“Also a lot about the reaction: the first half had some chances, but we went into halftime with a small lead. I knew they would come out and respond with the culture and the type of team they have, and they did. They pushed us throughout the second half, coming within one a few times and the response from this group was huge.”

In particular, Smith credited kicker Jonathan Kim with helping the Spartans score points even though they couldn’t score any touchdowns. Kim made six of his seven field goal attempts and two extra points. He almost single-handedly defeated Iowa.

“And then, I mean, Jonathan Kim, that thing is critical,” Smith said. “In the first half I blew through it in terms of momentum, and in the second half he got a few big kicks. Anytime you make six field goals like that, I don’t think we punted all night, just turned it over once. The attacking efficiency was enormous. By keeping the ball out of their hands, I think the time of possession was almost two to one.

“I’m just really proud because that’s a good football team,” Smith said said. “They are well coached. Coach Ferentz, all respect for him and what he does and continues to do. I’m so happy to get a win at Homecoming, in front of another great crowd.

Michigan State is exactly where they want to be this season. The Spartans’ 4-3 record is almost a best-case scenario for the schedule they face this season. They look to go on another winning streak next week with a victory over their arch rivals.

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