I always hate these posts but I have to say Congrats from PSU (in peace.)

[marisa45]

I don't believe in moral victories, but this was close, and we were 1 play away from thinking the same.

You guys played your asses off tonight, hard nosed tough determined football team. Jewel, that big number 98, defensive backs looked fast. Probably sub-par night for your OL but Wadley's a good player and Stanley looks good as well. Very good job on critical downs, which is all about good coaching and experienced motivated players (who've bought in). To turn what happened last year into this outcome is a huge improvement. Probably the top college game this year......could have went either way.

I truly hope you guys win out and we see you in the BIG Championship. Even though there seems to be no love loss between our fans (not necessarily alumni), the sane ones seem to be on the same page. Take care of Wisconsin and Nebby and we'll see you in Indianapolis.......if we can do the same.

And just a warning,......I suffer no fools, so inappropriate responses will be ignored.

 

[WarrentonLion]

It was a fantastic game and BOTH teams will be better the rest of the way for having played this type of hard fought game. Best of Luck the rest of the way. Hope to see you in Indy!

 

[vgshwk]

I don't believe in moral victories, but this was close, and we were 1 play away from thinking the same.

You guys played your asses off tonight, hard nosed tough determined football team. Jewel, that big number 98, defensive backs looked fast. Probably sub-par night for your OL but Wadley's a good player and Stanley looks good as well. Very good job on critical downs, which is all about good coaching and experienced motivated players (who've bought in). To turn what happened last year into this outcome is a huge improvement. Probably the top college game this year......could have went either way.

I truly hope you guys win out and we see you in the BIG Championship. Even though there seems to be no love loss between our fans (not necessarily alumni), the sane ones seem to be on the same page. Take care of Wisconsin and Nebby and we'll see you in Indianapolis.......if we can do the same.

And just a warning,......I suffer no fools, so inappropriate responses will be ignored.

Nice post and I hope the team plays pissed off for letting one get away. We can get better hop

 

[WildIowaCat]

I don't believe in moral victories, but this was close, and we were 1 play away from thinking the same.

You guys played your asses off tonight, hard nosed tough determined football team. Jewel, that big number 98, defensive backs looked fast. Probably sub-par night for your OL but Wadley's a good player and Stanley looks good as well. Very good job on critical downs, which is all about good coaching and experienced motivated players (who've bought in). To turn what happened last year into this outcome is a huge improvement. Probably the top college game this year......could have went either way.

I truly hope you guys win out and we see you in the BIG Championship. Even though there seems to be no love loss between our fans (not necessarily alumni), the sane ones seem to be on the same page. Take care of Wisconsin and Nebby and we'll see you in Indianapolis.......if we can do the same.

And just a warning,......I suffer no fools, so inappropriate responses will be ignored.

You've done nothing to elicit a negative response, unlike about 90 percent of the rest of your fellow psu visitors. By the way this is not an experienced Iowa team it's a very young team outside of a few guys. Look forward to seeing a lot of those same players for a while. And thanks for the classy post! Take care.

 

[Eternal Return]

To turn what happened last year into this outcome is a huge improvement. Probably the top college game this year......could have went either way.

I agree. Before kickoff, I thought PSU would win by 17-21 points. The loss sucks, but Iowa showed me something. They have A LOT of young talent that showed very well against a really great team--that is fun to watch when they aren't playing against Iowa. I hate to admit that, but it's a dynamic offense. All the more reason I'm surprised at how well Iowa played against them. If Penn State had any other college (or, hell, maybe even pro) running back, Iowa probably wins the game and maybe even without any drama. Barkley is just that good. Other than Barkley, I didn't think Iowa looked outclassed at all. Well, Penn State's D in the first half clearly outclassed Iowa, but the play calling finally opened up. Way too late, though. I think that's as much in part because it was only Stanley's 4th game and he's a true sophomore. I think he has the talent to be a pass-first QB and this game will go a long way to helping him get to that point. It's not a moral victory at all, but I see signs that this team is heading in the right direction. We'll see. They also might fall flat on their face next week after such an emotional and physical game. They're young, we'll see what they're made of. I'd say good luck to you guys, but you've already got Barkley so it wouldn't be fair if you had luck on your side, too. ;-)

I also think you're right about the alumni vs. fan chatter. I'll be surprised if we see a better college football game this year. I was riveted. Even on the last play, after the TD, I sort of went numb in awe of the whole-game experience. It was just so tight the whole game long. There was never a point where either fan base could breathe! Damn, just a great game to watch.

 

[rivercityjazzman]

Credit to your team on an incredible drive to win the game. Barkley has unmatched skills, and was a major driving force for your success.

EDIT: Although your player's (not sure who it was) final act of punting the ball away after the game was over was foolish and classless, it's my understanding that he apologized for it and accepted responsibility for his action in a post game interview. If so, I can accept that.

I think we will grow from this loss, as painful as it was for us. I look forward to the opportunity to play you guys again this year. Have a safe trip home.

 

[boomysmith]

You've done nothing to elicit a negative response, unlike about 90 percent of the rest of your fellow psu visitors. By the way this is not an experienced Iowa team it's a very young team outside of a few guys. Look forward to seeing a lot of those same players for a while. And thanks for the classy post! Take care.

Lying filth about Paterno and Penn State is going to bring negative responses.

 

[marshall23]

I've always respected Coach Ferentz(let's not forget he is a Pa. guy) and the program he leads at Iowa. The actual competition, is between fine athletes who respect one another.
I will continue to cheer for Iowa football (as I have for many years) and I hope they win the rest of their games.
It would be a much anticipated rematch to meet again for the Big10 title.
May I also add that I hope both teams emerged from a great game 100% healthy.

 

[mcruny42]

As soon as it was announced as a night game at Kinnick I knew this would be an absolute dog fight. Wadley is a great back especially when he gets just a little bit of space. I can tell why JJ is the heart of your team, awesome player and I have a feeling Epenesa is going to be a monster by the time his career is over. Internet fans who post on other teams boards are mainly looking for arguments and not representative of an entire fanbase as a whole. I wish McSorley didn't punt the ball and I believe he apologized after the game as well as being very complimentary of Iowa. 20 year old kids sometimes do stupid things, not necessarily because they are punks or malicious, just a whole lot of emotion going on. Anyways, best of luck moving forward, emotional game, tough loss but I'm sure KF can keep your squad on track. Maybe I'll see some of you in March in Cleveland for wrestling NCAAs.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

You guys are really good. Barkley is beyond phenomenal. I posted last night that someone has to tell me who is better through week 4. He shouldn't be that big and be that fast or have that agility. When he leapt over Josh Jackson and then broke the tackle of Hooker for the first down I just wasn't even shocked (mostly because we missed another tackle). Overall, I thought both teams played great. You destroyed us on the stat sheet but it didn't shock many Iowa fans that we were still in the game using the bend but don't break philosophy.

The worst part is that we are spoiled. Those close night games have gone Iowa's way for so long. I thought we just had another instant classic Iowa victory with 4 seconds left. Not to be...

 

[marisa45]

Credit to your team on an incredible drive to win the game. Barkley has unmatched skills, and was a major driving force for your success.

EDIT: Although your player's (not sure who it was) final act of punting the ball away after the game was over was foolish and classless, it's my understanding that he apologized for it and accepted responsibility for his action in a post game interview. If so, I can accept that.

I think we will grow from this loss, as painful as it was for us. I look forward to the opportunity to play you guys again this year. Have a safe trip home.

Trace is a good kid, I know some other fans (not just yours, definitely the Wisconsin fans) have mentioned arrogance, but he's the furthest thing from cocky you'll find on our team. I think it's an alter ego thing. I'm glad he apologized for kicking the ball, he's highly emotional but his heart is in the right place. Most of all, he's a warrior who usually earns the respect of those he plays against.......Michigan State's Riley Bollough spent like 20 minutes out on the field last year hugging him and smiling at him and later said he was a "warrior".

The celebrations were actually the coaches idea, like it or not, they said he wasn't celebrating enough. He's been all business mostly this year, seems to have the weight of expectations clearly on his shoulders and he's had the determined disposition of a man on a mission.

Not sure why I brought that up or why you would care but he is a good kid.

 

[marisa45]

You guys are really good. Barkley is beyond phenomenal. I posted last night that someone has to tell me who is better through week 4. He shouldn't be that big and be that fast or have that agility. When he leapt over Josh Jackson and then broke the tackle of Hooker for the first down I just wasn't even shocked (mostly because we missed another tackle). Overall, I thought both teams played great. You destroyed us on the stat sheet but it didn't shock many Iowa fans that we were still in the game using the bend but don't break philosophy.

The worst part is that we are spoiled. Those close night games have gone Iowa's way for so long. I thought we just had another instant classic Iowa victory with 4 seconds left. Not to be...

Good to hear, I was very impressed by the D-Line, Jewel and your secondary. I've watched Wadley a lot and he is definitely a high round draft pick. The secondary is one disciplined, fast, aware group. Definitely by far the best we've seen in a while, especially the corners.

Not sure how you guys seem to keep finding the Micah Hyde, Desmond Kings of the world when they're so rare but keep it up. 27 was a nightmare. He almost won you the game.

Agree on Barkley, it hasn't been definitively determined he's the best we've ever seen (and not sure it ever will, you can't really compare eras) but he is beyond special. Superman.

The rest of the offense didn't have a great night, mostly due to what you guys did, but it's not just Barkley and 50/50 balls. They have a chance to be special. It's really the scheme and Moorhead sort of a spread, west coast offense. It looks disjointed and all over the place at times and really gives our old-timers fits but you look up and there is consistently between 500 and 600 yards of offense. We normally don't get stopped in the red zone like you were able to do so hats off. We're familiar with bend, don't break and that was a masterpiece. Have to have tough, hardnosed guys to make it work!

 

[Rustys Dad]

I think Iowa lost to the best team in the Big 10. To me, Barkley is the best player in college football ... PSU has a very talented QB ... fast on defense and tackles very well ... Iowa played a great game ... The better team won ... But man, what a game ...

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I was impressed with Barkley. I don't think the Big 10 will see a back of that caliber for a LONG time. He is a program changer and he will be a top 5 draft pick come April (long as he stays healthy). He was the difference, his ability to squeak through some of those holes and change direction was unbelievable.

Your QB is a fine player and I don't think he had to apologize for punting the ball (its an emotional game and sometimes those emotions come out). He is a fine player, but you could tell he was getting upset in the 2nd half. If he keeps his cool he will be a great player. His WR's didn't do him any help with some of the drops.

Overall it was a classic game and Iowa had won so many of those close ones. It was finally meant to be to lose one. Sadly I am 0-3 for Iowa night games (PSU-When Obrien was there and they woodshedded us, 2014 ISU game, and now PSU 2017). Needless to say I will not be attending another night game at Iowa. Its gotta be me!

Great game and good luck PSU the rest of the season.

 

[kceasthawk]

Good to hear, I was very impressed by the D-Line, Jewel and your secondary. I've watched Wadley a lot and he is definitely a high round draft pick. The secondary is one disciplined, fast, aware group. Definitely by far the best we've seen in a while, especially the corners.

Not sure how you guys seem to keep finding the Micah Hyde, Desmond Kings of the world when they're so rare but keep it up. 27 was a nightmare.

Agree on Barkley, it hasn't been definitively determined he's the best we've ever seen (and not sure it ever will, you can't really compare eras) but he is beyond special. Superman.

The rest of the offense didn't have a great night, mostly due to what you guys did, but it's not just Barkley and 50/50 balls. They have a chance to be special. It's really the scheme and Moorhead sort of a spread, west coast offense. It looks disjointed and all over the place at times and really gives our old-timers fits but you look up and there is consistently between 500 and 600 yards of offense. We normally don't get stopped in the red zone like you did so hats off. We're familiar with bend, don't break and that was a masterpiece. Have to have tough, hardnosed guys to make it work!

Your team played well, and Barkley is without question the best all around back in college this year. Please go pro SB! Your very kind about Wadley, but he won't be a high round draft pick. I do think he'll get a shot in the league, and in the right system, he can make it as a situational back. Love Akrum to death, but he's not an every down type back in the league. Those are few and very far between, with the way the league has devalued the RB's. It takes a very special, complete back to go in the first few rounds these days. Barkley is one of those, and guys like Zeke, and David Johnson with the Cardinals. Hope you guys kick OSU and Michigans butts, then maybe we can get another shot at this Dec 2nd in Indy.

 

[cecilB]

refreshing and good take on the game in this thread. The one thing, and yes it surprised me a bit, was an under-reported stat in this game....average yds per offensive play....a virtual tie. Iowa keeping everything in front of them turned out to be a death by a thousand cuts. PS aggressive blitzing and slants on what seemed like every play led to exhilarating huge plays by the Hawks, and nearly cost the lions.

How often do you see the B1G Offensive and Defensive player of the week come from opposing teams in the same game...only in a classic, and perhaps teh first time we've ever seen it.

 

[marisa45]

I was impressed with Barkley. I don't think the Big 10 will see a back of that caliber for a LONG time. He is a program changer and he will be a top 5 draft pick come April (long as he stays healthy). He was the difference, his ability to squeak through some of those holes and change direction was unbelievable.

Your QB is a fine player and I don't think he had to apologize for punting the ball (its an emotional game and sometimes those emotions come out). He is a fine player, but you could tell he was getting upset in the 2nd half. If he keeps his cool he will be a great player. His WR's didn't do him any help with some of the drops.

Overall it was a classic game and Iowa had won so many of those close ones. It was finally meant to be to lose one. Sadly I am 0-3 for Iowa night games (PSU-When Obrien was there and they woodshedded us, 2014 ISU game, and now PSU 2017). Needless to say I will not be attending another night game at Iowa. Its gotta be me!

Great game and good luck PSU the rest of the season.

Same and you're right. Trace needs to find a good place between passion and performance. He also has expectations to deal with this year, which he did not have last year.

In terms of receivers, Hamilton (5) tends to drop passes as does Johnson (84) on occasion. There isn't a Chris Godwin type "all hands guy" on this team this year which is a good point and a difference from the last 2 years. However, if Johnson can figure it out, he is a physical freak and could become a dominant WR. Next year, watch out for KJ Hamler, the human joystick, got him out of IMG last year and he will be electric. The wide receiver room is packed with young guys.

 

[kceasthawk]

refreshing and good take on the game in this thread. The one thing, and yes it surprised me a bit, was an under-reported stat in this game....average yds per offensive play....a virtual tie. Iowa keeping everything in front of them turned out to be a death by a thousand cuts. PS aggressive blitzing and slants on what seemed like every play led to exhilarating huge plays by the Hawks, and nearly cost the lions.

How often do you see the B1G Offensive and Defensive player of the week come from opposing teams in the same game...only in a classic, and perhaps teh first time we've ever seen it.

We definetly made them earn it. I believe they averaged 5.8 yards/play compared to 8.5 yds/play coming into Sat game.

 

[rivercityjazzman]

Trace is a good kid, I know some other fans (not just yours, definitely the Wisconsin fans) have mentioned arrogance, but he's the furthest thing from cocky you'll find on our team. I think it's an alter ego thing. I'm glad he apologized for kicking the ball, he's highly emotional but his heart is in the right place. Most of all, he's a warrior who usually earns the respect of those he plays against.......Michigan State's Riley Bollough spent like 20 minutes out on the field last year hugging him and smiling at him and later said he was a "warrior".

The celebrations were actually the coaches idea, like it or not, they said he wasn't celebrating enough. He's been all business mostly this year, seems to have the weight of expectations clearly on his shoulders and he's had the determined disposition of a man on a mission.

Not sure why I brought that up or why you would care but he is a good kid.

Thanks for sharing. My kid is a UIFB player (kicker), so I can appreciate the value of getting to know players beyond what they do on the football field; football is obviously only one part of their lives.

 

[marisa45]

Thanks for sharing. My kid is a UIFB player (kicker), so I can appreciate the value of getting to know players beyond what they do on the football field; football is obviously only one part of their lives.

Exactly why I'm a fan of college football and not the pros. They're still kids and we need to realize that and guide them.

Great story about Trace's mom.......she orders dozens of donuts, pastries and cakes for the offensive linemen every game; obviously, because they are the ones charged with keeping her boy safe and upright. It got to a point where all the other players were invading the offensive line room to forage on whatever was left over (and there wasn't much.......we have some big boy offensive linemen in there). Well, it got to the point where she had to do the same thing for the whole team (or risk team cohesiveness!). Costly thing to do but judging from the stories they've done, it's a source of pride for her and she loves to do it.

 

[KFsdisciple]

I notice Penn State has to keep apoligizing after games for stuff... I'm not trying to be a troll on my own board, but since the thread has been pleasant I almost feel bad for bringing it up... but McSorely having to say he's sorry for punting the ball, your coach making newsworthy comments like Pitt is like beating Akron or having to explain why he iced a kicker when up 56-0... To steal a line from Remember the Titans... attitude reflects leadership.. Congrats on a GREAT game and win for Penn State, but if the Nittany Lions are trying to embrace the role of the heel... its working.