Iowa-Michigan State Big Ten Matchup to Feature Battle of Running Backs

The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 0-1 in the Big Ten) roll into East Lansing this Saturday for an 11 a.m. CT matinee against the Michigan State Spartans (4-1, 1-0 in the Big Ten). This will be the Hawks’ biggest challenge yet, as the high-powered Spartans offense has averaged 31 points per game this season. Iowa’s stingy defense, anchored by Matt Kroul and Mitch King, has given up only 45 points over the first five games. The key matchup will be Spartans’ running back Javon Ringer against Iowa’s defensive line. Ringer, who rushed for almost 200 yards in his last game, leads the country in rushing with 897 yards. He also leads the country with 12 touchdowns. The Hawkeyes will counter with their own powerful running back. Shonn Greene is second in the conference in running yards behind Ringer. Greene left last Saturday’s game three minutes into the fourth quarter with a head injury, and the Hawks turned to a one-dimensional passing game in his absence. Greene is listed as the ... (link)