A quick look at MSU’s games vs. Iowa, @ Michigan, and vs. Indiana
Coming off a difficult second quarter of the schedule at Boston College, Ohio State, and a Friday night game at Oregon, it doesn’t get much easier here, but at least all three games are in the state of Michigan. The Spartans host Iowa for homecoming, face the 2023 national champions* in Ann Arbor, and then host Indiana in the battle for the Old Brass Spittoon.
October 19 – Iowa (home)
October 26 – Michigan (away)
November 2 – Indiana (home)
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IOWA
The Spartans begin the second half of their season by hosting Iowa for homecoming. The Hawkeyes finished 2023 with a 10-4 record and won the Big Ten West division title. The season ended on a disappointing note, however, as Iowa was shutout by a combined score of 61-0 in the Big Ten title game against Michigan and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl vs. Tennessee. Iowa did beat MSU 26-16 in Iowa City last year, after MSU led going into the fourth quarter and outgained the Hawkeyes 349-222. Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara, a Michigan transfer who played extremely well against the Spartans in MSU’s victory against the Wolverines in 2021, was injured in this game.
Even before the McNamara injury, it’s an understatement to say the Hawkeye’s offense was a struggle in 2023, ranking dead last in total offense of the 130 FBS teams. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk, was let go after the season and replaced by former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester. The Hawkeyes do return 9 starters on offense from last year, including McNamara. It seems unlikely that we’d ever see a wide open offense from a Kirk Ferentz team but there is nowhere to go but up for Iowa on this side of the ball.
Defense has always been Iowa’s strength and coordinator Phil Parker is the longest tenured defensive coordinator in the country. Nine starters also return from the 2023 team that ranked fourth in the country in total defense. It will be interesting to see how the new look Spartans’ offense fares against Iowa’s traditionally strong defense when they face off on October 19.
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MICHIGAN
Spartan fans are no doubt familiar with Michigan’s story last year. The Wolverines are credited with a 15-0 record, beating Ohio State for the third year in a row, winning the Big Ten, being selected for the college football playoff, and topping Alabama and Washington en route to the national championship. However, this all occurred while being investigated for recruiting violations and a sign stealing scandal. The Spartans suffered an embarrassing 49-0 beat down to Michigan in the first game after the sign stealing allegations became public. Coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for six games of the 2023 season while offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore had to sit out the season opener. After claiming the national championship, Harbaugh bolted for the NFL, taking several assistants with him, while Moore was promoted to head coach.
Along with Harbaugh and three coaches that followed him to the LA Chargers, the Wolverines lost a lot of talent on both sides of the ball after the 2023 season. Only one offensive starter returns and it seems like the quarterback position may still be undecided. With JJ McCarthy off to the Minnesota Vikings, Alex Orjii may be expected to start but could get competition from graduate student and Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle and highly rated true freshman Jadyn Davis.
Michigan returns three starters from last year’s team that ranked #1 in total defense, and they are all expected to be major contributors again this year. Tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant anchor what is expected to be an excellent defensive line. Cornerback Will Johnson should lead the secondary. Safety Rod Moore also returns but, unfortunately, may not play a snap after tearing his ACL in spring practice.
While always contentious, after “tunnelgate” in 2022 and Michigan’s indiscretions and everything that went on last year, the Spartan fanbase’s ill will toward the Wolverines may be at an all-time high. Jonathan Smith has stressed the importance of the Michigan rivalry but has not called out Michigan like Mark Dantonio did after taking over the Spartans in 2007, famously saying MSU would “measure up” to the Wolverines. After everything that’s happened since 2021, Spartan fans are probably eager to see their team measure up again.
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INDIANA
The Hoosiers are coming off a disappointing 3-9 season, including a 24-21 loss to MSU in Bloomington on November 18. After some earlier success at Indiana, head coach Tom Allen was let go and replaced by Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Cignetti posted a 52-9 mark at JMU, including 19-4 in 2022 and 2023 – the program’s first two years at the FBS level.
On offense, the Hoosiers are led by left tackle Carter Smith, who started every game last year. Offensive lineman Matt Katic and wide receiver Donovan McCulley also return. Several players followed Cignetti from James Madison including receiver Elijah Sarratt, lineman Tyler Stephens, tight end Zach Horton, and running back Kaelon Black, who led JMU in rushing last year. Indiana is also experiencing competition at the quarterback position. Former MAC offensive player of the year Kurtis Rourke from Ohio University may be under center for Indiana this year but could be pushed by a couple of true freshmen in 4 star Tyler Cherry and former JMU commit Alberto Mendoza.
On defense, Cignetti brought coordinator Bryant Haines with him from JMU. Last year the Dukes allowed only 19.5 points per game and 2.62 yards per rush. Several defensive players also came to Bloomington from James Madison, including the projected starting linebackers Aidan Fisher and Jailin Walker. In addition to several Dukes’ players transferring to Indiana, the Hoosiers also picked up other transfers from the Sun Belt conference, including two safeties from Old Dominion and a linebacker from Troy.
Two programs looking to rebound with new coaches and plenty of new faces on their rosters will go against each other for one of college football’s most interesting trophies on November 2.