Iowa Penn State Game Preview and Prediction
- Thread starter H4wkfan4life
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By the time Thursday or Friday arrives most of you so-called experts will have Iowa winning by 4 touchdowns. I can assure you that McSorley and company will have none of that. I’ll be at the game tailgating with a few of my friends and will thoroughly enjoy a Nittany victory.
McSorley had his worst QB rating game last year against Iowa. The DL height gave him issues all game. Iowa should plan to keep him in the pocket and force him to throw over us again.
Penn State seems boom or bust right now. They rank #93 in 3rd down conversion % this year. Last year against us, they relied on Barkley to carry them up and down the field. They didn't have to throw over the DL to get him the ball and he's one of the few guys who could beat Jewell and co consistently in space. They'll probably try something similar with Sanders. The key to this game is the same as the ISU game. Limit Sanders like Montgomery and we'll be in a good spot. Their WR's have come under criticism.
Offensively, hopefully last week's torrent winds didn't get Stanley out of a good rhythm. If he can continue his stellar play, Iowa can score enough to the W.
Penn State seems boom or bust right now. They rank #93 in 3rd down conversion % this year. Last year against us, they relied on Barkley to carry them up and down the field. They didn't have to throw over the DL to get him the ball and he's one of the few guys who could beat Jewell and co consistently in space. They'll probably try something similar with Sanders. The key to this game is the same as the ISU game. Limit Sanders like Montgomery and we'll be in a good spot. Their WR's have come under criticism.
Offensively, hopefully last week's torrent winds didn't get Stanley out of a good rhythm. If he can continue his stellar play, Iowa can score enough to the W.
D-Line pressure pressure pressure.Hope do not have to blitz. We can do it! HAWK Players Tough....
Dude Miles Sanders is the best back in the Big Ten, He's not Barkley nobody is but hes a first 2 round draft pick and is leaving early without a doubt.
My point was in response to the PSU fan who said we haven't played anybody ... And I shared that we both played Indiana ... and this is how each team did against the Hoosiers ... I didn't say it will effect Saturday's outcome ... I didn't say it guarantees an Iowa win ...
Game forecast call for rain. Im going with a lower scoring game like 13-10 Iowa. As long as they can keep McSorley contained from long QB scrambles, we pull this out.
This is not true. There is no clear cut leader on the defense, it's more of a collective group. He splits time with #26 Jonathon Sutherland at safety. Penn State's best defenders are the corners #21 Oruwariye and #29 John Reid.
As a PSU fan, our strong suit is our D-Ends, who are really starting to come on as of late. Gross-Matos, Shareef Miller and Shaka Toney. Weakness is at LB as they are young.
Looking forward to a good game on Saturday. May the best team win.
Taylor is the best RB in the B1G. Sanders is a nice back. Might, and I say might be a top 20 RB in the 2019 draft. Sanders isn't going to hurt Iowa. As said 20 times in this thread, it's McSorley that decides this game. If he is free to run, PSU wins. Especially on 3rd and long. That breaks the will of a defense. If Iowa keeps him in check Iowa wins.
Don't let the game vs. Michigan State cloud your vision. Just saying.
Penn State had an opportunity at 7 turnovers that game, and only got one of them.
#17 G Taylor he's playing in his first year as a starter.. the leader is #4 Nick Scott... Sutherland his (#17 backup) might be the best overall safety on the team though.. we rotate A LOT at DB..
First post here. Been reading and now testing the waters. I like having intelligent discussions with other fans and Iowa is the B1G team I respect the most. Classy program
My take - I was at the white out vs. OSU this year. I would like to find a team of 18-23 yr olds handle that environment. That's why that game was close. Sure there are plenty of teams that would be able to function, but a white out elevates PSU to a top 5 program "FOR THAT NIGHT". PSU D will not play at that level again in 2018. In all honesty, Franklin has a lot to be desired as a HC (clock management).
Iowa is solid and improving quickly (back to coaching). That doesn't matter because Iowa always gives PSU fits. The Hawks have ruined more than one season in Happy Valley. But Franklin and his jayvee staff are regressing. Attendance is going down and Franklin's snake oil is not selling anymore. There's an interesting dynamic occurring in Happy Valley and an Iowa win will certainly make things a little hotter, because two or three more losses are coming.
Prediction - coin flip. Comes down to a FG and PSU's kicker sucks
My take - I was at the white out vs. OSU this year. I would like to find a team of 18-23 yr olds handle that environment. That's why that game was close. Sure there are plenty of teams that would be able to function, but a white out elevates PSU to a top 5 program "FOR THAT NIGHT". PSU D will not play at that level again in 2018. In all honesty, Franklin has a lot to be desired as a HC (clock management).
Iowa is solid and improving quickly (back to coaching). That doesn't matter because Iowa always gives PSU fits. The Hawks have ruined more than one season in Happy Valley. But Franklin and his jayvee staff are regressing. Attendance is going down and Franklin's snake oil is not selling anymore. There's an interesting dynamic occurring in Happy Valley and an Iowa win will certainly make things a little hotter, because two or three more losses are coming.
Prediction - coin flip. Comes down to a FG and PSU's kicker sucks
Would you mind sharing a bit more about how PSU prefers to line up defensively? I haven't watched them play this year, but I gleaned from one fan site that Oruwariye is a Thorpe semi-finalist and often plays on an island. Does he normally line up against the best receiver or does he stick to one side of the field? If Oruwariye is usually man up without a safety over the top, what does the other side of the field do?
Do you all play a 4-3 base - it looks like it from the depth chart. Are the D-ends strong in run defense or primarily in rushing the passer? Do they rotate players on the line throughout the game or are your Ends primarily on the field most of the game?
The depth chart features a position called Star...is that essentially another DB for nickel/dime packages? What issues are you all experiencing with your LB unit? You mention they are young, but the listed starters Farmer (Sr.), Johnson (Jr.), and Brown (Jr.) are not lower-classmen. Did you mean inexperienced or does everyone on the 3-deep rotate in pretty regularly? Please tell us more about your defense.
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First, welcome to HR. Second, please post more. Third...about what you just said...
Franklin's antics don't go over well here, but that's to be expected. I find it a little hard to believe that the PSU fan base is tiring of him as he's had enormous success so far. Why do you think PSU potentially loses 2 or 3 more this season?
Yes Oruwariye plays on an island, as far as where they line up, it depends on the WR on the field. Reid will cover the slot and Tariq Castro Fields will play outside, opposite side of the field than Amani. 4-3 would be correct.
As far as the linebackers, inexperience is more like it. Farmer has played the star position in the past and has moved over to MLB, he's a solid player but nothing special. For the first few years, Franklin didn't really know where to put him, safety, LB, Kick returner, etc. Jan Johnson is a walk-on who received a scholarship last week. Early in his career Cael Sanderson needed a wrestler in his weight class and he later won a National Championship there. Moving back to football he has been a huge bright spot for where he has come from, this year. Bowen has showed promise but is not that big linebacker that PSU typically has, the guy probably has an 8 pack, he is a beast and will lay the lumber on a running back.
The young core is the future, Micah Parson, Jesse Luketa and Ellis Brooks (that's where the young guys I mentioned come from.) They rotate as well.
Basically the defense has been exposed at times this season. Much more than I'd like and I would've thought coming into the season. I think this game comes down to whoever has the most turnovers which could go either way. I know Iowa has a good team, but I honestly do not think Penn State loses 3 games at home in a row.
Best of luck.
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Weather plays a bigger role then maybe either team would like. Rain and cold keeps this a low scoring game, negating overall team speed advantage. Turnovers even, the team with the stronger front seven on D and the stronger O-line wins.
Iowa 27 - PSU 21
Iowa 27 - PSU 21
Not quite sure what you're driving at here. It's true, that Iowa graduated all 3 starting LBs including the great Josey Jewell. However, LB play this year has been a strength of this year's defense, which is performing at a much higher level top to bottom.
What does that tell you?
Maybe Iowa fans should pump the brakes on the great defense talk. So far this year they haven't faced a really good offense. Scoring offense stats from NCAA website.
41st Wisconsin
79th Maryland
84th Indiana
88th Minnesota
102nd Iowa St
124th Northern Illinois
Northern Iowa FCS school
Oruwariye is a rubix cube. His int. ended the App. State game but then he got hit in the chest, unopposed for an int. on MSU's game winning drive and dropped it. It was also Oruwariye who got back-shouldered on man-to-man on MSU's game winning TD (to be fair, 1.6M people knew where that pass was going except James Franklin who chose man coverage on MSU's only receiver not riding a power chair). Not sure he is all that great. Solid but not someone to put "on an island"
I disagree, he is good. He couldn't do what he needed to to close out Michigan St though.
https://247sports.com/college/penn-...raft-talent-per-Pro-Football-Focus-123667765/
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First, welcome to HR. Second, please post more. Third...about what you just said...
Franklin's antics don't go over well here, but that's to be expected. I find it a little hard to believe that the PSU fan base is tiring of him as he's had enormous success so far. Why do you think PSU potentially loses 2 or 3 more this season?
Can't really speak to "antics" from Franklin. I can see he is unlikeable to most, but not sure what he's done to Iowa (not saying he didn't but he has punked OSU, UM and MSU severely). McSorely was pretty much a dick last year in Iowa and while I just said that, he is fiery and that was a hell of a game. Given his age, competitiveness and basically every D1 athletes desire to be great, his ill advised punt at the end of the game last year was understood......yet still not how you want to conduct business.
I personally have never bought into Franklin. I am a vet of 20+ years. I only say that to demonstrate the fact that I have seen people who are magic with a mic, but can't produce results. Bill O'Brien was the real deal. Franklin is smoke and mirrors. Just look at the last 3 games and his clock management (or complete lack thereof). I have a 7yr old nephew that screamed "work the clock" during the MSU game. He plays Madden and knows better coaching.
I predict Saturday to be a coin flip, @Mich is a loss and Wisc TBD - thus 2-3 losses coming.
Lastly; this is Franklins 5th year, meaning his recruits are now Seniors or rsJuniors. How many of them start?
Good ifno but I'm not a talent scout and don't care about stats. The basis of the comment was a reply to "put him on an island" because he is that good. Well, Ellis from MSU was better with the MSU game on the line.
This is a fair point, and some on this board are wondering this very thing. To the eye of those who have followed Iowa for many years, this defense is playing at a higher level than previous years, has better depth throughout, and can deploy multiple different looks/packages. In addition, we've been able to weather injuries at key positions and not seen a drop off. These are all new and exciting developments. Perhaps these Hawks will get exposed against better offenses. We will see.
It is true that Iowa hasn't played a great offense yet. The best offense they have played is Wisconsin. They are ranked 33rd in offensive efficiency. Penn State is ranked 24th and Purdue is 11th so the defense will definitely be tested these next two weeks. PSU is the best overall team that Iowa has played so far as well. They rank 38th in defensive efficiency.
Iowa has played some good defenses though so far.
ISU is 18th
Northern Illinois is 25th.
Maryland and Wisconsin are a little above average at 41 and 47.
Iowa has played some good defenses though so far.
ISU is 18th
Northern Illinois is 25th.
Maryland and Wisconsin are a little above average at 41 and 47.
Sorry Hawk fans, but this quote is supposedly from a PSU fan who must not watch the games. Farmer is a Will (weak side) LB, not MLB or Mike. Will is a box LB in our scheme. Jan Johnson is the starting Mike and he did wrestle at heavyweight, but did not qualify for national tournament let alone win - the team did and the young man stepped up when asked. The Sam (strong side) LB is not Bowen who left the team, but Brown. I take you back to your board.....
I stand corrected, I was given wrong info and don't follow wrestling. Carry on.
What Franklin has done recruiting-wise is impressive though. You can't argue that. But seems like he may not be the best gameday coach. So perhaps a lot of struggles offensively can be tied to the OC leaving before the season? Having PSU back to being relevant is good for the BIG so I'd say be patient a little bit with Franklin...
I hope Iowa wins this wknd. But irregardless of the result... we all are pleading with you to beat the Badgers to help clear the path to Indy. Iowa DOES NOT control its own destiny even if they win out... so beat them... but make it close because we want them to count as a quality win... too much to ask?
I hope Iowa wins this wknd. But irregardless of the result... we all are pleading with you to beat the Badgers to help clear the path to Indy. Iowa DOES NOT control its own destiny even if they win out... so beat them... but make it close because we want them to count as a quality win... too much to ask?
Sorry if I questioned your sexuality ....I really am deeply sorry. I am also sorry that I changed a foe's name to something that bothers you. I won't do it anymore...
If the Hawks keep McSorely under 100 yards rushing they night win.
Minorities always win in this country. U must live somewhere from DM to eastern iowa....I didnt mean to hurt your feelings...
We root for the same team, I am very sorry Flick Shagwell and others that I offended.
I watched Franklin's post Ohio State interview and my douche bag meter went of the scale. Talking about being an elite team not just a great team blah blah blah. He talks a good fight and is slick but I could see it getting old fast.
If the Hawks can shut down TM in the 3rd and longs I see it as.....
24-20
If the Hawks can shut down TM in the 3rd and longs I see it as.....
24-20
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anon_8rcdnbko1jbe0
Guest
Just got thru watching PSU-Ind. Not impressed with Lion D and specifically DLine. Still stand by my prediction (if Turnovers are even) Hawks by 12.
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anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba
Guest
Iowa - 42
PSU - 14
Neither rain nor wind nor snow nor sleet nor dark of night shall stay the Hawkeyes from delivering the mail @ Penn State.
PSU - 14
Neither rain nor wind nor snow nor sleet nor dark of night shall stay the Hawkeyes from delivering the mail @ Penn State.
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