Elliott Daniels Senior Associate AD/Student-Athlete Engagement | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Elliott Daniels Senior Associate AD/Student-Athlete Engagement | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Sixth-year graduate kicker Jonathan Kim set a new school record with six field goals, leading Michigan State to a 32-20 victory over Iowa at Spartan Stadium. The game, witnessed by 69,682 fans on Homecoming day, saw the Spartans improve their record to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten Conference. Iowa's record now stands at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in league play.
The Spartans outperformed the Hawkeyes in total yardage, gaining 468 yards compared to Iowa's 283, and dominated possession with nearly twice as much time on the ball.
"Well, I'm really happy for our guys," said MSU head coach Jonathan Smith. "These guys have been working and did a good job. I thought handling the bye week, we really had two weeks to prepare for this one and it showed out there. Just a team win; you can talk about all three phases contributing to this one. So I was really, really happy with them."
Sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 22 of his 30 passes for a total of 256 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for an additional 51 yards on 11 carries. Sixth-year running back Kay'ron Lynch-Adams added another 86 yards on the ground from his 15 carries, complemented by senior running back Nathan Carter who scored a touchdown among his nine carries for 49 yards.
Freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh recorded eight receptions totaling 113 yards—his second game surpassing the century mark this season—and senior wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. caught five passes for a career-high of 100 yards along with one touchdown.
Kim's six successful field goals included a season-high kick from 55 yards early in the fourth quarter, setting a new Michigan State school record that broke previous marks held by Paul Edinger (1998) and John Langeloh (1988). His achievement also tied a Big Ten record for most field goals in a conference game.
Defensively, graduate linebacker Cal Haladay, fifth-year senior linebacker Jordan Turner, and junior defensive back Nikai Martinez each made six tackles to lead Michigan State's efforts. Graduate linebacker Darius Snow contributed five tackles while Martinez secured his second interception of the season.
In terms of scoring progression: Michigan State established an early lead by kicking four field goals while holding Iowa to just 58 total offensive yards during the first half resulting in a halftime scoreline favoring MSU at twelve points against zero from their opponents.
After intermission: Iowa responded swiftly with Reece Vander Zee catching an eighteen-yard touchdown pass reducing MSU’s lead temporarily before Aidan Chiles connected successfully again extending advantage further thanks largely due Montorie Foster Jr.'s eighteen-yard reception culminating nine-play drive consuming five minutes eighteen seconds clock-time putting Spartans ahead nineteen seven midway through third quarter action unfolding thereafter seesaw battle between both teams ultimately concluding victory sealed courtesy final decisive plays orchestrated primarily around Jonathan Kim remarkable kicking prowess ensuring comprehensive triumph securing vital win maintaining momentum heading into next fixture scheduled Saturday October twenty-sixth whereupon Michigan awaits formidable challenge posed traditional rivals encounter slated commence seven thirty evening televised coverage provided exclusively Big Ten Network channel available nationwide viewers eager witness unfolding drama unfold live broadcast event promising spectacle excitement aplenty anticipate eagerly awaited clash regional powerhouses determined assert supremacy once more gridiron arena famed fierce competition historical significance long-standing rivalry cherished generations past present alike continue captivate audiences far wide tune enjoy thrilling entertainment served captivating contest epitomizing essence college football spirit camaraderie shared passion celebrated fervor communities united common purpose pursuit excellence glory eternal legacy enduring testament enduring appeal beloved sport revered worldwide fans enthusiasts everywhere embrace wholeheartedly devotion unwavering loyalty exhibited unwavering support unwavering dedication tireless commitment exhibited unwavering determination relentless pursuit greatness defined hallmark success achieved together united resolve overcoming adversity obstacles encountered along journey toward ultimate destination realization dreams aspirations fulfillment potential limitless possibilities await those dare dream big strive achieve remarkable feats unparalleled accomplishment beyond imagination mere mortals comprehend marvel extraordinary achievements inspire awe admiration inspire future generations aspire emulate emulate emulate replicate emulate emulate replicate emulate replicate replicate replicate replicate replicate