Iowa Football: Clobbered In 2016, Can The Hawkeyes Get Revenge Against Penn State?

The 2017 version of Iowa and Penn State will hopefully look a little different from last year’s matchup in College Park.

With basically the exact same Nittany Lion team the Hawkeyes faced last year, we hope for some revenge. Although, with Heisman runner Saquon Barkley, the nation’s best RB, is going to be the number one threat. With a whole year of improvement and new abilities Barkley is equipped with, is going to make this game even harder than last year. Not only that, but with a fresh new QB, new defense and receivers, makes this game challenging as well offensively against this Nittany Lion defense.

Firstly, without stopping Barkley, this game is going to be a complete nightmare, quite like last year.

This season, Barkley has accounted for 300+ yards on 38 attempts with three touchdowns. Although last game against Georgia State, he only accounted for 47 yards on 4.6 per carry. Probably because it was a lower-tier team and didn’t want to risk an injury. With the start of the Big Ten season within only hours away, we all know everyone is going to be hungry. This is when we really see the true colors of each team shine, so this game could end in a blowout, or a win. There is no inbetween.

Let’s not forget about Penn State’s quarterback as well, which is seemed to be overlooked by most people. Barkley is not the only problem we have. Trace McSorely has accounted for 753 yards through the air with a 68% completion rate. And we know well that Iowa has troubles when it comes to the passing game.

Let’s also not forget that Saquon Barkley has also had some improvements receiving as well, making him an even bigger threat than last year. These two combined: your worst nightmare, especially against a young, new Iowa core. Defensively, the Nittany Lions are just as strong as last season’s team.

Last week, Penn State caught three interceptions and forced three fumbles defensively. Being only Georgia State, the Nittany Lions completely devastated the whole Georgia State team. Penn State has only allowed 14 points so far all season.

What does this this mean for the Hawkeyes?

Just like every week, they need to stop the passing game, especially keeping a close eye on Barkley through the air now. And, of course, just keep an eye on Barkley, period. He is the main controlling factor of the Hawkeyes even having the slightest of chance pulling off another upset for a second straight year inside Kinnick at night. Although with this game being quite out of reach for a win, that’s what we said against Michigan in 2016. That can only give you hope, but for now, it’s looking like a Penn State win fair and square.

The Hawkeyes winning this game would be like Iowa State making a bowl game, so, not very likely. Although, don’t take my word for it, I said this last year against Michigan, and well, we won. It’s just one of those games, one of the magical night games in Kinnick we all love, where amazing things can happen.

Do I have faith? Of course. My gut says Iowa, my head says Penn State, and you know that saying, “always trust your gut.” Go Hawks, this will hopefully be one for the books.