Since I'm missing most of the good guys against Maryland (the lad has early afternoon games through Halloween), I'm looking forward to the 4 p.m. banger in Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes and Nits have had some good back and forth over the years (remember Iowa's 6-4 win back in 2004?), Saturday's tilt should be another good one.
I think the winner has the inside track to a conference title (although I also think they'll have to dispatch the Buckeyes to win it).
Predictions?
Pink locker rooms aside, Kinnick Stadium is full of good people who love their team, and holds what may be the most inspiring tradition in all of college football. That said, I do think Penn State has (finally) turned a corner under the Frank in capturing a big win on the road in dispatching Wisconsin at Camp Randall last month.
But the Hawkeyes have a little more going on than the Badgers this year. Without a steady run game to rely on at the moment, Penn State will be challenged to keep Iowa's defense on their heels. Noah Cain turned arrived in a 22 carry, 102 yard performance to help lead PSU to a 17-12 win over the Hawkeyes two years ago, but he's been banged up and hasn't been much help so far this season. The RB depth behind him is thin and mostly unproven. That doesn't bode well for QB Sean Clifford, and does bode well for Iowa's pass defense (leading the country with 12 interceptions so far). Jahan Dotson will keep the Hawkeye's secondary honest, but they'll also do enough to keep him from taking over the game.
Iowa's offense is boring, but dependable. They won't get the gifts Maryland offered up last week, but they'll make the possessions count. It'll be OC Brian Ferentz in the spotlight Saturday, and he'll have to dial up some craftiness in addition to the ball control I'd expect Iowa to focus upon. QB Spencer Petras is no gunslinger, but he's a more than capable game manager who the Ferentz's can rely on when it counts.
Keep your inner Tressel focused and pay attention to the placekicking. Penn State's Jordan Stout pulling double-duty in also handling punts, and has a strong leg. Iowa's Caleb Shudak is on a path towards a Groza award, hitting nearly 90% of his kicks so far.
I'm a fan of strong, opportunistic defenses and strong, reliable placekicking.
Calling Iowa, 24-22, with Shudak hitting a late FG in what's shaping up to be a fun game.
What do you have, 11W?
