The Iowa Hawkeyes tried to piece a second-half rally together.
Instead, Michigan State (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) just wouldn’t let Iowa (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) climb all the way back.
The Spartans topped the Hawkeyes on Saturday night, 32-20. It was Michigan State’s first win over Iowa since 2017 and thwarted the Hawkeyes’ hopes of winning in East Lansing for the first time since 2012.
Iowa had just 58 yards of total offense in the first half as the Hawkeyes trailed 12-0 at halftime.
Iowa managed to get the offense jumpstarted in the second half with a touchdown pass to freshman receiver Reece Vander Zee and touchdown runs from junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan and junior running back Kaleb Johnson.
Michigan State had a response at every turn, though.
“Second half we started getting a little traction and made a couple adjustments like I said, but even when we were getting within striking distance, they always had a response and an answer. They had it tough for us,” Ferentz said.
Iowa will head back to the drawing board as it readies to face Northwestern this coming Saturday.
In the meantime, here’s a look back at Iowa’s loss at Michigan State through these captivating photos.