Kirk Ferentz grew up in Pennsylvania and started watching Penn State football in the late 1960s.
Ferentz stated that back in those days, Penn State and most teams on the East Coast did not get the respect they deserved, by the Nittany Lions always had solid teams, and not a lot has changed in 50-plus years.
The Penn State football program shocked the world by firing long-time Head Coach James Franklin. With starting quarterback Drew Allar also out for the season with an injury, most people are writing off the Nittany Lions for the rest of the season.
Even with the massive changes that Penn State has undergone over the past week, Ferentz is adamant that they are still a good football team.
During his weekly press conference, Ferentz discussed the challenges Penn State presents, quarterback Mark Gronowski's leadership, and Reece Vander Zee, among multiple items.
Penn State is STILL a good football team
Even with the numerous changes that have happened within the program, Ferentz is adamant that Penn State will be tough this weekend.
He was quick to say that he was not criticizing anyone, but everything is getting more aggressive, and we live in more "reactionary times."
Ferentz stated that the Hawkeyes will still have their hands full on Saturday because they still have good players at every position.
Mark Gronowski is naturally wired as a leader
Ferentz mentioned that when Gronowski first got to campus, he was undergoing a procedure to repair the damage in his shoulder, and while he was with the team, he could not do much.
Being on the sidelines while everyone else on the team challenged his leadership, but he is naturally wired to be a leader.
Ahead of the game against Wisconsin, Ferentz asked him about his confidence, and he was candid about his health and how he was feeling.
Gronowski was able to gut it out, even though he was not fully 100-percent healthy, and earned credit with his teammates for his performance.
It's great to have Reece Vander Zee back
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee has been sidelined since the beginning of the season, finally making his return against Wisconsin.
Vander Zee played nearly 30 snaps and racked up 29 receiving yards on three catches.
This week, Vander Zee is fully healthy and ready to make a bigger impact in Iowa's game against Penn State on Saturday.
Ferentz noted that any time a player is injured, the mental challenges that come with it are often harder to deal with than the physcial challenges.
Even when you are with the team, you feel like you are miles away, and Ferentz has always encouraged his players to "up their mental game" when they cannot do anything physically.
Ferentz and the Hawkeyes welcome the Penn State Nittany Lions to Kinnick Stadium this Saturday at 6:08 p.m. Central Time.