The Iowa Hawkeyes look to move to 3-0 in the Big Ten but must clear a major hurdle as they host Michigan State tonight (Thursday). The Spartans have owned the Hawkeyes in recent years having won 13 of the last 14, including eight in a row. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says their strength, again, is defense. Iowa let Michigan State off the hook in their last two meetings in Iowa City, including last year’s 71-69 loss in overtime.

McCaffery feels this years team is more able to grind out wins with defense. He says it will take a complete effort to get the win. Iowa is 11-4 overall. The Spartans are 1-1 in the Big Ten and 10-5 overall.

(Learfield Sports)