Penn State football vs. Iowa: Predictions, preview, live stream

Penn State football faces their first big test of the season and it’s in conference play. Here’s what you need to know for their road game against Iowa.

The fourth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions face their first big road test when they travel to face the Iowa Hawkeyes. Penn State’s defense has pitched two shutouts already, ranking second in the FBS in points allowed per game (4.7). They put their undefeated record on the line against another tough Iowa defense.

The Nittany Lions offense is powerful as well, as it ranks 13th in the FBS in scoring offense (47.0 ppg). Quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley are proving to be a formidable duo once again in the 2017 season.

The Hawkeyes defense is allowing 19.3 points per game (40th in the FBS). Linebacker Josey Jewell brings his 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks looking to do more damage against a tough offense.

Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley enters the fray with 655 passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns on the season. He’s found a way to get the Hawkeyes to 3-0 as well as their new starter.

Here’s how you can watch Penn State vs. Iowa:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 7:30pm ET
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Venue: Kinnick Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to victory

Both teams enter with two strong passing games. Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki has 12 receptions for 123 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. On the other side, Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Noah Fant has seven receptions for 89 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

It will be a battle of the tight ends as both teams will look to each to gain the edge. The Hawkeyes will need to find their running game for their solid passing attack. They’re averaging 218.3 passing yards and 180.3 rushing yards per game.

Prediction

The Iowa Hawkeyes are good, but the Penn State Nittany Lions are better. Barkley has accounted for five touchdowns this season (3 rush, 2 pass) and McSorley has 753 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns.

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The duo has been hard to stop as has the emergence of tight end Mike Gesicki. The Nittany Lions shouldn’t lose any steam in their opener, although they may struggle in the beginning. The Hawkeyes are solid on defense but the offense doesn’t have enough to keep up.

Final Score: Penn State 42, Iowa 24