Jonathan Smith's Michigan State football falls apart again in Iowa loss

IOWA CITY, IA − New game, same story for Michigan State football.

The Spartans lost their eighth straight game on Saturday, Nov. 22, against Iowa, 20-17, in a game that was a snooze fest early in Iowa City and then got spicy in the second half.

Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic took a beating all afternoon as his offensive line struggled to block Iowa's front, but he fought valiantly and stayed in the game despite taking hit after hit.

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He led the team to just three points in the first half, but after punting on the first drive of the second half, the game turned when MSU forced a fumble and recovered it in Iowa territory. Two plays later, the Spartans were in the end zone, thanks to a dime from Milivojevic to wide receiver Chrishon McCray for a 45-yard touchdown pass.

MSU then forced a three-and-out before putting together an impressive 11-play drive to take a controlling 17-7 lead.

Then, it looked like the same movie MSU fans have seen all too often the last few years. The MSU defense, which had stood tall all day, allowed its first touchdown with just 1:29 to play to tie the game, 17-17.

When MSU couldn't score on their final drive, Iowa got the ball back with under 40 seconds left and drove the field again to win.

This story will be updated.

Contact Chris Solari:[email protected]. Follow him @chrissolari.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State, Jonathan Smith lose eighth straight vs Iowa