Penn State Preview

When Penn State has the ball-
Daryl Clark will be the best quarterback that Iowa has seen so far this season. He has the threat of leaving the pocket and making plays with his feet, which isn't new to Iowa, but he is an experienced quarterback that probably won't make mistakes. Their wide receivers are young, but talented and fast, the question will be what they can do against an experienced Iowa secondary. Royster is a very talented running back, but has been underutilized so far this season. Where he can really hurt Iowa in the passing game, where he is very talented as a pass catcher. Their offensive line is extremely young, they will have their hands full with the Iowa defensive line.

When Iowa has the ball-
It will be strength against strength, Iowa's running game against Penn State's front 7. Iowa will be without Bryan Bulaga, but will have the same starting offensive line as they had last week. Penn State might have the best linebacker corps in the nation, but may be without Sean Lee, who has a knee injury. They will have Bowman back in the lineup for the first time since opening weekend, but he probably won't be 100%. IF both of these players are out, it is a huge advantage to Iowa. Penn State's secondary is young and untested, so it will be interesting to see how the do against an above average passing game of Iowa.

Penn State wins if-
They force turnovers. If they can turn Iowa over a couple times and get a lead it will force Iowa to abandon their run game and if they abandon their run game, they also lose the ability to run play action passes. Penn State needs to get Evan Royster going in the game, whether it is running the ball or catching the ball out of the backfield. Penn State's defense needs to apply pressure to Ricky Stanzi, who hasn't been pressured that much yet this season.

Iowa wins if-
Second half Ricky Stanzi plays the whole game. Here are Ricky's stats so far this season by half:

1st half: 27 of 55 for 281 yards, 3 iNT 2 TD completion % of 49.2% Effic Rating of 93.09
2nd half: 33-45 for 363 yards, 0 INT, 3 TD completion % of 73.3% Effic Rating of 163.09

If Ricky can perform well and protect the ball, there will be plays to be made in the Penn State secondary. Iowa needs to dominate the line on both sides of the ball, like they have done all season so far. If the defense can keep Daryl Clark in the pocket and force him to make plays from there, it is a good thing. Ryan Donahue could play a huge factor in the game in changing field position.

Score Predictions:
Iowa 20
Penn State 17

Predictions:
Iowa forces 2+ turnovers
Penn State misses at least 1 FG
Lee doesn't play for Penn State
DJK and Moeaki play for Iowa
Stanzi has 2+ TD's
Iowa is held to under 100 yards rushing
Stanzi throws for 250+ yards