So far, so good for the No. 10 Penny State Nittany Lions, who are yet to be defeated at 5-0, getting it done with great efficiency on both sides of the ball. They are the fifth-highest ranked offense in the nation at 47 points per game, and the second-highest ranked defense, allowing just 7.4 points per game. Their opponents are losing by an average of more than five touchdowns against them, and so Iowa has a chance to really change things up.
The No. 17 Hawkeyes have also been dominant like Penn State, with the only difference being that they have a loss to their name. They are scoring 27 points per game but allowing just 8.8, sitting just behind the Nittany Lions in that area. They are a team that wins by shutting down opponents and pacing their points to get them just when they truly need them. Coach Kirk Ferentz has been doing a wonderful job with his squad, which they hope will continue this weekend.
The spread for this matchup favors Penn State by three points, with the over/under set at 42.
Nittany Lions Look To Stay Perfect
The Nittany Lions could not have asked for a better start to the year, beating opponents by 40 points per game so far. James Franklin is managing his squad brilliantly. Sean Clifford has taken the reins from now-Raven Trace McSorley and taken off running. He has thrown for 12 TDs to just two picks, completing 67 percent of his passes. He has thrown for 1,443 yards to date and has also gained an additional 200 yards on the ground. Noah Cain and Journey Brown have led the rushing attack but have not exactly been explosive. It is the second time in as many years that they have had to find a new starting RB. Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders are in the NFL now, so they have to get this right.
Their pass rush has been tremendous to this point in the year, recording nearly five sacks per game, with two different guys at five. Yetur Gross-Matos and Shaka Toney know how to bring the heat. Look for John Reid, already with a pick-six on the year, to also have a big week.
Hawkeyes Hope To Get Back To Winning
When a chance to knock off an undefeated team within your conference arises, the only thing you can do is rise to meet the challenge. Iowa QB Nathan Stanley is hoping to be the hero in the story. He has thrown eight TD passes to three picks, completing 62 percent of his passes for the year. He has thrown for 1,225 yards. Mekhi Sargent (61-311-2) and Toren Young (41-291-1) have led the rushing attack and are looking to burst out against Penn State.
The Hawkeyes have three times fewer sacks than Penn State but still bring a lot of pressure, led by two sacks from AJ Epenesa. Look for Michael Ojemudia (two INTs on the year) to play a role.
Nittany Lions Stay Perfect
Make sure to ride with Penn State! A win is coming their way.
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