Penn State fans couldn’t imagine a better start to the post-James Franklin era

Penn State has had plenty of issues in 2025. That’s quite the understatement, considering that the program decided to pay James Franklin’s $50 million buyout after a 3-3 start to the year. However, two of the biggest ones were immediately rectified under interim head coach Terry Smith in Week 8. 

Penn State has struggled to force turnovers under first-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, but the Nittany Lions managed to intercept Iowa QB Mark Gronowski on the Hawkeyes' opening possession of the game. Zion Tracy made a big play in man coverage, forcing the Iowa receiver to tip the ball in the air, allowing Zakee Wheatley to bring it down with one hand. 

Terry Smith's 4th-down aggressiveness is a welcome sight for Penn State

Another of Penn State’s biggest concerns, something that has been an issue throughout much of Franklin’s time in Happy Valley, is the lack of fourth-down aggressiveness. It doesn’t appear that’s going to be a problem under Smith. 

The interim head coach told the Peacock sideline reporter that Penn State was going to “empty the clip” before the game, and he stayed true to his word. Smith went for it on fourth down twice on the Nittany Lions’ ensuing possession, one resulting in a conversion, the other forcing an Iowa penalty that gave Penn State a fresh set of downs. 

Kaytron Allen ultimately finished off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, and though it's dark times in Happy Valley right now, Nittany Lions fans have to be feeling better about their team.

James Franklin's game management has long been a talking point, and often reared its ugly head in the biggest games. This Week 8 matchup against Iowa, the first game since moving on from Franklin, far from one of the top 10 contests that helped lead to Franklin's dismissal. Yet, without a win over a Power 4 team yet this season, it's crucial for the program's chances of making a bowl game under Smith.

Those weren't the only two intriguing aspects of Penn State's 7-0 start. Redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer's mobility helped him convert on fourth down while backup QB Jaxon Smolik came onto the field later in the drive to add an element of the quarterback run game, much like Beau Pribula did last season before he transfered to Missouri.