It isn't all about the defense. Though, all week we have heard about Penn State's offense, their QB, Iowa's defense and Penn State's offense.
One real element about good field position and good starts has been the momentum created, not just by the defense with field position, but in the KR game or PR game with RET Charlie Jones. Jones hasn't had the PR to the house like last year's Michigan State game or Jayden Reed's PR to move MSU vs. Nebraska into OT, but this is certainly an area, hopefully Iowa can spark the Iowa offense against the Nittany Lions.
Looking about at Iowa's 5-0 start. Some of the scoring drives began with good special teams plays and momentum.
Iowa's best drive of the year was a beautiful 2nd quarter drive for 20 plays, 95 yards.
It is a different game. The opponent is Penn State, but I do have a feeling this game will take shape, hopefully, like the Iowa State game.
Iowa played well in Ames this year. Hopefully, Iowa can get back to playing like the 2010 team, who took care of business against the #22 Nittany Lions. Iowa was ranked #17 at the time.
This game is huge. I would compare it to the #4 Iowa vs. #5 Michigan State game played in Indianapolis. Another defensive slugfest. It was one of the most physical games in the Kirk Ferentz era.
It was also a battle between TWO TOP 5 rated Big Ten programs! Iowa was a bigger underdog in 2015, and the Hawks nearly pulled it off.
Michigan State, unlike Penn State at this point, had a very solid rushing attack. Hopefully, Iowa's special teams can keep field position favorable for Iowa. Penn State does have a good punter, much like the Colorado State game. Here's to a 60 minute performance and instant classic for Iowa, like the 1985 wins over Michigan State and Michigan in Kinnick. On Iowa!
I don't see the type of scoring or passing yardage of this October classic, but I also don't expect a 4 FG win, like the #1 vs. #2 back in 1985 either.
Here's to QB Spencer Petras and the Iowa offense finding a way to click on Saturday. Put it where the Nittany Lions aren't Spence!
Some meaningful stats from last year's game:
- Iowa's defense had 5 sacks (2 on Sean Clifford), while the Iowa offensive line yielded 3 on Spencer Petras
- Iowa only ran for 3.8 yards per carry and went 3 deep in the RB room (Goodson 20, Kelly-Martin 3, Sargent had 101 yards on 15)
- Iowa had 3 rushing TDs, no TDs by pass
- Leading receivers were Nico Ragani and Sam LaPorta
- Iowa defense allowed to explosive TD plays of 28 yards to their returning TE and a 68 yarder to Johan Dotson
- Special teams was pretty much in check. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had one KR for 25 yards
- Both interceptions by Iowa players were linemen in Happy Valley last year
