The Michigan State Spartans and Iowa Hawkeyes meet Saturday in week 5 college football action at Kinnick Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview

The Michigan State Spartans look for their first road win to get above a .500 record. Michigan State has lost 6 of its last 7 road games. Noah Kim is completing 56.9 percent of his passes for 897 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Jaron Glover and Christian Fitzpatrick have combined for 369 receiving yards on 16 catches, while Tre Mosley has 13 receptions. The Michigan State Spartans ground game is averaging 111 yards per contest, and Nathan Carter leads the way with 369 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Michigan State is allowing 23.3 points and 371.8 yards per game. Malik Spencer leads the Michigan State Spartans with 26 tackles, Aaron Brule has 2 sacks and Jaden Mangham has 1 interception.

Michigan State Spartans Team Facts

• Michigan State has won four of its last five road openers as an underdog.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of Michigan State’s last five games.
• Michigan State has lost the first half in six of its last seven road games against conference opponents.
• Seven of Michigan State’s last eight road games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes look for their third home win to improve to 4-1 on the year. Iowa has won 5 of its last 7 home games. Cade McNamara is completing 50.6 percent of his passes for 459 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Luke Lachey and Erick All have combined for 247 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Seth Anderson has 4 receptions. The Iowa Hawkeyes ground game is averaging 118.5 yards per contest, and Leshon Williams leads the way with 173 yards on 25 carries. Defensively, Iowa is allowing 17 points and 313.8 yards per game. Jay Higgins leads the Iowa Hawkeyes with 50 tackles, Deontae Craig has 1 sack and Sebastian Castro has 1 interception.

Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts

• Iowa has won 14 of its last 15 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Iowa has covered the spread in 10 of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Seven of Iowa’s last eight home games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.

Randy’s Pick

The Iowa Hawkeyes are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home, but they’re one of the worst offensive teams in CFB. Iowa is ranked 131st in total offense and 108th in scoring offense, and was just shutout last week against Penn State. The Michigan State Spartans have fallen off as a program, but they still compete defensively, and their passing attack is top-50 in the country. This feels like an ugly defensive Big Ten battle. I’ll grab my points with Sparty on the road.