“I just have to give them credit. … They played an outstanding game.”

It started with redshirt freshman quarterback Aidan Chiles, who in the days leading up to the Iowa game talked about how his game had evolved over the first six games — and his teammates shared that sentiment. Chiles, who had six touchdown passes and nine interceptions in his first seven games, had a few awkward throws early against Iowa but got away with one and seemed to gain confidence as the game went on. He was smart with the football – he threw the ball away most of the time when he had to, aside from one intentional grounding call – but that didn’t detract from his aggressiveness and his willingness to try to make plays.

Chiles threw for 256 yards on 22-for-30 attempts and also rushed for 51 yards.

Ferentz called Chiles “dangerous” before the game and repeated that label Saturday night. Smith called it Chile’s most complete game as a Spartan. Afterward, Chiles said this offense could be even better. He complained that he had to settle for field goals; Graduate placekicker Jonathan Kim scored a Michigan State record six.

“It was about maintaining composure,” Chiles said. “And do what you can. Just go out there and play football the way you know how to play football.”