Basic Blues nation staff predictions: Penn State vs Iowa

It’s finally gameday for Penn State football! The stage couldn’t be bigger for Penn State’s first ranked matchup of the season, as the No. 7 Nittany Lions face off against the No. 24 Iowa Hawkeyes under the bright lights of the White Out tonight. Penn State is looking to bounce back from a sluggish start last week and move to 4-0 on the year. But a stingy Iowa defense – as well as some potentially bad weather –  stands in the way. Will the Nittany Lions be able to get a win in front of a White Out crowd tonight? Our Basic Blues Nation staff predictions break it all down!

Basic Blues Nation Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. Iowa

Morgan Chapman (@BasicBluesPod) – Site Manager: Penn State 24 – Iowa 14

Penn State will thrive off of the whiteout crowd’s energy to find a way to win a hard-fought battle. I have a hard time seeing the 30-point streak extended this week based on how close this matchup has been in years past. With all of the injuries Iowa is dealing with, Penn State should be able to take advantage and find a way to win game four.

Colin Crissey (@ColinPat3) – Contributor: Penn State 27 – Iowa 10

I’m not too sure on this one. The weather will dictate the score. If it rains, this game will be controlled by both teams on the ground. Either way, Drew Allar will play better this week. I think Penn State will have to settle for a couple of field goals instead of touchdowns. Iowa losing its top two weapons on offense hurts them a ton.

This will be a classic Iowa-Penn State game in terms of the emphasis on defense. I think Manny Diaz’s defense impresses again. I expect Penn State to cover the spread despite some frustration offensively. That being said, Penn State could score a ton and surprise me. Rain or shine, the crowd plays a factor, Penn State moves on to 4-0.

Mark Gobbie (@TheYinzerLion) – Contributor: Penn State 24 – Iowa 17

An ugly, nasty affair is in store for Penn State football when the Hawkeyes come to town. Rain and wind are in the forecast, so you can expect a heavy dose of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen throughout the game. Iowa has one of the best defenses in the country, so the offensive line will have to be ready to open up holes for the workhorse backs. The key to victory will be time of possession; if Penn State can control the flow of the game, then I see an eventual gritty win.

Jaret Gold (@JaretGold) – Contributor: Penn State 35 – Iowa 13

If 2021 wasn’t on people’s minds last week, it sure is now. Penn State was well on its way to a top-10 road win before injuries took hold, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat in Iowa City. Then, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz opened his mouth and insinuated Penn State was faking those injuries. This will be the first matchup between the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions since that game. As a result, many Penn State fans have had this circled since that dreary week in October 2021.

This iteration of the Hawkeyes is not as good as the 2021 squad that won 10 games and a Big Ten West title. Iowa still has a strong defense that will force its share of takeaways, but it will limp into Happy Valley missing some important weapons. The Hawkeyes’ top target, TE Luke Lachey, is out for the season after sustaining an injury last weekend. They will also be down their top two running backs.

This will also be the first trip to Beaver Stadium with fans, never mind the White Out, for most Iowa players on the roster. The guys on the field and the 110,000 in the stands should be eager to avenge two years ago. While this will probably be a close game for a half or so, I see no reason why Penn State football doesn’t run up the points for an emphatic win.

Shane Lunnen (@SJLunnen) – Contributor: Penn State 28 – Iowa 13

On paper, Penn State football is the more well-rounded team. Iowa’s offense is typically stuck in neutral with its defense picking up the slack. But this is what the Hawkeyes love to do. Bring opponents down to their level and slow down the game.

While I think Iowa will have some success doing that Saturday, the home-field advantage for Penn State will play a huge role. The Nittany Lions streak of 30-plus point games ends, but they get the victory 28-13.

Surya Maddali (@maddali_surya) – Contributor: Penn State 30 – Iowa 17

I think this game will be a closer battle than the odds, which is why I do not have Penn State covering the spread. The uncertainty of the weather coupled with Iowa’s known power defensively should make this a good game, even in White Out conditions.

However, the Penn State defense will be up for the task against an Iowa offense that lost some of its top pieces. The crowd should also make it challenging for Cade McNamara. The Nittany Lions’ offense will deliver, as Iowa’s defense is currently ranked lower than Penn State in both pass yards and rushing yards allowed per game. I expect the rushing attack to be lively, but if that doesn’t work, then the passing game should be as well. Should be a fun one.

Pat Sweda (@PatrickSweda) – Social Media Director/Contributor: Penn State 17 – Iowa 10

This will be the toughest challenge on the young season for Drew Allar and the offense. No matter what jokes we make about the Iowa offense, the Hawkeye defense can hang with anybody. With rain being in the forecast and two strong defenses, I expect this to be one of the Nittany Lions’ lowest-scoring games of the season, and one that they will have to grind out all the way to the final whistle.

Matt Thomas (@MGAT1408) – Editor-in-Chief: Penn State 34 – Iowa 17

In case you haven’t heard, the weather isn’t supposed to be good on Saturday night in State College. While players and coaches reiterated all week that the rainy conditions won’t impact the game plan, I’m not entirely sold. The name of the game for the Penn State offense will be ball security. The Nittany Lions haven’t turned the ball over yet this year, and they can’t afford to Saturday night against an Iowa team that has thrived off defensive scores in recent years.

Saved for a few garbage time points, I’m not sure how the Hawkeyes get on the scoreboard. While Cade McNamara has withstood a White Out crowd before, this is the Iowa offense we’re talking about. The points for Brian Ferentz’s “Drive for 325” will have to come elsewhere. Penn State wins and covers in the White Out.

How to watch Penn State vs. Iowa:

Saturday’s matchup between Penn State and Illinois will kick off at 7:30 on CBS. Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, and Jenny Dell will be on the call.

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