| Category | Iowa O: Stat | Iowa O: Rank | Penn State D: Stat | Penn State D: Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 184.75 | 38 | 117.25 | 39 | - |
| Passing Yards | 261.00 | 32 | 158.50 | 17 |  |
| Passing Efficiency | 175.60 | 4 | 116.78 | 44 |  + |
| Sacks | 2.25 | 71 | 1.75 | 72 | - |
| Total Yards | 445.75 | 50 | 275.75 | 18 | |
| Scoring | 36.00 | 28 | 12.75 | 8 | |
| Turnovers | 1.00 | 13 | 1.75 | 40 | |
| 3rd Down Conversion | 52.00 | 14 | 21.28 | 3 | - |
| Red Zone % | 83.33 | 54 | 100.00 | 113 | + |
Penn State's defense has been very solid thus far. Aside from the Alabama game (albeit that was really their only test), they haven't given up many yard or many points. They have been particularly effective at getting teams off the field on third down.
Last week, Temple was able to run the ball effectively against Penn State early in the game and forced the Nittany Lions to put more men in the box. Iowa will try to do the same on Saturday to open up the play-action passing game.
Iowa will need to be effective on 1st and 2nd down as they cannot afford a 3rd and long against this defense. The good news, though, is that if Iowa is able to put together a drive, they will likely score as Penn State's redzone defense has been non-existent.
Overall Advantage: Slight advantage goes to Iowa as long as Stanzi keeps up his efficiency
Iowa Defense vs. Penn State Offense
| Category | Iowa D: Stat | Iowa D: Rank | Penn State O: Stat | Penn State O: Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 65.50 | 3 | 159.25 | 61 | + |
| Passing Yards | 162.00 | 21 | 209.50 | 72 | + |
| Passing Efficiency | 103.84 | 16 | 117.17 | 90 | + |
| Sacks | 1.75 | 72 | 0.25 | 1 | + |
| Total Yards | 227.50 | 1 | 368.75 | 67 | + |
| Scoring | 12.00 | 5 | 23.25 | 76 | + |
| Turnovers | 2.00 | 31 | 2.25 | 91 | + |
| 3rd Down Conversion | 30.36 | 25 | 48.28 | 21 | - |
| Red Zone % | 55.56 | 2 | 73.33 | 100 | + |
Penn State has been very inconsistent on offense, largely due to a shaky offensive line. The O-line will be even more challenged this week without starting RT Lou Eliades. As a result of the poor offensive line play, Evan Royster's number have been down. True freshman quarterback Rob Bolden has shown his talent, but has been mediocre.
Iowa's defense is built to exploit the weakness of Penn State's offense. The defensive line should be very disruptive and if Bolden is inaccurate or makes poor decisions, the secondary will make him pay.
Overall Advantage: Big advantage to Iowa
Iowa Special Teams vs. Penn State Special Teams
| Category | Iowa ST: Stat | Iowa ST: Rank | Penn State ST: Stat | Penn State ST: Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Returns | 23.78 | 40 | 29.00 | 8 | + |
| Punt Returns | 14.33 | 18 | 8.08 | 69 | + |
| Net Punting | 34.82 | 81 | 38.64 | 31 | + |
| Field Goals | 1/2 | - | 10/12 | - | |
Special teams are not Iowa's strong suit...that's all.
Overall Advantage: Advantage Penn State