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

By Lawrence Santa Maria

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
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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Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands with quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the playing of the alma mater following the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands with quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the playing of the alma mater following the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Start Fast

Penn State football has been outscored 93-26 in the first half of their four games this season, having entered halftime with a double digit deficit in each contest. After Saturday’s loss, coach Franklin tried to make sense of the slow starts.

"In my opinion, it’s the turnovers,” Franklin said. “It’s hard to get into a rhythm when you don’t have the confidence that you’re not gonna turn the ball over.”"

A lot of the blame undoubtedly falls on Sean Clifford, who has turned the ball over four times in the first half of games thus far this season. Against Indiana, two interceptions led to 10 points for the Hoosiers, while last Saturday a fumble and interception also led to ten points off turnovers for the Huskers early on.

The offense does not shoulder all the blame though.

Penn State’s defense is giving up an average of 226 yards and 23 points in the first halves of games. Early turnovers and slow starts on defense have been a recipe for disaster for Franklin’s squad, and that needs to change in a hurry against Iowa who has outscored its opponents 42-0 in the first half over the past two games.

Penn State wants to play a ball control style of offense under Ciarrocca but that style of play is ineffective when you are down early and forced to play catch up. The defense needs to set the tone early and allow the offense to settle into the game with presumptive starter Will Levis making only his second career start.

Next. Penn State football grades for each position through 4 games. dark

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