Michigan State football: Final score predictions vs. Iowa

It’s hard to believe that Michigan State football is riding a three-game losing streak because the season doesn’t quite feel lost like it did in the past two years when Mel Tucker and Harlon Barnett were in charge after losing streaks.

Jonathan Smith has this program trending in the right direction and don’t let that .500 record fool you — this team is improving.

Michigan State will be hosting an Iowa team on Saturday night that sits at 4-2 on the year with a couple of losses against top-15 teams. The Hawkeyes are also led by a familiar face as Cade McNamara is the quarterback and he’s been playing fairly well after missing the 2023 campaign.

This is the perfect game for Michigan State to stop the bleeding and start the second half of the year on a high note. A win over Iowa on Saturday night to improve to 4-3 and begin the second half of the year 1-0 is critical for the bowl push.

Will Michigan State beat Iowa and get back into the win column? Our staff has spoken.

Connor Muldowney: Michigan State is going to play well defensively and we’ll see some of the best Aidan Chiles yet. The game ends on a Charles Brantley pick of Cade McNamara. Sound familiar? Michigan State wins 24-20.

Emmett Matasovsky: The Spartans are facing one of their toughest defensive challenges remaining on the season, along with the best RB (Kaleb Johnson) they’ll see all year. That does not inspire me for a Homecoming upset. I think the Spartans look better than they did their last two games, but the Iowa defense is too stifling. Iowa wins 24-14.

Chris Norman: Jonathan Smith decides he will not let anything associated with Michigan beat him. Cade McNamara takes the L before Hate Week. The Spartans win 24-21.

MSU Daily: I see a low-scoring classic Big Ten battle in Spartan Stadium. The defenses will dominate but the key will be a zero-turnover game for Aidan Chiles and the offense. Michigan State 17, Iowa 14.

Anthony Garvert: Off a bye week MSU comes rested and focused. Both teams grind it out in trying to move the ball but a Jack Velling TD is the difference. Michigan State 17, Iowa 10.

MilkManMSU: I think Chiles keeps making risky throws but the bye week gods will be on our side. No pick. Spartans roll. Michigan State 27, Iowa 14.

Owen Schuchaskie: Nick Marsh and Jack Velling both have big games as Chiles has arguably his breakout game as a spartan with zero turnovers. Chuck Brantley picks off Cade McNamara in classic fashion but the run defense gives up two touchdowns to Kaleb Johnson. Michigan State 17, Iowa 14.

Joey Shaver: Iowa 20, Michigan State 17

Zack Theis: Iowa 24, Michigan State 20

Maxwell Klitzke: Michigan State 24, Iowa 19