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Iowa Football: Early look at Penn State matchup

By Joe Kipp

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 12: Wide receiver Nico Ragaini #89 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled during the first half by safeties Lamont Wade #38 and Jaquan Brisker #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 12, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 12: Wide receiver Nico Ragaini #89 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled during the first half by safeties Lamont Wade #38 and Jaquan Brisker #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 12, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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The Iowa football team heads to Penn State on Saturday. Here’s an early look at the Hawkeyes’ matchup with the Nittany Lions.

After another blowout victory this past Friday over Minnesota, the Iowa football team has officially found their groove. The Hawkeyes (2-2) now turn their focus to the Penn State Nittany Lions (0-4) for an afternoon matchup at Happy Valley. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2:30 pm CT on Big Ten Network.

If you thought Iowa was having a disappointing season relative to expectations, then let me introduce you to Penn State. The Nittany Lions, ranked in the pre-season top 10 earlier this year, are 0-4 for just the second time in program history. It’s their worst start since 2001.

Penn State starting quarterback Sean Clifford was benched against Nebraska this past week after turning the ball over twice in the first half. It remains to be seen whether Clifford or backup Will Levis will be the starter against the Hawkeyes.

Iowa is 12-17 all-time against Penn State, and the Hawkeyes have lost to the Nittany Lions in their last six matchups. Ricky Stanzi is the last Iowa quarterback to win on the road at Beaver Stadium (2009).

The Nittany Lions have been surprisingly decent on defense this season, despite what their record shows. Penn State ranks 34th in the entire FBS in yards allowed per game (360.0). The issue is that they’re ranked 90th in points allowed per game (34.8). Conversely, Iowa’s offense averages 31.0 points per game and 376.0 yards per game (80th).

Iowa currently stands in fourth place in the Big Ten West. A win Saturday would put the Hawkeyes over .500 for the first time this season with a favorable remaining schedule. Iowa plays Nebraska (1-2), Illinois (1-3) and Wisconsin (2-0) in their next three games.

Next. Iowa Football: Time for coaches to re-evaluate the quarterback position. dark

The Hawkeyes are currently a 2.5-point favorite against the Nittany Lions at several sports books, but who knows whether that line will move up or down as the week progresses. To expect Iowa to win at Penn State – even against this year’s team – might be a lot to ask based on recent history.

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