Michigan State at Iowa

Saturday, November 21, 1981

No. 19 Iowa beat Michigan State 36–⁠7. It was their 19th meeting; after it, Michigan State led the series 10–⁠8–⁠1 as played.

AwayMichigan State5–⁠6 in 1981
7
Home19Iowa8–⁠4 in 1981
36

FinalAttendance 60,103

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Iowa 69% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

Officially, Iowa leads 25–⁠22–⁠2; as played, 26–⁠23–⁠2 in 51 meetings, counting the 32 since this game.

Recent meetings
2025Iowa 20, Michigan State 17
2024Michigan State 32, Iowa 20
2023Iowa 26, Michigan State 16
2020Iowa 49, Michigan State 7
2017Michigan State 17, Iowa 10
2015Michigan State 16, Iowa 13Big Ten Championship Game

Around this game