Penn State Football vs Iowa: Nittany Lions’ reasons for optimism, to worry
By Nick Kreiser
Penn State Football travels to Iowa City this weekend for a top four showdown against the Hawkeyes. What are some causes for concern, and to be optimistic?
No. 4 Penn State Football’s College Football Playoff hopes may very well hinge on Saturday’s outcome against the No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes.
Both offenses have question marks in the trenches, especially in the passing game. Penn State Football is uber-talented both at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield, which will be very important for them in this matchup.
There are also some things that could cause the Nittany Lions to struggle, such as being one-dimensional on offense.
Here are three reasons fans should be optimistic that the Nittany Lions will go into Kinnick Stadium and knock off the Hawkeyes, as well as two potential causes for concern.
Penn State Football Reason for Optimism – The Secondary
At this point, it is clear that Penn State Football’s Secondary is the best and deepest unit on the team.
To this point, the starters in the secondary have yet to allow a touchdown through that air.
Iowa starting quarterback Spencer Petras is averaging just 6.9 yards per attempt through the air, while this Penn State defense is allowing 5.4 yards per attempt, which is the best in the Big Ten.
Iowa’s two leading receivers in terms of receptions and yards? Their tight end Sam LaPorta (22 catches, 263 yards, 2 TD), and running back Tyler Goodson (12 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD). The Hawkeyes only wide receiver that has more than 100 receiving yards on the season is Nico Ragaini (11 catches, 132 yards, 0 TD).
So, Iowa’s leading pass catcher is their tight end, so when in man coverage, expect Jaquan Brisker to be tasked with covering him. I don’t suspect that LaPorta has had to match up against someone as talented as the All-American candidate at safety for the Nittany Lions.
As for the wide receivers themselves, they will have a very difficult time getting open against Tariq Castro-Fields, Joey Porter Jr, and Daequan Hardy…all of which have been great this year. Not to mention having safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who is tied for the most interceptions in the Big Ten, with 3, roaming around in the defensive backfield as well.
If the Nittany Lions can get a lead early, and force the Hawkeyes to have to play from behind, Penn State has a great chance to win this game, as I suspect the Iowa offense will have their hands full trying to push the ball downfield through the air against this secondary.