Penn State football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020

In what is one of the most entertaining series in the Big Ten year in and year out, Iowa and Penn State will meet in what should be a high stakes clash. This game has a tendency to come down to the wire. While the series has been competitive, Iowa has not found a way to beat the Nittany Lions since the 2010 season.

Both teams could be coming in with one loss or fewer and both teams are capable of winning their respective divisions.

Iowa will have to replace some key starters from last years squad in quarterback Nate Stanley and defensive end A.J. Epenesa. I still think that their defense will be fine as it usually is under head coach Kirk Ferentz, but missing Stanley could be huge. He was a multi-year starter at quarterback and that kind of experience is not easily replaced.

When it is all said and done, I expect a talented Penn State defense to have an edge and earn the victory.

Final Score: Penn State 31, Iowa 23 (4-1)

In what was one of the best games in college football last season, Michigan came awfully close to pulling off a slight upset and beating Penn State in Happy Valley. This will be an early tone-setter for both teams and whoever wins this game will be set up nicely to be the challenger to Ohio State in the East division.

Michigan will be losing some production on both sides of the ball, but most notably will be missing Shea Patterson who was the starting quarterback the previous two season for the Wolverines. Keep an eye on Joe Milton under center in this one.

I think this game could be all about timing, as the Wolverines will be replacing not only their quarterback, but several key pieces on defense. Michigan is talented, but won’t be able to keep up with an explosive Penn State offense.

Final Score: Penn State 31, Michigan 21 (5-1)