Iowa football: 5 numbers that stood out in Hawkeyes’ 32-20 loss vs Michigan State

Just when it seemed this Iowa football team had patched up several important holes, another wave of problems arrived Saturday night.

The final product was a 32-20 dud at Michigan State, a game in which the Hawkeyes struggled offensively but played even worse defensively. MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles torched Iowa’s banged-up secondary time and time again and had two 100-yard receivers to tout afterward.

Per usual, there were noteworthy numbers all over the box score. Here are five figures that stand out from Iowa’s ugly loss.

0…as in Michigan State punted zero times, a first for an Iowa opponent since 2013

It’s quite the baffling stat considering how much importance Iowa places on defensive disruption. Michigan State went up and down the field on the Hawkeyes with little resistance.

The Spartans scored on eight of their 10 drives, minus the final kneel-down, including earning points on four consecutive possessions in the second half. The last time an Iowa opponent didn’t punt was Ohio State in 2013, a 34-24 Buckeyes win.

100…as in Iowa yielded 100 receiving yards to two Michigan State wide receivers, including a career day from Montorie Foster Jr.

A banged-up Iowa secondary took an injury hit pregame with Sebastian Castro out, then took one in-game with safety Koen Entringer going down. Couple those issues with Iowa’s cornerback problems opposite Jermari Harris, and Michigan State found an easy route to success.

Wide receiver Nick Marsh hauled in eight catches for 113 yards, while Montorie Foster Jr. racked up five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. His 18-yard score put the Hawkeyes in a 19-7 hole late in the third quarter after Iowa finally found the end zone.

It was the first 100-yard game of Foster’s career, which dates back to the 2020 season. That’s the kind of history Iowa’s defense isn’t used to aiding.

468…as in Iowa surrendered 468 total yards, the most since Wisconsin in 2019

Iowa’s impressive streak of not allowing 400 total yards ended two games ago at Ohio State. Now, the Hawkeyes have done it again.

Michigan State rolled up 468 total yards, the most for any Iowa foe since Wisconsin had 473 total yards in its 24-22 win on Nov. 9, 2019. That game featured NFL running back Jonathan Taylor scampering for 250 yards.

Michigan State split its production pretty evenly with 256 passing yards and 212 rushing yards. The Spartans ran 70 plays to Iowa’s 46 while piling up 305 yards on first down alone. Not a winning formula for the Hawkeyes or anyone else.

196…as in Michigan State threw for 196 yards on first downs

Overall, Chiles was 15-for-17 for 196 yards on first downs. The Spartans averaged 8.7 yards and scored both of their touchdowns on first down as well.

What does that mean? More evidence showing how much Iowa played catch-up the entire way Saturday. The Hawkeyes rarely kept Michigan State off schedule with early-down disruptions, thus leading to several lengthy scoring drives throughout the game.

6…as in Kaleb Johnson now has six touchdowns of 25-plus yards this season

Johnson’s 75-yard scoring scamper kept Iowa afloat late as he added to his incredible junior season with another highlight run.

Overall, Johnson finished with 98 rushing yards on 14 carries as Iowa’s main source of offensive life. There wasn’t much else for Johnson outside the long run, but his end-zone visit again reminded everyone how special this running back is.

Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.