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Michigan State set for Big Ten Championship game

“I think the biggest thing is to be hungry, no matter the circumstances of win or loss”, senior defensive tackle Joel Heath said.

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That’s fine with the Hawkeyes.

In the past three seasons, including this one, the Spartans have won 35 games, a Big Ten championship, a Rose Bowl championship and a Cotton Bowl. “Obviously have a lot of respect for him as a football coach”.

“So in theory, that’s what we’re trying to do, too”. If Cook has an error-free game, the Spartans should win. Our team has done a nice job of that. His response – “I hope not”.

On Saturday night, you’ll see just how good Iowa is at being, well, Iowa.

Blythe is expected to make the 48th start for Iowa since debuting as the Hawkeyes’ starting right guard as a redshirt freshman in 2012, while Allen is scheduled to make his 46th start for the Spartans.

Knowing who they are, the fairly similar set to ram into each other, much like the Big Ten the country long knew. Weve played in a lot of big-time games and weve had a lot of great moments, ” Cook said. “We’re going to do what we do, and they’re going to do what they do”.

No. 5 Michigan State prides itself on stopping the run, finishing in the top 25 nationally in rush defense five times in the last six seasons.

Two of a kind, one will realize his long-term goals Saturday. They did not meet during the 2015 regular season.

The Big Ten has a playoff spot locked up as its title game functions as a national championship quarterfinal.

Iowa will look to earn its spot in the College Football Playoff with a win in this weekend’s Big Ten Championship game. Beathard is 13-0 as a starter, including one start in 2014, and has 14 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.

But since then, Beathard has joined recent Heisman Trophy winners Jameis Winston and Cam Newton in a select group of quarterbacks who’ve started their careers 13-0.

That reflects the Tar Heels’ disrespected schedule that includes two teams from the Football Championship Subdivision, North Carolina A&T and Delaware.

While there are plenty of differences between these two teams, they share similarities as well. The Hawkeyes have been effective running the ball, but teams have been able to get pressure on the quarterback, which could bode well for Calhoun. Certainly it fits both these teams. The real debate will be whether or not they or the Buckeyes deserve to go to Pasadena.

So, just how similar are these teams? Kickoff is at 7:17 p.m. (CT) on FOX from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Undefeated Iowa is the opponent this time, with the victor likely getting a bid to the college football playoffs. We both deem defense to be important. He did admit to watching all of the previous Big Ten title games from his home.

Michigan State fans have around a 250-mile from East Lansing to Indianapolis.

Couple that with the fact Iowa has given up a third of its total passing yards over the course of the last three games, and this should be an advantage for MSU. He’s also not afraid to take off with the ball and run. Canzeri rushed for 964 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

For most of the final month of the season, Michigan State has essentially been in playoff mode.

Howard played just nine games this season as he battled injuries, but he finished second in the conference in rushing yards per game with 134.8, and third in yards per carry with 6.2.

-DB Desmond King was named first-team All-Big Ten this week after leading the conference and sharing the national lead in interceptions with eight.

Iowa makes its first appearance, which shows an experience gap for playing on this stage. It’s also going to crown a Big Ten champion.

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REWRITING HISTORY: The Spartans have emerged as a perennial Big Ten contender, winning major bowls each of the past two seasons. “Michigan State is a good program with good coaches and players”.

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports