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Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Iowa

By Corey Hunter

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Football players run onto the field prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Football players run onto the field prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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#3 – Red Zone Opportunities

Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Tyler Davis (95) prepares to hit a PAT as Chris Gulla (37) holds in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Tyler Davis (95) prepares to hit a PAT as Chris Gulla (37) holds in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

Penn State’s ability to bludgeon most of their opponents with offense has hidden a somewhat troubling statistic.  The Lions rank fifth in the conference in red zone scoring opportunities.  They have converted 32 of 37 (86.5%) red zone chances, however, they lead the Big Ten in red zone field goals.  To be successful teams need to convert their scoring chances into touchdowns not field goals.

Iowa, on other hand, has converted 26 of 28 (92.9%) red zone chances into points.  Unlike Penn State, the Hawkeyes have only kicked six field goals.  Their ability to score six points not settle for three points could be an important factor in the game’s outcome.

The red zone scoring defense may perhaps an even more alarming statistic for Penn State.  The Nittany Lions rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in red zone defense allowing a 90 percent scoring rate.  Iowa, meanwhile, is near the top of the Big Ten in red zone defense.  They allow just under 70 percent scoring rate.

Next: Penn State vs. Iowa: Television Coverage, Live Stream

On Saturday night keep your eye on which team is able to make the most of their red zone trips.  For the Nittany Lions to win, they need to turn their red zone opportunities into touchdowns.  They must also limit Iowa’s red zone chances.

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