**Iowa Football's 2024 Season Evokes Memories of 2008**

Kirk Ferentz has fond memories of the 2008 Iowa football team, particularly its strong performance in the latter half of the season. As the 2024 Hawkeyes reach the season's midpoint, they show striking similarities to that memorable 2008 squad. The 2008 team had a rocky start with quarterback uncertainties, alternating between Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi during non-conference games. Similarly, the current season has seen inconsistent quarterback play, with some calling for Brendan Sullivan to replace Cade McNamara. However, such calls have lessened following Iowa's commanding 40-16 victory over Washington.

Much like in 2008, Iowa's only non-conference loss this year was by a narrow margin, a 20-19 defeat to Iowa State. This loss mirrors the 21-20 defeat Iowa suffered at Pittsburgh in 2008. That year, the Hawkeyes rallied from a 3-3 start to finish with a 9-4 record, securing six wins in their last seven games, including a decisive 55-0 win over Minnesota and a 31-10 triumph against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.

Despite the uncanny resemblances, Ferentz, now 69, remains cautious about predicting a similar outcome for 2024. Reflecting on past seasons, he notes that premature optimism can be misleading. “This is a week-to-week league," Ferentz remarked, emphasizing the ongoing challenges. "So far, the attitude has been good. Now the question is, can we maintain it for a couple more months here, knowing we're going to hit some walls?"

This Saturday, Iowa faces Michigan State, a team under new coach Jonathan Smith, featuring 61 new players and with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, formerly of Minnesota. Iowa center Logan Jones mentioned that the Spartans possess talent and might have had better results if not for facing tough opponents like Ohio State and Oregon. McNamara agrees, noting their speed and overall talent.

If Iowa wishes to emulate the 2008 team's dominant second half, it must start by overcoming Michigan State. Key to Iowa's strategy will be its superior turnover margin, currently at plus-6, while Michigan State stands at minus-6. With a strong rushing offense and defense, Iowa is in a good position, and players like Yahya Black and Aaron Graves are expected to capitalize on Michigan State's inconsistent offensive line.

Michigan State, however, excels in special teams, with standout punter Ryan Eckley and placekicker Jonathan Kim. Their defense is competent, and their offense features playmakers like quarterback Aidan Chiles and tight end Jack Velling.

Prediction for the game is Iowa 24, Michigan State 16. Iowa-Michigan State matches are historically close, and while the Hawkeyes have the capability of delivering a blowout, this game will likely be a tense, competitive encounter.

Chad Leistikow, a seasoned columnist with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network, predicts that Iowa's defense will play a crucial role in securing a hard-fought Big Ten road win.