By AP
EAST LANSING, MI – Michigan State is riding three straight wins into its home game against unbeaten Iowa next weekend.
The Spartans had lost three straight games in September and looked like a long shot to have any chance in the Big Ten race. Now they're one of three teams with just one conference loss in the Big 10.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio says his team has persevered despite early losses to Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.
The Spartans since have beaten Michigan, Illinois and Northwestern.
On Saturday, Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins threw two touchdown passes to Blair White in the third quarter to spark the Spartans to a 24-14 victory over Northwestern.