Penn State-Iowa Matchups: Who will have the edge on Saturday?
By Greg Pickel
Penn State meets Iowa for the 32nd time in program history on Saturday night. The Nittany Lions hold a 17-14 edge all-time. But, the Hawkeyes have won the last two meetings.
Who will have the edge during the annual White Out at Beaver Stadium? We take a closer look at the matchups below.
When Penn State is on offense
Penn State players and head coach James Franklin made clear on Tuesday that they know what to expect from the Hawkeyes’ defense. Longtime coordinator Phil Parker has a disciplined bunch that rarely misses assignments or tackles and is known for executing its scheme to perfection. The 3-0 Big Ten West team has allowed one touchdown to opposing offenses so far this season. Linebacker Jay Higgins is the star of the unit. He has a team-high 32 tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble so far this season. Defensive end Joe Evans has been a force so far this season off the edge. He has just nine tackles (two for loss) and a sack but also has a team-high four quarterback hurries. Iowa has the Big Ten’s No. 5 scoring defense (Penn State is No. 4) but the fewest sacks in the conference. Statistically, it has fared better against the pass than the run so far.
What does all of this mean for the Nittany Lions? It goes without saying, but limiting turnovers will be key. Penn State should have a speed advantage that it will only be able to utilize if it stays on schedule and eliminates the drops and pre- and post-snap penalties that plagued it last week. The Hawkeyes, like the Lions’ first three opponents, are sure to load up the box to stop the run. That means quarterback Drew Allar and his pass catchers must consistently take advantage of open looks and quick passes to get play makers in space. If they do, eventually the deep shots will come.
Iowa has plenty of talent on defense. But, this unit isn’t as scary as some of Parker’s previous ones. If Penn State limits its mistakes, it should have no problem moving the ball on Saturday. We know that the struggles at Illinois are fresh in everyone’s mind. But, most of the problems are correctable, and that will shine through this week.
EDGE: Penn State
When the Nittany Lions are on defense
We’re spare you any more jokes about Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz needing the team to average 25 points a game to have his contract renewed. The Hawkeyes are currently overpace. But, they are hardly a juggernaut. Former Michigan passer Cade McNamara leads the offense under center. He has as nearly as many interceptions (three) as he does touchdowns (four). The passing attack suffered a big blow when star tight end Luke Lachey suffered a season-ending injury last week. It will put another former Wolverine, tight end Erick All, into a bigger role this week. Saturday’s visitors are also expected to be without their top two running backs in Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson. Leshon Williams, who ran for 145 yards last week, and Kamari Moulton, who scored twice in Week 3, will lead the way in the backfield.
Iowa has another fine offensive line. It is No 26 in pass blocking per Pro Football Focus and No. 11 in run blocking according to the same outlet. Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz must have his players ready to fill their gaps and tackle well. Feasting on opponent’s mistakes is how Iowa does most of its damage on offense. Expect a repeat of Week 3 in Week 4, with Diaz dialing up the pressure with hopes of forcing McNamara to make bad throws into the waiting arms of the Lions’ talented secondary. They may not net four interceptions again. But, at least a couple would not be a surprise.
All told, this is not one of the offenses on the schedule that should intimidate the Nittany Lions.
EDGE: Penn State
Odds and ends
–Iowa again has one of the nation’s best punters in Tory Taylor. He can change a game all by himself, which will make Kaden Saunders an important part of this game. He has been terrific when it comes to catching punts in traffic this year. It’s saved the Lions field position over the first three weeks. He’ll need to do it again this week.
–Don’t expect to see Penn State do much in the kick return game. Iowa kicker Drew Stevens is a perfect 17-for-17 on sending kickoffs for touchbacks this season. He’s four of five on field goal tries.
—Cooper DeJean will try to get something going in the punt return game. He’s averaging nine yards a pop so far.
Final word on Penn State-Iowa
The point spread, which makes Penn State a 14.5-point favorite, is a fair one from our point of view. Iowa struggled to move the ball with its three top weapons on the field. It will have an even harder time doing so without them. We can envision a scenario where the Hawkeyes’ defense ends up stymying the Lions’ attack at various points of the game. That’s especially true if the offensive line has some struggles like it did last week.
Ultimately, though, the obvious talent advantage combined with the stadium atmosphere will do Iowa in after 60 minutes. Penn State should feel good about how it matches up on paper and on film.
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