Iowa Football: Predicting Big Ten’s Week Six Matchups

By Jeremy Karll | Oct 7, 2016

Nov 14, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes grasp the Floyd of Rosedale trophy after the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 7

iowa football

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Maryland Terrapins (-2.5) @ Penn State Nittany Lions

Say what you want about Maryland’s opponents, but three of their first four wins have come by more than 35 points. As a result, Maryland is starting to get a little consideration to be ranked in the AP Poll and travel to Happy Valley as a -2.5 favorite.

Penn State is coming off a tough 29-26 overtime win over Minnesota to improve to 3-2 on the year. Their only losses came in a thriller to Pittsburgh, in which they fell 42-39, and a blowout loss to Michigan. Penn State isn’t a bad team, but they’re underachieving once again under James Franklin.

The problem is we don’t know what to expect from Maryland. They haven’t played anyone remotely tough this season and Penn State enters this game very battle-tested.

More from Iowa Football

That being said, Maryland has looked impressive. They’re completing 60 percent of their passes, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and are fifth in the nation in points allowed per game — 11.6 points allowed per game.

If the Terrapins stifling defense transfers over against respectable competition like Penn State, then Maryland should be even bigger favorites. Although, the uncertainty that comes with this team is scary.

For Penn State, Saquon Barkley is one of the best running backs in the nation. He’s rushed for 380 yards and seven touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry this season. Not to mention, he’s also a very good pass-catching back with 11 receptions on the year. That being said, Minnesota held him to 3.2 yards per carry and Maryland will look to do the same with their defense that has allowed a mere 3.1 yards per rush.

On defense, Maryland needs to stop Barkley and Chris Godwin. On offense, seven players have at least 10 rushing attempts and a touchdown on the season. That’s an insane amount. If they establish the run and use all their weapons they should walk away with a win.

This is a huge game for the Maryland football program. Although, I’m not sure if buying into the Maryland hype is safe, yet. Penn State isn’t a great offensive team, but is Maryland’s defense for real?

Prediction: Penn State 27 Maryland 21

Home/Iowa Football