Five takeaways from Michigan State football's win over Iowa

Michigan State's Montorie Foster Jr., right, celebrates his touchdown catch with Nick Marsh in the third quarter of the game against Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State football defeated Iowa with a big win in their home opener on Saturday night to improve to 4-3 on the season.

The Spartans came out of their bye week looking like a new team, showing improvements on both offense and defense.

With the win, Michigan State enters the big rivalry game against Michigan with a huge momentum advantage after a huge win over the Hawkeyes.

Before we move on to Michigan, let's take a look at the five takeaways from MSU's huge win over Iowa:

1. Aidan Chiles is making progress

Michigan State's Aidan Chiles throws against Iowa in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Between moving his legs and making smart, accurate throws, Aidan Chiles had a great performance against Iowa on Saturday night. He had two “OMG WHY” throws, but honestly that’s an improvement over what we’ve seen in the past.

This game shows that Chiles is constantly improving.

2. MSU defense

Michigan State's Malik Spencer (top) takes on Iowa's Kaleb Johnson during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

A 75 yard run was a black eye, the rest of the day? MSU’s defense showed it continues to be solid. Matches with Oregon and Ohio State distorted the view of the Spartans' defense, but MSU competed against an Iowa offense that shows it dominates weaker opponents. MSU is not a weaker opponent.

3. Running offense

Michigan State's Nathan Carter looks for a win against Iowa in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Jonathan Smith promised he would find ways to fix the running game. In the first game of proof, the Spartans rushed 40 times for 212 yards, an average of 5.3 yards per carry, against a solid Iowa defense.

4. Use the bye week effectively

Michigan State University head coach Jonathan Smith calls out to a referee during the second quarter of the game against Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State faltered, losing three straight games to start the bye week, with Iowa facing a daunting task after the bye. Jonathan Smith seamlessly used the bye week to full success, showing an improved Spartans team against a solid Iowa team.

5. A big win for the outlook for 2024

Michigan State's Montorie Foster Jr., left, celebrates his touchdown catch against Iowa in the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

In Jonathan Smith's first year, making a bowl game and winning more than six games was essential to gaining momentum in building his program. At 3-3 and with a still very difficult schedule, some of those prospects looked bleak. At 4-3, the Spartans are now ahead when it comes to achieving their 2024 goals.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Five takeaways from Michigan State football's win over Iowa

1. Aidan Chiles is making progress

2. MSU defense

3. Running offense

4. Use the bye week effectively

5. A big win for the outlook for 2024

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