Iowa Football: 2018 game-by-game predictions
8. Penn State (Oct. 27)
Likely a Top-25 showdown when the time comes, Iowa comes into Happy Valley with hopes of dishing revenge for their last appearance in Beaver Stadium, which saw the Hawkeyes get whipped 41-14. Since the turn of the decade, Iowa has seen success in State College, boasting a 4-4 record, including three in a row from 2000 to 2004. But since Joe Paterno was fired, Iowa has not since beat the Nittany Lions.
Last season, Penn State was poised to be a major player in the national championship discussion, however, those dreams died hard in Ohio Stadium in a one-point loss to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes the Big Ten West crown. The Nittany Lions lose a once in a generation type player in Saquon Barkley but do keep their catalyst in Trace McSorley. Penn State’s offense will once again be a lot to handle for any foe they come across.
Since James Franklin took over as head coach at Penn State, Beaver Stadium has been rejuvenated and is again among the scariest places to play in all of college football. A program once built on physically punishing opponents now beats you to death by running circles around you. Iowa has had a hard time stopping the Penn State spread and this unfortunate trend continues for at least another year.