College Football: Michigan State vs. Iowa, Missouri vs. Nebraska
By Ty Duffy
For MSU-Iowa, look at the FBS resumes using FEI ratings.
Michigan State: Wisc(16) Ill(35) Mich(43) ND(57) NW (65) W. Mich(75) F. Atl(91)
Iowa: Mich(43) Penn State(70) Iowa St(81) Ball State(108) Arizona (15) Wisconsin (16)
Iowa has played a more impressive collection of teams. Michigan State has beaten a more impressive collection of teams. Many expected the Hawkeyes to be elite. Have they proven it? The Iowa defense has never seemed as imposing as the talent up front would suggest. It’s tough to win back to back games on the road in the Big Ten, especially in Kinnick Stadium, but Michigan State, with or without Chris Rucker, is more than capable of pulling off the upset.
The game-worn jerseys against Texas were not a shrewd value buy. Nebraska’s offense rebounded against Oklahoma State, because the Cowboys are ranked 97th in total defense and 115th against the pass. Texas was the only team in the Top 64 defensive Nebraska has faced and it was an absolute debacle. They have not proven they can beat a top-flight defense and Missouri has one.
Missouri’s key will be stopping Taylor Martinez. Texas asphyxiated him by spying both defensive ends. Missouri used Aldon Smith in a similar tactic against Illinois. Though, Martinez should present more of a threat than Scheelhaase.
The BCS should be rooting for both Michigan State and Missouri. Neither is a traditional power. Both were unranked at the beginning of the season. Both would have earned their way, going undefeated through reputable schedules. Either team making the title game would be a strong argument the BCS works.