Here is a quick primer for Iowa’s game at Michigan State, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday:

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Road trip

Playing at Pittsburgh hardly could be considered going into a hostile environment. This trip to East Lansing will be the Hawkeyes’ first true road test, and Ricky Stanzi’s first road start at quarterback. It’s homecoming at Michigan State, and Iowa hasn’t won at Spartan Stadium since 1995. It will be a tough environment to overcome. 

Finishing touch

Iowa’s offense has left a lot of points on the field this season, either by way of turnovers or failures on third down. That can’t happen against the Spartans, who lead the Big Ten in time of possession. The Hawkeyes turned the ball over five times last week. Was it a fluke or is it an epidemic? We’ll know more today.

They’ve got a Ringer

It’s no secret what Michigan State’s offense is going to do. It’s hard to keep it a secret when Javon Ringer has been carrying the ball more than 37 times a game. He’s still hard to stop, though, and he will challenge the Hawkeyes defense. Iowa needs to contain Ringer to have a chance in this one.

Slumping third

The Hawkeyes have outscored opponents 142 to 51 this season, but have scored only 10 points in the third quarter. Coming out slow after halftime has been a season-long trend that has led to losses the past two weeks. It ties back into finishing drives. Iowa needs to start fast in both halves to get momentum on its side.  

Get some pressure on

Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has been sacked only once, a stat that ranks as the best in the Big Ten. Iowa’s defensive front has not been as dominant as was projected, recording only 11 sacks, but the capability is there. Iowa must pressure Hoyer to force him into making mistakes.

WHO HAS THE EDGE

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

With Ricky Stanzi and Shonn Greene, Iowa’s offense has the balance it lacked last season. Aside from the turnovers, last week was the best the unit has looked a long time. Michigan State’s defense, meanwhile, ranks eighth in the Big Ten, 10th against the pass and seventh against the run. Advantage: Iowa

When the Spartans have the ball

The Hawkeyes, traditionally, have done very well against run-oriented teams. So, expect them to load the box and at least contain Javon Ringer, holding him under his season average. But Brian Hoyer is a capable quarterback, who will be able to take advantage of an outnumbered secondary. Advantage: Michigan State 

Special teams

Brett Swenson ranks first in the Big Ten in field goals made (9) and field-goal accuracy (90 percent). And he hasn’t missed on 18 PAT tries. Otis Wiley is among the conference’s top punt returners, and punter Aaron Bates is on par with Iowa’s Ryan Donahue, averaging 41 yards a boot. Advantage: Michigan State  

Prediction

Michigan State has become known for getting off to fast starts and then fading once the calendar turns to October. So, this will be a litmus test for the Spartans. The styles will dictate a close game, and Iowa has struggled in close games since 2004. Michigan State 24, Iowa 20

IOWA CITY — Coming off back-to-back losses to Pittsburgh and Northwestern, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz met with the state media Tuesday to talk about the upcoming game at Michigan State. Here are some notes from the news conference:

-Tyler Sash is not listed on the depth chart at strong safety. He missed Saturday’s game against Northwestern because of a shoulder injury. Harold Dalton will start in his place. Ferentz said Sash has a chance to play.

-Shonn Greene is going to practice Tuesday and is fine to play Saturday. The head injury that kept him out the last 11-plus minutes against Northwestern was nothing serious. 

-There are about 1,000 tickets left for this weekend’s game at Michigan State. MSU officials expect a sellout.

-Speaking of sellouts … Iowa has a string of 34 straight. The only game left on the schedule with any tickets remaining is Purdue (11/15).

-Captains: Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Rob Bruggeman and Shonn Greene

-Running back Paki O’Meara probably won’t play Saturday. He still has a lingering knee problem. Jewel Hampton is listed as the No. 2 back.

-Ferentz said the Northwestern game was Iowa’s best game this season. Speaking about the receivers, he pointed out that they blocked really, really well in the game.

-Comparing Greene and MSU back Javon Ringer, Ferentz said they’re not that similar, but they have similar numbers.

-Jeff Tarpinian started the second half at linebacker against Northwestern. He also played on the punt team. He’s not listed on the two-deeps. Ferentz said he is not yet back in game shape, but he is healthy.

IOWA CITY — It was tough for me to get a read on Iowa in the 22-17 loss to Northwestern. On one hand, it was a terrible loss to take at home. This was one a lot of people had as a gimme. I predicted the Hawkeyes to finish 5-7, and I had them winning today. So, this loss could be a bad omen for the rest of the season.

Where does Iowa find the three more wins it needs to qualify for a bowl? Indiana? Maybe. Purdue, Minnesota? Maybe. Maybe Wisconsin. Who knows? I can see this thing turning south in a hurry, though.

That said, I did see a lot of positives today, starting with the play of Ricky Stanzi, who clearly has won the job at quarterback. Here’s how I graded the game (FYI, the five turnovers made it tough): 

OFFENSE (C-)

If you take away the turnovers, Iowa’s offense really played pretty well. Even in the absence of Shonn Greene late in the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes moved the ball and put themselves in position to score in the final minutes. Ricky Stanzi’s play was above what Iowa has had from its quarterbacks the past season and a half, and Greene, once again, showed why he is quickly running his way into the conversation as one of the nation’s top running backs. The offensive line, for the most part, dominated the line of scrimmage, paving the way for a rushing game that averaged 5.5 yards a carry and surrendering just two sacks. And the receivers made plays. Andy Brodell had his best game since the 2006 Alamo Bowl. The turnovers were the killer.    

DEFENSE (B-)

Considering Northwestern started three drives inside Iowa’s 35-yard line and got only seven points out of those drives, it’s hard to fault Iowa’s defense for the loss. The Hawkeyes contained running back Tyrell Sutton, holding him to 149 total yards and keeping him out of the end zone and limited big plays. The only time the Wildcats offense really had its way was the first drive of the second half, when they marched 76 yards in four plays to pull within 17-16. 

SPECIAL TEAMS (C-)

Again, Iowa’s special teams did a lot of good things. For some reason, Northwestern’s Amado Villarreal, who had made 8 of 8 field goals through four games, had a field goal blocked and missed a field goal and an extra point. Iowa’s units had to have something to do with that. There were the two fumbles — one by Brodell and the other on a kickoff return by Amari Spievey — which proved to be game-changers, and that’s where the special teams took a hit. Ryan Donahue punted well, averaging 43 yards a boot with a long of 55.  

COACHING (C)

How much of Saturday’s loss can simply be chalked up to bad luck? Is it really fair to pin it all on the coaches? How many times is Andy Brodell going to mishandle a punt? How many center-quarterback exchanges are going to be fumbled this season? How many times is Shonn Greene going to be knocked out of a game? You can’t coach against that kind of stuff. That game plan, for the most part, worked. You can nitpick playcalling if you want and ask why Iowa threw four straight times from Northwestern’s 8-yard line at the end of the game, but if Greene had been healthy and in the game, the Hawkeyes would have been running.

Here’s a quick primer for the Iowa-Northwestern game, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday:

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

The full Stanzi

Ricky Stanzi got his chance to start against Iowa State and underperformed before being pulled at the end of the third quarter. He’ll get a chance at redemption today, a chance to finally settle Iowa’s quarterback competition. The Hawkeyes offense has been more efficient this season with Stanzi under center.    

Greene day

Northwestern held Ohio to only four yards rushing last week. Shonn Greene should have that after his first carry today. Expect Greene to get more carries than he has in any game yet this season. Kirk Ferentz said his running back is close to being back in game shape after taking last year off. He’s averaging 6.5 yards a carry this season.  

Line for line

For the most part, Iowa’s offensive line has performed well this season. The unit has opened holes for Shonn Greene and protected well in the passing game — several of the eight sacks surrendered were a result of quarterback indecision. The Wildcats defensive line will provide a solid test. It should be a good matchup.

Spread it out

The Wildcats run the spread as well as any team in the Big Ten. With quarterback C.J. Bacher, running back Tyrell Sutton and receiver Eric Peterman as the core, the offense is balanced and efficient. Iowa traditionally has had problems matching up, and that, once again, will be a big factor in the outcome of today’s game.  

On the leg of a freshman

True freshman Trent Mossbrucker has been cool under pressure splitting place-kicking duties with Daniel Murray, but he’ll take over on a full-time basis today. Mossbrucker has made 5 of 6 field goals. He won the job last week after making both his tries at Pittsburgh, including a career-long 39-yarder in the fourth quarter.  

WHO HAS THE EDGE

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

The Northwestern defensive line will be the best Iowa has faced, but the depth is not there to contain the Iowa running game for four quarters. Shonn Greene likely will get more carries than he has in any game this season, and by the end of the third, he’ll have gone over 100 yards again. Advantage: Iowa  

When the Wildcats have the ball

Iowa’s defense showed it can contain a dynamic back last week against Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy, but Northwestern’s Tyrell Sutton is better, and he’s had his way with the Hawkeyes in three career matchups. The Wildcats have plenty of other weapons, too, including QB C.J. Bacher. Advantage: Northwestern   

Special teams

This one’s close. Northwestern kicker Amado Villarreal has made 8 of 8 field goals, while Iowa kickers have struggled. And Both teams’ punters have been proficient in landing the ball inside the 20. The Hawkeyes gain the edge in the play-making ability of their return men, especially Andy Brodell. Advantage: Iowa  

Prediction

The Wildcats have a bone to pick with the Hawkeyes. They led 14-0 last season in Evanston before losing 28-17, a loss that kept them out of a bowl game. It’ll be close, but Shonn Greene and Iowa’s opportunistic defense will be the difference. Iowa 27, Northwestern 17

Let me get this straight.

Minnesota and Northwestern are tied for first place in the Big Ten standings?

Michigan is in last?

Ohio State was pounded by a USC team that was thoroughly thrashed by Oregon State on Thursday night, the same Oregon State team that lost to Penn State by 31?

Something is amiss as the conference opens its 113th season of league play, and I don’t think we can blame it on global warming.

Well, maybe.

What do we know four weeks into the season?

Ohio State’s probably not as good as we thought.

Perhaps. But the Buckeyes still have the horses to run the table in the Big Ten, or at least claim a share of their fourth straight conference crown. They’re only going to get better as freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor improves and running back Beanie Wells regains his health.

The bottom of the conference is up.

Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa — the three Big Ten teams that missed out on bowls last season — all are on track to reach the postseason this year, which could spell trouble for teams like Purdue, Indiana and Michigan, who are not as good as they’ve been in the past.

Michigan State’s Javon Ringer is a legitimate Heisman candidate.

The Spartans’ senior has been the Big Ten’s offensive player of the week the past three weeks. He is averaging 174.8 yards a game and has scored 11 touchdowns. Most impressively, he already has logged 143 carries — 36 per game.

Finally, the conference race is wide, wide open.

One could make a rational argument for as many as six teams chances of grabbing a share, but Penn State might be the favorite.

There is a long way to go, but it looks like it’s going to be a wild, upside-down season in the Big Ten.

IOWA CITY — Sending from the parking lot of the Super 8 on 1st Avenue, here’s another batch of notes from Kirk Ferentz’s weekly news conference:

-No changes to the depth chart … Ricky Stanzi is listed as the starter at quarterback, as is Trent Mossbrucker at place-kicker.

-Tony Moeaki and Brandon Myers are listed as co-starters at tight end. Ferentz said Moeaki is getting back closer to 100 percent, but he’s not there yet. Moeaki looked pretty good Saturday, turning a short out into a 48-yard gain down the sideline.

-Some single tickets still are available for this weekend’s game against Northwestern. It is expected to be Iowa’s 34th straight sell out. It is homecoming weekend.  

-Ron Kenyon, whose donation helped build the Kenyon Practice Facility, died over the weekend. He was 90.

-Ferentz said Chigozie Ejiasi’s role as the director of player development will be to supplement the coaching staff and help the players transition to college life. He’ll coordinate a mentor program and will spend a lot of 1-on-1 time with players.

-Lavar Woods will take over Ejiasi’s role as an administrative assistant on the Iowa staff.

-Linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (hamstring), tight end Michael Sabers (ankle) and fullback Brett Morse (ankle) are expected to be back this weekend.

-Captains: Matt Kroul, Mitch King, Rob Bruggeman and Shonn Greene.

-Ferentz said Northwestern has great skill players, and he called Wildcats running back Tyrell Sutton is one of the best “players” in the conference, not just running backs.

-Ferentz on Northwestern: “They’re a very good football team, certainly worthy of their record.” There is one computer ranking out there that says the Wildcats are the worst 4-0 team in the nation.

-Ricky Stanzi will start Saturday. Ferentz said he’s not sure if Jake Christensen will play … he said it will be a gut feeling, alluding to what he said after Saturday’s loss, that it was just a gut feeling to play Christensen in the second half.

PITTSBURGH — Before I get to the report card, some real quick math. Bowling Green won at Pitt 27-17 (10), Minnesota won at Bowling Green 42-17 (25), Iowa lost at Pitt 21-20 (1). So, is Minnesota 36 points better than your Hawkeyes? We’ll find out Nov. 22.

Here’s my report card from Pitt. I’ll be traveling tomorrow, but I’m bound to have internet access somewhere along the way, so I’ll check in with some more thoughts on today’s game.

Quarterbacks (D)

Jake Christensen struggled with accuracy again. For every good throw he makes, he still makes one that makes you scratch your head. Ricky Stanzi’s numbers — 7-for-10 for 79 yards — were OK, but all his throws were into the flat, nothing down the field.

Running backs (A)

Shonn Greene is averaging 6.5 yards a carry on the season. He runs with such good balance, maintains leverage and delivers the blow rather than taking it. He is always falling forward. He carried 23 times Saturday. That’ll probably be closer to 30 in the coming weeks.

Receivers/Tight Ends (C+)

The receiving corps went almost unnoticed Saturday, which is good and bad. On one hand, there weren’t a lot of drops, aside from a somewhat catchable ball that Derrell Johnson-Koulianos mishandled in the end zone. But there weren’t many plays made either.

Offensive line (C)

On one hand, Iowa’s offensive line paved the way for yet another 100-yard performance by Greene. On the other, Pittsburgh through for six quarterback sacks. Some of those were the fault of the quarterbacks, some were a result of good coverage. Six is too many, though.  

Defensive line (B)

The defense, overall, was pretty solid. Pitt only managed 259 total yards. And the defensive pressured well up front. Freshman end Broderick Binns made another big impact, recording a quarterback hurry and a sack for a loss of 10 yards. And LeSean McCoy didn’t have much room to run.

Linebackers (B)

Other than the slip-ups in the dime package, which led to two early scores for Pitt, the linebacker play was steady. A.J. Edds was strong in run support, and Pat Angerer put pressure on the quarterbacks. The unit, as a hole, needs to do a better job accounting for the tight ends.

Defensive backs (C)

There were some holes in the Iowa secondary early in the game, and Pitt failed to take advantage. The holes still were there. Iowa’s zone coverage seems to be soft, and the safeties a bit late-arriving in coverage. And poor tacking cost Iowa when Pitt busted its big plays. 

Special Teams (D)

You’d have to think the rotation at kicker is going to come to end pretty soon. Between Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker, Mossbrucker has been the more consistent of the two. Ryan Donahue did not have one of his better games punting the ball. 

Coaches (D-)

A lot of Iowa fans also are Chicago Bears fans, so they know all too well about Dave Wannstedt’s coaching wizardry. Saturday, Wannstedt outcoached Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz actually might have outcoached himself. Sooner or later, he’s got to name a starting quarterback. 

PITTSBURGH — If you’ve never been to Pittsburgh, put it on your list. Beautiful city, great sports town.

I got in at 2:30 Friday afternoon, got settled at the hotel and headed downtown to meet some of the other Iowa media at PNC Park for the Pirates-Astros game. Driving into downtown Pittsburgh is a real treat. The airport is like 20 minutes outside the city. As you approach downtown, you drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, maybe a mile long. When you come out of the tunnel, it’s like you’re driving into a panoramic. The three rivers converging together in the valley. To your left, Heinz Field and just beyond that is PNC Park. To your right is the downtown skyline, just the right size, you know, not a huge metropolis, but a nice-sized downtown.

I grabbed some wings and a beer at a restaurant across the street from PNC, the Firewater, I think. I’m told it is owned and operated by Kirk Ferentz’s high school football coach. Ferentz, of course, grew up in Pittsburgh. The wings were good. The beer, the local lager, Yuengling, was pretty good, too. PNC, the park, is awesome. Great place for a game. It’s a cozy ball park with a wide open outfield that opens up to the skyline of the city. Great ball park. Terrible baseball. So, don’t come to watch the Pirates, but if you’re a Cubs or Brewers or Cardinals fan, follow your team out here for a series. I’d recommend it.

Speaking of fans following their team … plenty of Hawkeyes fans made the trip. And they were out in full force last night, at the game, and at the pub afterwards. They even played the Iowa fight song at the bar I was at after the game. A lot of “LET’S GO HAWKS!” You can imagine.

I also had a lot of Iowa fans on my flights (I connected in Detroit) on the way out here. Rob Bruggeman’s mom and dad were on my flight from Detroit to Pittsburgh. Seem like nice people, but they wouldn’t give away who’s going to start at quarterback. I’m told Jake Christensen is going to start, but Ricky Stanzi also will play.

I’m at Heinz Field now, another beautiful stadium on the water. We’ve got about 90 minutes until kickoff. I checked the line this morning, and Iowa now is a 1-point favorite. It opened at Pitt minus-1.5. Wonder what led to that change?   

Here is a quick primer for Saturday’s Iowa-Pitt game, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Central Time.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Who’s under center

Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday that if the Hawkeyes had played a game that day, Jake Christensen would have started at quarterback. That doesn’t mean the junior will get the nod today, but, with Iowa on the road for the first time this year, it is likely Ferentz will go with the more experienced player. Expect both Ricky Stanzi and Christensen to play. 

Stopping the run

Iowa’s front seven has looked very good early this season, but Pitt back LeSean McCoy will present a whole new challenge. LaRod Stephens-Howling also will mix in to form a 1-2 punch that has totaled 256 yards and four touchdowns through two games. The Hawkeyes run defense will be tested for the first time this year.   

Secondary defense

Pittsburgh runs a pro style offense, and quarterback Bill Stull will stand in the pocket and throw the ball downfield. Stull has thrown 84 times in two games, so the young Iowa secondary will get a lot of action. The Hawkeyes are deep back there and have been opportunistic, with five DBs already coming up with interceptions.  

Road weary

The Hawkeyes were 1-4 in true road games last season, and this will be their first trip away from Kinnick Stadium in 2008. The offense, for the most part, has been through it, but keep an eye on the defense, which has young players on the outside — defensive end, linebacker and cornerback — who could be affected by the atmosphere. 

Going Greene

With uncertainty at quarterback, Iowa needs to be able to lean on the running game. So far, so good. Shonn Greene has been one of the best in the Big Ten through three games, averaging 119.7 yards a game and 6.5 yards a carry. Iowa will need to shorten the game by controlling the ball and the clock in order to win on the road.  

WHO HAS THE EDGE

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

Pitt’s defense is anchored by middle linebacker Scott McKillop, who has 21 tackles in two games. He’ll be all over the field and should be able to help keep Shonn Greene under control. Greene has not had to carry the load in a close game and is not yet in peak condition. Advantage: Pitt

When the Panthers have the ball

If there is one conclusion that can be drawn about this Iowa team, it’s that the defense, specifically the run defense, is pretty solid. Opponents are averaging only 88.7 yards a game on the ground. LeSean McCoy will be the best back the Hawkeyes have faced, but Iowa’s depth in the front seven will win out. Advantage: Iowa

Special teams

With Andy Brodell heating up in the punt return game (23.0 average) and kickers Trent Mossbrucker and Daniel Murray looking capable, Iowa’s special teams units are turning into a strength where they were a weakness a year ago. Punter Ryan Donahue can land it inside the 5 or boom it 60 yards. Advantage: Iowa   

Prediction

Iowa won’t start fast on the road, but the defense will limit Pitt and keep the Hawkeyes in the game. Quarterback play will be important, as the Panthers will stack the line against Greene and force Iowa to throw. Special teams will be the difference.  Iowa 20, Pittsburgh 17

IOWA CITY — Saturday’s Iowa-Pittsburgh game will hit close to home for Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz for a couple of different reasons.

Ferentz  grew up in Pittsburgh and played football at Upper St. Clair High School before moving on to UConn, where he was an All-Yankee Conference linebacker.

The University of Pittsburgh was the site of Ferentz’s first big coaching breakthrough in 1980, when, as a 25-year-old, he was hired as a graduate assistant by Panthers coach Jackie Sherrill.

Led by Dan Marino and Mark May, that Pitt team went 11-1 and finished No. 2 in the polls.

“It was just a great experience for me,” Ferentz said. “It got me started on the path of college coaching. It gave me an exposure. It was the first time I’d ever been around big-time college football, so that was an experience. I’d seen it on TV, but that’s about as close as I got. Coach Sherrill was an excellent head coach. it was a good place to learn.”

Ferentz, in his 10th season at Iowa, still holds that 1980 team in high regard. 

“That Pitt team was one of the best in college football history, I think,” Ferentz said. “You go back and look at that team, it was an unusual team, just an awfully good team. You go right down the list, it was just a phenomenal group of players.”

Ferentz only coached at Pitt the one season, leaving to take a job as Hayden Fry’s offensive coach at Iowa in 1981. Of course, that Iowa team won the Big Ten championship and went to the Rose Bowl.

Ferentz said going home isn’t as big a deal as some might think. He still has friends and family in the Pittsburgh area, but he won’t have much time for socializing this weekend.

“All it really means is I have more people who need tickets,” he said. “That’s really all it means, and I think we’ve got most of the tickets taken care of.”