East Lansing — The last time Michigan State faced Iowa, it looked like Jonathan Smith might be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. Then it all fell apart.

Last season’s 32-20 win over the Hawkeyes on Oct. 19 proved the high-water mark for Smith’s tenure thus far. The Spartans ground up a good Hawkeyes defense for 212 yards and looked every bit a bowl bidder against a usually strong Iowa team. It was exactly the kind of identity Smith hoped to establish at Michigan State.

And, notably, an identity that has been absent ever since.

Michigan State has lost 11 of its 15 games since that win, yet to rush for 200 yards in any of those outings. And now Smith finds himself on the hot seat, pleading for more time to prove himself as his second season nears an end.

That 2024 win over Iowa

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