Iowa Wins on Last-Second TD Pass

Iowa’s Big Ten fate came down to a 4th and goal from the 7 yard line with 2 seconds left in the game. 

Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi was able to hook up with receiver Marvin McNutt for a TD as time expired to give Iowa a 15-13 victory over the Michigan State Spartans.  The win gives Iowa its first 8-0 start in school history and a 4-0 record in the Big Ten.  The Hawkeyes are now 6th in the BCS standings.

The game’s scoring only consisted of field goals until midway through the fourth quarter.  Michigan State’s Blair White was on the receiving end of a 30-yard TD pass from Kirk Cousins, giving the Spartans the lead 13-9.  But Stanzi, who was not very effective throughout the game (11 of 27 for 138 yards), led the Hawkeyes a the game-winning drive that covered 70 yards. 

Adam Robinson provided a strong ground game for Iowa, gaining 108 yards in the game despite their limited success in the passing game.  By contrast, MSU gained 225 yards passing.  But neither team could move the ball consistently enough to put points on the board.  In a defense dominated game, Iowa had to be favored – and in the end they did just enough to survive this game.