Michigan State’s Junior WR Shines Bright Against Iowa — But Will It Be Enough to Change Their Season?

Now, I gotta say, Saturday’s showdown at Kinnick Stadium had all the makings of a nail-biter — Michigan State fought tooth and nail but eventually fell 20-17 to Iowa, leaving fans torn between admiration and frustration. It’s one of those games where some Spartans rose to the occasion, boosting their rep despite the loss, while others, well… let’s just say, missed some glaring opportunities that cost them dearly. Believe me, dissecting who shined and who stumbled here reveals a lot about where this team’s heart truly lies — and where the cracks have begun to show as the season winds down. If you’re itching to get the full lowdown on this rollercoaster match and what it means for MSU moving forward — stick around and dig into the winners and losers from this intense battle. LEARN MORE.

IOWA CITY, IA – Here are the Michigan State football players who helped or hurt their stock in the Spartans’ 20-17 loss at Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Winners

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Chrishon McCray (13) catches a pass defended by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

WR Chrishon McCray

The junior Kent State transfer had his best game as a Spartan after missing the Minnesota game, and going without a catch for the first time all season against Penn State. McCray caught six passes for 75 yards, including touchdowns of 45 and 5 yards from Alessio Milivojevic, to give MSU a 10-point lead in the third quarter.

LB Jordan Hall

He has played through injury and remains the leader and heartbeat of MSU’s improving defense. Hall registered eight tackles, his sixth game with eight or more this season, and had his first career fumble recovery that set up McCray’s first touchdown catch.

ANALYSIS: All the Michigan State calls that backfired in collapse at Iowa

TE Jack Velling/Michael Masunas

Milivojevic used his tight ends frequently, which led to Velling’s best performances as a Spartan with eight catches for 88 yards, that included a few difficult grabs. Masunas continued his steady contributions with three catches for 47 yards. The duo has combined for 48 catches for 503 yards and five TDs in 2025.

Losers

Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) returns a punt to the endzone against the Michigan State Spartans Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

MSU punt unit

The decision to punt to Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen proved disastrous, with a 62-yard touchdown return and two other field-flippers of 45 and 40 yards (three returns, 147 yards). MSU punter Ryan Eckley struggled with controlling the directional of his punts, and shanked one that went out of bounds for 11 yards. The coverage unit whiffed on too many tackles on all three of Wetjen’s returns.

MSU fourth quarter

MSU’s offense built a 17-7 lead but did no favors keeping it for its defense, which smothered Iowa for three quarters. The Spartans managed just 26 yards on 13 plays in the fourth quarter, going 0-for-4 on third down and holding the ball for just 4:20. Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski took advantage of MSU’s withering defense, throwing for 117 of Iowa’s 159 yards and a TD in the final quarter. The Hawkeyes kept possession for 10:40 and averaged 6.6 yards on their 24 plays to score 13 unanswered points to pull off the comeback. The Spartans have been outscored 91-58 in the final quarter this season.

MSU GRADES: The final punt call was baffling

MSU players

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is right: The Spartans could have packed it in for the season after losing to Penn State last week to end the chance of a bowl game. Not only did they not quit, but they were the better team on offense and defense almost all game. Continuing to put forth the effort and watching the game slip away in the fourth quarter again – for the second time in three games – only compounds the pain and frustration of an eighth straight loss.

Contact Chris Solari: [email protected]. Follow him @chrissolari.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MSU football winners and losers vs Iowa in Week 13