Prater named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Shaun Prater picked up his first POTW award for his performance on Saturday. Sure, he gave up what seemed like 100 slants, but actually had a really solid game. Prater had 10 tackles, 7 of those solo. He had a big interception when Michigan State was deep Iowa's territory that he returned 42 yards setting up the Hawkeyes 4th score to go up 23-0. He also had an assisted TFL and a pass breakup.

Stanzi one of the Manning Award Stars of the Week
Along with Michigan's Denard Robinson, Ricky Stanzi was recognized as one of the Manning Award Stars of the Week. On Saturday, Stanzi was 11/15 for 190 yards and 3 TDs leading Iowa to an impressive win over Michigan State.

Iowa is the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Nation Team of the Week
The Hawkeyes were nationally recognized for their dominating win over the previously undefeated and 5th-ranked Michigan State Spartans. The TOTW is awarded by the Football Writers Association of America, and it is the second time Iowa has earned this recognition (this first coming over another undefeated, top 5 team--Penn State in 2008).

Saturday night following Iowa's big win over Michigan State, I went on SportTalkSoup, an internet radio show, to share my thoughts on the game. Speaking articulately, especially on my feet, is not necessarily one of my strengths, but I gave it a whirl. I'm pretty sure I got side tracked on a few questions, and confused the host about my Big Ten champion prediction. Anyway, if you're bored at work today or something, give it a listen. The segment I'm on starts a little before the 28th minute mark.

Listen here: Me on SportTalkSoup

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Catch SportsTalkSoup every Friday or Saturday night to get your Soup of the Day and to catch the GodFather and the family build up their show to become the best in the business, while keeping an eye on all the movements in the sports world. So, remember if you want all your sports news at your fingertips, you need to make sure you have a fresh cup of SportsTalkSoup every Friday or Saturday night.

The first thing that stuck out to me looking at the drive chart was the dominance of Iowa's defense. Michigan State had 6 three-and-outs and 8 drives of less than 10 yards. The Spartans 4 drives that were over 10 yards resulted in 2 interceptions, a turnover on down, and their lone touchdown. Iowa on the other hand, had just 2 three-and-outs and was basically unstoppable until they went more conservative late in the game. Field position also greatly favored the Hawkeyes with an average starting position around their 37 yard-line, while Michigan State average starting position was their 21.

FULL SCREEN VERSION

A week after playing sloppy mistake laden football against Wisconsin, Iowa responded with its sharpest and most complete performance of the season dismantling Michigan State. Balanced and efficient offense: check; smothering and opportunistic defense: check; solid and mostly mistake-free special teams: check. Iowa was ready to execute in all phases of the game and looked like a team with something to prove. Now a week after a heart-breaking loss in which the doom and gloom, season over, 7-5 type of thoughts started coming out, Iowa is back in position to at least share a conference title.

Stanzi and Robinson do it again

Iowa's offense didn't really need to do a lot. They had a short field much of the day thanks to the defense (and somewhat the special teams). As a result, the stats are overly impressive. Stanzi threw for less than 200 yards for the first time this year and Robinson only had 69 rushing yards. But yardage is not the only measure of success.

Stanzi had extremely efficient once again (and closed the gap on BSU's Kellen Moore as the nation leader in passing efficiency) going 11/15 for 190 yards with 3 TDs and no INTs. He once again started the game very well. He went 4/4 on the 12 play, 80 yard drive that started the game, and finished the first half 8/10 for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He was also very good moving in the pocket to avoid blitzing Spartans while keeping his head up and eyes moving to find open receivers down the field.

Robinson had a big first half, and for the first time in weeks got to rest on the bench while Marcus Coker got some reps. Robinson actually accounted for less than half of Iowa total rushing attempts! He still have 69 yards on the ground and his first career receiving touchdown...a 32-yard catch on a wheel route in which he ran right by super-Spartan Greg Jones. Robinson also owned Jones on a couple other plays including a run that he made Jones miss using a spin move, and a monster block that he put on Jones during Ricky Stanzi's 26-yard scramble for a big first down.

The need to know
What: Iowa vs. Michigan State
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
When: 2:30 PM
TV: ABC/ESPN (Coverage Map)

Iowa injury report
Out: Jewel Hampton (torn ACL), Bruce Davis (torn ACL), Jason White (sprained knee)
Questionable: Jeff Tarpinian (stinger), Jeremiha Hunter (knee)
Probable: Troy Johnson (minor undisclosed injury)

Key to the game
(I apologize in advance for the terrible Halloween references)

Trick or Treat: Michigan State likes to run fakes and trick plays probably more than any other team in the Big Ten and Coach Dantonio has no problem calling for the high risk trick for the highly rewarding treat. With Iowa's vulnerability on covering fakes, I expect Iowa to be in punt safe, field goal safe, everything safe all day. Don't expect the defense to come off the field until the ball is securely in the offense's hands. However, Northwestern was in punt safe last weekend when Michigan State pulled off a fake punt that was part of a big comeback, so the corner backs are going to need to be on high alert at all times.

Beast mode: Michigan State's offensive line is probably weaker than the others that Iowa has faced in the Big Ten. The defensive line needs to take advantage of that and play like the beasts that they have been touted as. QB Kirk Cousins is a pocket passer and is very efficient when he has time to scan the field. Iowa needs to put pressure on him and get him out of his comfort zone. Unlink many of the other quarterbacks Iowa has faced this year, he is not going to beat you with his feet.

Iowa's defensive line also needs to be disruptive against the run, especially with the likely very inexperienced linebacking corps behind them. Michigan State has struggled to establish the run the past couple of weeks against Illinois and Northwestern. If the d-line doesn't control the line of scrimmage, the Michigan State has a trio of running backs (Baker, Bell, and Caper) that can punish Iowa.

BRAAIINS: Iowa doesn't want to act like zombies at all, but will need to use their brains better than last weekend. Iowa can't afford to make similar mental errors to those made last week. Iowa needs to limit the penalties (especially in key situations), win the turnover battle (which they actually did win last week), not fall for fakes, and if necessary manage the clock effectively.

Prediction

• Iowa will give MSU a dose of its own medicine, using a trick play to provide a big spark.
• The defense registers 3 sacks and pressure on Cousins forces an interception.
• Stanzi continues to be extremely effective and connects with DJK for 2 more TDs bringing their total to 10 for the year.
• Adam Robinson goes for 100 yards for the 3rd straight game and 6th time this season.

Final Score: Iowa 28 - Michigan State 23