albeit still defensively vulnerable–Northwestern.

For Iowa, the goal is to clench the figurative fist ’til knuckles turn white and hope to win every game.  That’s really the only way the Hawkeyes can make it to Indianapolis for the inaugural Big Ten title game.  That, and playing better than they have for most of the year.

After the agonizing and inexcusable loss to Minnesota, the Hawkeyes’ desperate, urgent quest to Indianapolis began with a showdown against Michigan last Saturday.  Like Indiana Jones in the final scenes of “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,” the Hawkeyes “got penitent,” dropping low in the trenches and dodging the beheading buzz saw of Michigan, winning 24-16.  Tomorrow, the Hawks must walk with tender foot over the fragile stones of Michigan State’s trap, spelling “V-I-C-T-O-R-Y” along the way.  Next, Iowa must take the “leap of faith,” winning their first road game of the season at flawed but dangerous Purdue, followed by their last test: winning at the unfamiliar house of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium.  If everything goes as planned and Iowa wins out, an ancient knight will greet the Hawks in the locker room and tell them, “You played wisely.”  You see, movies make us understand things better.  Pressing on.

Solving the Michigan State riddle will be no easy exam for Kirk Ferentz and his players.  The Michigan State defense, despite a few substandard games (that’s playing below their standards), still ranks among the elite within the landscape of all college teams.  The team ranks second in the nation in total defense, and leads the conference in passing defense.  Lead by giant tackle Jerel Worthy and end William Gholston, the Spartans are second in the conference in run defense.  They are eighth in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 16 points per game.

They will strive for victory despite a twofold challenge: winning at Kinnick and slowing some of the nation’s most elite offensive players.  The Spartans haven’t won at Kinnick Stadium since 1989 (they won, 17-14, and Iowa finished that year 5-6).  Last year at Kinnick, MSU crumpled 37-6 after entering the game 8-0.  Blame it on the pink toilets.  Iowa is 6-0 at home this year.  The pink toilets still remain.

Marcus Coker is averaging 122.3 yards per game, which leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth nationally.  He has the most rushing yards of all backs nationwide  since October 15th (647 yards).  James Vandenberg is second in the conference in passing yards (2,089) and touchdowns (18).  Wide receiver Marvin McNutt is twelfth in the nation in receiving yards (959, second in conference to A.J. Jenkins), and has six 100-yard receiving games this year, including three straight entering Saturday.  He is closing in on multiple career and single-season records at Iowa, including single-season receiving yards (1,037, Keith Chappelle), single-season touchdowns (has 9, needs 2 to tie record Maurice Brown set in ’02), and career receiving yards.  He already has the record for career touchdown receptions (25).

Before last Saturday’s 24-16 win over Michigan, Iowa’s defense had been a sieve of yards and a liability.  It shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as Michigan State’s unit, but did hold Michigan well under its season averages in points, rushing yards, and total yards.  The Hawk defense also forced multiple turnovers.  Saturday, they will attempt to do the same to Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins (1989 yards, 13 touchdowns, 5 interceptions).  Last year, Cousins threw 3 interceptions in the loss, with one being returned for a long touchdown.  On the ground, the Spartans are lead by Le’Veon Bell (528 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Edwin Baker (492 yards, 2 touchdowns).  B.J. Cunningham leads the team in receiving yards (51 receptions, 827 yards, 3 touchdowns).

Final Thoughts

If Iowa wants to win this game and move on to the next battle of what is essentially a playoff to the title game, the fans at Kinnick must be energized to the point of foaming-at-the-mouth delirium.  This is a big game, and must be treated as such.  Michigan State is 1-2 on the road this year.  Their one win came at Ohio State–an elite, rare win in a tough environment.  However, Ohio State was dealing with serious offensive ineptitude at the time, and MSU’s defensive prowess has diminished somewhat in the past few games.  Iowa is a different team at home behind a pro-Hawk crowd, and the Spartans–for whatever reason–have come up short at Kinnick for more than twenty years.  Expect a close game throughout (not a repeat of last year), with Cousins making a late-game mistake to give the Hawkeyes the win.

Iowa 27, MSU 23

The post A few informative parcels on Michigan State vs. Iowa appeared first on KRUI Radio.