Penn State on upset alert

[lonestar50]

No. 4 Penn State at Iowa
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET | Where: Iowa City, Iowa | Opening Line: Penn State -13.5

Why it's listed: Iowa's recent record against top-five opponents speaks for itself. The Hawkeyes are 4-2 vs. top-five opponents since 2008 and 3-0 when playing at home. Additionally, Iowa is on a two-game winning streak against Penn State (2008, 2009) when the Nittany Lions are ranked in the top five nationally. The past isn't the best indicator of future results, but, yeah, that's kind of noteworthy going into Saturday. As far as difficult places to play in the Big Ten, Kinnick should be up there.

Iowa wins if: The Hawkeyes have enough success passing the ball to open up the run. Running back Akrum Wadley left the Week 3 game against North Texas with an injury, but all signs point to him playing on Saturday. Wadley ranks sixth in the Big Ten with eight rushes of 10 yards or more -- only two behind Barkley. But Penn State has an excellent run defense that's given up only one touchdown and fewer than three yards per carry despite opponents averaging 42 attempts per game against them. Iowa's passing attack isn't prolific by any definition, but it is efficient and will be needed to open up those running lanes for Wadley.

Penn State wins if: Saquon Barkley does Saquon Barkley things. It feels as though we've almost become numb to how unreal of an athlete Barkley is. He's a complete running back and all, but his ability to create plays on his own that look dead is next-level. This catch-and-run against Akron is mind-bending ...

Penn State's offense has been able to take advantage of defenses keying in on Barkley by attacking through the air with tight end Mike Gesicki ... but Gesicki and Barkley are the team's two-leading pass-catchers. At the end of the day, this offense runs through Barkley, and in big games, the best player on the field needs to take over.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...ate-michigan-on-alert-as-big-ten-play-starts/

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

Nice read thanks!

 

[Wadzinator]

Last year's team wasn't a pass threat this year balance. Hawks have a real shot I think it comes down to the front 7 getting disruption

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Needless to say Iowa has been inconsistent in all 3 games this year.

When Ferentz has teams that have special seasons, this is the time of year they shake off the early season rust, hiccups, learning curves, etc. and really start putting things together for 4 quarters. So we'll see what happens the rest of the way.

I have much respect for Penn State, so win or lose, what I'm looking for on Saturday is 4 quarters of consistent play. I'm not saying perfection, consistency.

I really like Iowa's chances in this game. After getting embarrassed last year, this team's competitive pride is on the line. 31-30 Hawkeyes.

 

[PennsylvaniaPride]

Needless to say Iowa has been inconsistent in all 3 games this year.

When Ferentz has teams that have special seasons, this is the time of year they shake off the early season rust, hiccups, learning curves, etc. and really start putting things together for 4 quarters. So we'll see what happens the rest of the way.

I have much respect for Penn State, so win or lose, what I'm looking for on Saturday is 4 quarters of consistent play. I'm not saying perfection, consistency.

I really like Iowa's chances in this game. After getting embarrassed last year, this team's competitive pride is on the line. 31-30 Hawkeyes.

It's going to be a close game. Coach Ferentz knows how to coach them up in big games at home.

 

[F6n6]

anybody in Hawkeye media predicting Iowa to win?
Pat Harty
Jon Miller
Steve Deace
Chad Leistikow
Travis Justice
Ross Peterson
Mark Emmert
Chris Cuellar
Steve Batterson
Rob Howe
Trent Condon
Marc Morehouse
Scott Dochterman
Bobby La Gesse
and whoever I'm missing...
does anybody know if one of these guys are picking (rooting for) Iowa to win this game?

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

It's going to be a close game. Coach Ferentz knows how to coach them up in big games at home.

Usually, unless it's a bowl game lately. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

I agree it will likely be close.

 

[JBO 7]

+2 turnovers
Limit PSU big plays
200 yds rushing
Stanley finally connects on two long passes for TDs

 

[Pepperman]

+2 turnovers
Limit PSU big plays
200 yds rushing
Stanley finally connects on two long passes for TDs

I saw somebody posted KF is 89-17 when the Hawks get 150+ in rushing. So if all of the above occur, I think Iowa would win by 14+

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Maybe I'm over confident but I don't think we need all that tongonour way job. +2 turnovers and less than 3 plays of more than 20 yards from them and I think we win this bad boy.

 

[Crazy Hawk]

I find this weird to say...but since the Rose Bowl game....I haven't regained confidence that Iowa's defense can game plan to stop a good offense. I feel like this guy every time Iowa's defense comes onto the field with Phil Parker game planning:

 

[elvis63]

I find this weird to say...but since the Rose Bowl game....I haven't regained confidence that Iowa's defense can game plan to stop a good offense. I feel like this guy every time Iowa's defense comes onto the field with Phil Parker game planning:

IMO Kirk Ferentz is similiar to Joe Paterno, they are/were great coaches and you often are a victim of your own success because you are successful. You try to beat teams by giving them your best effort and stop trying to attack their weakness as much. If that makes sense.
Joe had a very poor record against Kirk even when he had some great teams. Kirk had his number and he was younger. If you look at Iowa now, they have a basic defensive package, a bend don't break kind of strategy. Penn State played like that under Joe but now they play it differently. Sometimes it's hard not in certain situations.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

The good thing is PSU will try to "power" the ball with Barkley and I think that bodes well for Iowa. Iowa matches up better with PSU, than they did with ISU and N Texas. Those two teams are "finesse" teams and try to get you on the outside w/speed. PSU will still line up in I formation and they will use the spread, but not like N. Texas and ISU did.

PSU is damn good on both sides of the ball, but lets see how they handle the road conditions. Always tough going away from Home that first time in a season.

Im thinking:

Iowa 31
PSU 28

I think its a back and forth battle with Iowa getting a late FG and Jackson gets a late INT to seal the win. Go hawks

 

[Slappy Pappy]

I find this weird to say...but since the Rose Bowl game....I haven't regained confidence that Iowa's defense can game plan to stop a good offense. I feel like this guy every time Iowa's defense comes onto the field with Phil Parker game planning:

Dude, Michigan was no slouch last year....1st or 2nd best O in the B1G.

 

[elvis63]

The good thing is PSU will try to "power" the ball with Barkley and I think that bodes well for Iowa. Iowa matches up better with PSU, than they did with ISU and N Texas. Those two teams are "finesse" teams and try to get you on the outside w/speed. PSU will still line up in I formation and they will use the spread, but not like N. Texas and ISU did.

PSU is damn good on both sides of the ball, but lets see how they handle the road conditions. Always tough going away from Home that first time in a season.

Im thinking:

Iowa 31
PSU 28

I think its a back and forth battle with Iowa getting a late FG and Jackson gets a late INT to seal the win. Go hawks

No they won't, that's not how their offense works.

 

[CampbellLION]

No. 4 Penn State at Iowa
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET | Where: Iowa City, Iowa | Opening Line: Penn State -13.5

Why it's listed: Iowa's recent record against top-five opponents speaks for itself. The Hawkeyes are 4-2 vs. top-five opponents since 2008 and 3-0 when playing at home. Additionally, Iowa is on a two-game winning streak against Penn State (2008, 2009) when the Nittany Lions are ranked in the top five nationally. The past isn't the best indicator of future results, but, yeah, that's kind of noteworthy going into Saturday. As far as difficult places to play in the Big Ten, Kinnick should be up there.

Iowa wins if: The Hawkeyes have enough success passing the ball to open up the run. Running back Akrum Wadley left the Week 3 game against North Texas with an injury, but all signs point to him playing on Saturday. Wadley ranks sixth in the Big Ten with eight rushes of 10 yards or more -- only two behind Barkley. But Penn State has an excellent run defense that's given up only one touchdown and fewer than three yards per carry despite opponents averaging 42 attempts per game against them. Iowa's passing attack isn't prolific by any definition, but it is efficient and will be needed to open up those running lanes for Wadley.

Penn State wins if: Saquon Barkley does Saquon Barkley things. It feels as though we've almost become numb to how unreal of an athlete Barkley is. He's a complete running back and all, but his ability to create plays on his own that look dead is next-level. This catch-and-run against Akron is mind-bending ...

Penn State's offense has been able to take advantage of defenses keying in on Barkley by attacking through the air with tight end Mike Gesicki ... but Gesicki and Barkley are the team's two-leading pass-catchers. At the end of the day, this offense runs through Barkley, and in big games, the best player on the field needs to take over.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...ate-michigan-on-alert-as-big-ten-play-starts/

Spent a whole paragraph discussing games that happened nearly a decade ago and completely left out the game that took place less than 12 months ago.

 

[CampbellLION]

The good thing is PSU will try to "power" the ball with Barkley and I think that bodes well for Iowa. Iowa matches up better with PSU, than they did with ISU and N Texas. Those two teams are "finesse" teams and try to get you on the outside w/speed. PSU will still line up in I formation and they will use the spread, but not like N. Texas and ISU did.

PSU is damn good on both sides of the ball, but lets see how they handle the road conditions. Always tough going away from Home that first time in a season.

Im thinking:

Iowa 31
PSU 28

I think its a back and forth battle with Iowa getting a late FG and Jackson gets a late INT to seal the win. Go hawks

Say what? PSU hasn't tried to power the ball to Barkley in over 2 years and haven't been in the I-Formation since O'Brien left. I think you need to re-evaluate your scouting report.

PSU is an extremely veteran team. They will handle the road conditions better than most.

 

[David1979]

Iowa needs to eliminate the penalties and TO's that have plagued them in the first three games and have better execution on the offensive line.

 

[gregoryj95]

No they won't, that's not how their offense works.

Correct, PSU does not at all do what DavenportHawk said. They're predominantly an RPO look and are all about getting players into open space. Going wherever the defense ain't, based on where the defense chooses to commit. The D gets to choose who has a chance to get into open space, but somebody will have that opportunity. Sooner or later someone gets loose, which is why so many of PSU's yards come from big plays.

If Iowa does as expected and does not send the LBs up to stop Barkley, he'll have interior gaps and will end up in space against a slower player, with the potential to quickly get to the next level against the safeties as they come up out of Iowa's typical over-the-top safety coverage. He might have his first truly big game on the ground this year if Iowa sticks to that.

If the LBs are coming up to stuff those gaps, it will vacate the field 7-10 yards deep for slants, and will put tight ends and receivers in space. Or you could see Barkley as a receiving target covered by a LB. You won't even see Barkley getting many handoffs if Iowa key on him like other teams have.

But what will NOT happen is to see PSU lining up to go head to head with Iowa, 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Anything could happen, but this is a tough matchup for Iowa's D.

 

[hawkfan0319]

I think for Iowa to win this, they need to keep it a 17-13 type of game. I don't think we will beat them if it gets into a shootout.

 

[goodbyebobby]

I think for Iowa to win this, they need to keep it a 17-13 type of game. I don't think we will beat them if it gets into a shootout.

I think that's our best way to beat them. We have a ton of talented playmakers, an aggressive OC, and a kid who makes all the throws and sees the field very, very, well. I like our chances.

 

[hawkfan0319]

I think that's our best way to beat them. We have a ton of talented playmakers, an aggressive OC, and a kid who makes all the throws and sees the field very, very, well. I like our chances.

While it is fun to see the offenses go up and down the field, I don't see us being able to score that many points on their defense. We can not get down big early on. Plus, our defense let up 41 to Iowa State. We will need a better game than that to pull this one out. Here is hoping that Kinnick at night will be electric, and the good guys can pull off the upset.

 

[Birky]

Correct, PSU does not at all do what DavenportHawk said. They're predominantly an RPO look and are all about getting players into open space. Going wherever the defense ain't, based on where the defense chooses to commit. The D gets to choose who has a chance to get into open space, but somebody will have that opportunity. Sooner or later someone gets loose, which is why so many of PSU's yards come from big plays.

If Iowa does as expected and does not send the LBs up to stop Barkley, he'll have interior gaps and will end up in space against a slower player, with the potential to quickly get to the next level against the safeties as they come up out of Iowa's typical over-the-top safety coverage. He might have his first truly big game on the ground this year if Iowa sticks to that.

If the LBs are coming up to stuff those gaps, it will vacate the field 7-10 yards deep for slants, and will put tight ends and receivers in space. Or you could see Barkley as a receiving target covered by a LB. You won't even see Barkley getting many handoffs if Iowa key on him like other teams have.

But what will NOT happen is to see PSU lining up to go head to head with Iowa, 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Anything could happen, but this is a tough matchup for Iowa's D.

To be fair to Davenporthawk, he didn't say any of that. It was from CBS sports.

 

[goodbyebobby]

While it is fun to see the offenses go up and down the field, I don't see us being able to score that many points on their defense. We can not get down big early on. Plus, our defense let up 41 to Iowa State. We will need a better game than that to pull this one out. Here is hoping that Kinnick at night will be electric, and the good guys can pull off the upset.

Have you watched Stanley? Herbstriet will be raving about him on national TV around 11pm tomorrow night.

 

[BioHawk]

The good thing is PSU will try to "power" the ball with Barkley and I think that bodes well for Iowa. Iowa matches up better with PSU, than they did with ISU and N Texas. Those two teams are "finesse" teams and try to get you on the outside w/speed. PSU will still line up in I formation and they will use the spread, but not like N. Texas and ISU did.

PSU is damn good on both sides of the ball, but lets see how they handle the road conditions. Always tough going away from Home that first time in a season.

Im thinking:

Iowa 31
PSU 28

I think its a back and forth battle with Iowa getting a late FG and Jackson gets a late INT to seal the win. Go hawks

PSU runs the spread and Iowa sucks against it. Normally, Iowa defends against the spread by giving up the shorter yardage plays and hope they can get them to screw up before they can score or to lock down the red zone if they get that far. The difference that PSU has is they have one of the best running backs in the country. Normally Iowa keeps their linemen in their lanes to prevent the QB from being mobile. However, that could cause problems with Barkley if they are unable to get their hands on him at the line of scrimmage. Hopefully, Parker has come up with a plan for that.

 

[BruceK-PSU83]

The good thing is PSU will try to "power" the ball with Barkley and I think that bodes well for Iowa. Iowa matches up better with PSU, than they did with ISU and N Texas. Those two teams are "finesse" teams and try to get you on the outside w/speed. PSU will still line up in I formation and they will use the spread, but not like N. Texas and ISU did.

Apparently you haven't seen PSU play in the last few years.
And I couldn't tell you the last time PSU lined up in the power "I" formation.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Apparently you haven't seen PSU play in the last few years.
And I couldn't tell you the last time PSU lined up in the power "I" formation.

Huh the guy ran the ball 40+ times. could of fooled me. Their offense was going through Barkley you knew that. Iowa tried stopping it and they couldn't. My comments were not Power I formation style, But that they were going to use their RB as their main offense. He did a lot of his stuff on zone reads which are technically runs. NT & ISU were going to throw it 40+ times. PSU was going to run it more than pass it and they did. I thought that is why Iowa was going to have a chance in this game.

Its a tough scheme to defend, their linemen just basically stand there and they can run zone read and still throw out of it, because their linemen don't go downfield. They stay put. So you technically have to cover everyone in that scheme and at some point there will be a breakdown and Saturday we saw it.

Iowa's secondary played I thought a great game, that last play was covered well except for Taylor got out of position (PSU actually picked on him a lot) in this game. But Hooker was close to knocking it away.