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

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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 /

Penn State defense vs young quarterback

Penn State’s defense has been plagued by big plays through the air this season.

In the last two weeks alone the Nittany Lions have given up passing touchdowns of 42, 45 and 62 yards against Maryland and Nebraska.

Not only has Brent Pry’s defense given up big plays, but opposing quarterbacks are completing an average of 66% of passes against this defense. Penn State ranks seventh in the Big Ten in passing defense, surrendering 230 yards per game.

Something will have to give this week, as first year starter Spencer Petrus has struggled to be efficient in the passing game this season.

Petrus is completing just over 53% of his passes thus far, while also having thrown four interceptions to only three touchdowns.

Iowa has not asked the sophomore quarterback to do too much, in fact, they are 0-2 this season when Petrus throws the ball 30-plus times, and 2-0 when he does not. He has not thrown for over 200 yards in either of the Hawkeyes’ victories in the last two weeks.

If Penn State can control the Iowa running game and stud running back Tyler Goodson, it will force Petrus into situations Iowa does not want him in. If Penn State can capitalize and force some turnovers, it could bode well for them en route to there first victory of the season.

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