Iowa and Michigan State put perfect records on the line in Big Ten opener originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans kick off their Big Ten schedules on Tuesday night, and it is already one of the most interesting early conference games of the season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA surprising showdown to start conference play
Both teams arrive at 7-0, which few people expected when the year began. Now the first league matchup doubles as a chance for each side to prove its hot start is real.
Iowa enters with a new coach, a new identity and a very different reputation from the past few years. Michigan State rolls in looking more experienced, more connected and more confident than last season. The matchup in East Lansing will be the only meeting between these two programs during the regular season.
Iowa builds an unexpected identity
The Hawkeyes were not picked to be a contender this season, but first year coach Ben McCollum has quickly changed the way the team plays. Iowa is no longer strictly an offense first group. Instead, the Hawkeyes have been winning by guarding people.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOpponents are averaging just over 61 points a game, which is a massive shift from the high scoring, low defense years under Fran McCaffery. McCollum has made it clear that his team needs to handle nights when shots do not fall, and so far his group has answered that challenge. Iowa has won tight games, low scoring games and physical games.
Senior guard Bennett Stirtz has been the driving force. After transferring from Drake, he has stepped right into a lead role, averaging nearly 19 points with strong outside shooting. He was named MVP of the Acrisure Classic after carrying Iowa past Ole Miss and Grand Canyon. Stirtz brings toughness and shot making that Iowa leaned on heavily in November.
Now the challenge becomes finding that same rhythm against Michigan State’s pressure and length.
Michigan State leans on experience and toughness
Michigan State was expected to be good, but going unbeaten through a schedule that included Arkansas, Kentucky and North Carolina says a lot about this group’s growth. The Spartans were a tough postseason team last year, and that carries over into how they play now.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPoint guard Jeremy Fears has been one of the biggest developments. He leads the nation in assists while still scoring at a reliable clip. He has taken control of the offense and looks much more confident than he did a season ago.
Forwards Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have also made major leaps. Kohler is nearly averaging a double double, and Cooper’s interior defense has been a big reason Michigan State is holding teams below 62 points a game. Coach Tom Izzo has stressed that this team wins through toughness and chemistry more than pure talent.
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That approach has paid off so far, especially in close games against strong competition.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat to watch in the Big Ten opener
Both teams defend extremely well, so this could turn into a grind. Iowa wants to prove its unbeaten record is not the result of an easy schedule. Michigan State wants to show that its strong nonconference run was no fluke.
Iowa relies heavily on Stirtz. Michigan State relies on balance. Iowa has built a new identity. Michigan State has tightened the identity it already had.
Two undefeated teams meet in a game that could set the tone for the early Big Ten race.
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