Jonathan Kim kicked a school-record six field goals, and Aidan Chiles threw for 256 yards and one touchdown, helping Michigan State secure a 32-20 win over Iowa on Saturday night.
Chiles also ran for 51 yards for the Spartans (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten), ending their three-game losing streak.
“It’s a big win,” said Chiles, who completed 22 of 30 passes. “Like I said in my interview this past week, it’s a new season for us. So starting off 1-0 was beautiful, and now we’re trying to go 2-0. Really simple as that, just keep stacking it day by day and week by week.”
Kaleb Johnson, who came in as the nation’s No. 2 rusher, was limited to 98 yards on 14 carries for the Hawkeyes (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten).
Cade McNamara started the second half with a 58-yard drive, finishing with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Reese Vander Zee, bringing the Hawkeyes within 12-7.
The Spartans answered quickly with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Chiles to Montorie Foster Jr., extending their lead to 19-7.
Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan then scored for Iowa with a 2-yard touchdown run with 49 seconds left in the third quarter.
Kim’s 55- and 46-yard field goals in the fourth quarter put Michigan State ahead 25-14 with 7:34 left. His kicks broke the previous record of five field goals held by former Spartans Paul Edinger and John Langeloh.
“I’m just happy I’m able to go out and just help this team win,” said Kim, who has made 15 of 16 field goals this season. “It’s an honor to be able to set that record.”
Johnson narrowed the gap to 25-20 just 12 seconds later with a 75-yard touchdown run. The Spartans secured the win with a 1-yard touchdown run by Nate Carter with 2:03 remaining.
“They pushed us throughout the second half, got it within one score a couple of times,” said Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith. “And the response from this group was huge.”
Michigan State dominated Iowa in the first half, jumping to a 12-0 lead. Kim kicked field goals of 42 and 43 yards in the first quarter, followed by 36 and 29 yards in the second quarter. He missed a 55-yarder at the end of the half.
The Hawkeyes were outgained 250-58 in the opening half, managing only 28 yards rushing.
“I just think we play better when we have some rhythm, and we weren’t able to,” said McNamara. “We weren’t able to get any rhythm. It was a lack of execution, I think, in the first half.
“I think I just need to play better. At the end of the day, as quarterback, I have to play better for us to win. And I didn’t do that tonight.”
