Photos: Jeffrey Becker ~ Imagn Images
IOWA CITY ~ Michigan State looked ready to end its Big Ten skid, but Iowa had other plans. Senior kicker Drew Stevens drilled a 44-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Hawkeyes to a 20-17 win Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to erase a 10-point deficit, improving to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. The Spartans fell to 0-8 in conference play and 2-9 overall, despite leading for most of the second half.
The game opened with a spark from Iowa’s special teams. Senior wide receiver Kaden Wetjen returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Hawkeyes an early 7-0 lead. Michigan State answered late in the half with a 27-yard field goal from freshman kicker Martin Connington, trimming the deficit to 7-3 at halftime. Both defenses controlled the pace early, with Iowa forcing an interception and holding MSU to just 80 rushing yards before the break.
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(CONTINUED)Momentum swung Michigan State’s way in the third quarter. Freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic connected twice with junior wide recevier Chrishon McCray for touchdowns, a 45-yard strike and a 5-yard score, as the Spartans built a 17-7 lead. Milivojevic finished 25-of-42 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Senior tight end Jack Velling led MSU with eight catches for 88 yards, while McCray added six receptions for 75 yards and both scores.
After the loss, junior linebacker Jordan Hall reflected on the team’s effort and leadership. “It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but I’m having fun with these guys,” Hall said. “We fought hard all game. We knew it was going to come down to us making a stop at the end , just wasn’t able to get it done.” Hall credited defensive coordinator Joe Rossi for the unit’s improvement: “Coach Rossi’s energy has boosted us a lot. We love each other. We’re frustrated, but we want to play for each other.” On his third-quarter fumble recovery, Hall added: “It kind of just bounced my way. That was huge.” Despite the disappointment, Hall vowed the team will keep fighting: “We’ve got one more game left. We’ll show up tomorrow and get back to work.”
