If there is one way to grab the attention of the opposing defense, have the type of big weekend in the passing game that Michigan State did this past Saturday.

Such is the case for Iowa’s defense, who are taking note of the performance of the Spartans in beating in-state rival Michigan last Saturday. Following their win over then No. 13 Michigan, Michigan State is now the second-best passing offense in the Big Ten through two games, averaging 321 yards per game.

It will be a big test for Iowa, who at 0-2 are going to be a bit desperate heading Saturday’s game. The Hawkeyes are no slouches in their pass defense, fifth-best in the conference allowing 206 yards per game.

Iowa is also fifth in passing percentage allowed (61.8 percent) and yards allowed per pass play (6.1 yards).

The play of wide receiver Ricky White, who had eight catches for 196 yards and a touchdown in the win, is hard to ignore. It was a real breakout performance for the rookie, who likely will receive a bit more attention this weekend from Iowa then he did at Michigan.

For Iowa, stopping a Michigan State passing offense that seems to be clicking coming off Saturday’s win is paramount if they want to turnaround their season. Staring an 0-3 start in the face against a Michigan State program that is 1-1 and trending in the right direction is a dire predicament for Iowa.

It wasn’t all one player for Michigan State, although White was the unquestioned star of the upset win.

All told, White was one of five Michigan offensive targets to register multiple targets at Michigan. Connor Heyward, a running back who had 28 rushing yards on 13 carries this past Saturday, had two touchdown catches as well to help pace an efficient Michigan State offense.

It was a drastic turnaround for Michigan State from their season opening loss at Rutgers. In their surprising loss to the Scarlet Knights, Michigan State committed seven turnovers, offsetting an edge in total yardage, time of possession and first downs.