In Big Ten games, Penn State (5.0) and Iowa (10.0) are 1-2 in scoring defense. Both teams are doing well, lead by their secondaries. Nationally, 2nd and 3rd, with Iowa leading.
On offense, Iowa isn't Ohio State, many Penn State backers remind all us, but Iowa (42.5) is #2 in the Big Ten and the Nittany Lions (20.0) are #7 in scoring. Iowa won 34-6, while Penn State won 24-0 against Indiana.
The Big Ten Network called Penn State in the preseason, the best RB room. But, like with Iowa, the offensive line has been a work in progress, with weaknesses at the tackles.
There is a lot of hype on the Penn State side, coming off a nine game win streak. Of course, Iowa has an 11 game win streak, and the Nittany Lions last loss was in Happy Valley last year 41-21 to Iowa.
Watching last year's game, Iowa did use the wildcat formation a little with RB Tyler Goodson. Iowa was a +3 in turnovers, if I recall right, the one Iowa turnover was when, QB Spencer Petras made a mistake under center, fumbling a snap.
At 14:35 mark of 2nd Quarter, Iowa lead 10-7 last year in Happy Happy, which was similar to Maryland beginning of 2nd Quarter, with same mark.
In many ways, last week's Maryland game was similar game to last year's Minnesota game.
Not sure Iowa fans can expect back to back 31 point 2nd Quarters, but this may be as important part of the game in Week 6?
Last year, Iowa had a 21 point 2nd quarter against Penn State in Happy Valley.
Last year in the later part of the 2nd quarter, Iowa had a key 4th down stop against Penn State around the Iowa 40. Iowa did it the following series, as well.
Against Indiana, we saw similar 4th down play calls from James Franklin and their new OC.
By the way, the last Top 5 match up in Big Ten non-Ohio State match-up took place in 2015. It wasn't the 1997 game between Michigan-Penn State.
Penn State is 10-4 at Iowa in the AP era (since 1936). Will we see TE Theo Johnson early, like last year in Happy Valley?
A lot of love for Nebraska and Penn State this week.
Though, not everyone is picking Penn State.
Make no mistake, #4 Penn State at #3 Iowa is a B1G won. Neither team has won a Top 5 game in this decade. Iowa last won in 1985, while Penn State last won in 1999. Kirk Ferentz is 0-2 in these games. James Franklin and Penn State were #4 in 2019 when they lost 31-26 at #17 Minnesota. This is his highest match-up at Penn State for James Franklin. He has lost as a Top 10 program multiple times.
