Overview
- Michigan State blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and lost 20-17 at Iowa on Drew Stevens’ 44-yard field goal as time expired.
- The Spartans have dropped eight straight to fall to 3-8 overall and 0-8 in the Big Ten, putting them on the brink of their first conference winless season since 1958.
- Special teams decisions proved pivotal as MSU repeatedly kicked to All-American returner Kaden Wetjen, who had returns of 45 and 40 yards plus a 62-yard touchdown.
- Jonathan Smith accepted responsibility for late-game choices, including fourth-down calls and a late pooch-punt decision that preceded Iowa’s winning drive.
- Sources say university leaders are evaluating Smith’s future with a potential decision as soon as Sunday, though not finalized, and any move would require a buyout exceeding $30 million while AD J Batt has remained publicly quiet.