Penn State Football vs. Iowa: 3 PSU keys to victory

Nov 14, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Shaka Toney (18) grabs the facemask of Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Penn State Football looks to snap a season-opening four-game losing streak when the Nittany Lions host Iowa in Week 5 on Saturday

Still in search of their first win of the season, Penn State football will play host to the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday afternoon, set for a 3:30pm kick on the Big Ten Network.

Iowa has traditionally been a proverbial thorn in Penn State’s side over the years, however coach James Franklin is a perfect 4-0 against Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. Franklin’s undefeated record has certainly not come without its fair share of close calls, with the last three victories coming by a total of 13 points.

Penn State enters this game in unfamiliar territory, as a 2.5 point home underdog, and as the far more desperate squad.

Iowa is 2-2 after consecutive blowout victories against Michigan State and Minnesota. Franklin mentioned this week you know what you are getting when you play a Kirk Ferentz led Iowa team; a disciplined, tough squad who is good at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

If Penn State is going to pick up that elusive first win, look for these three key factors.

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