Penn State @ Iowa football preview

#3 Nittany Lions look to remain undefeated

BY THE NUMBERS: #3 Penn State Travels to Iowa

Date: Saturday, November 8th
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Location: Kinnick Stadium / Iowa City, IA

Following a physical, emotional win against Ohio State and the injury of QB Daryll Clark, the bye week could not have come at a better time for Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions. After an impressive 9-0 start, the team now finds itself rested and fresh for what could be the most important three-game stretch at Penn State in the last decade.

The first obstacle in Penn State’s quest for a trip to the Orange Bowl presents itself this weekend at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa is 5-4 overall this season and 2-3 in the Big Ten, but Coach Kirk Ferentz has given the Nittany Lions plenty of trouble in the past. Prior to last season’s 27-7 win in Happy Valley, Penn State had lost five consecutive meetings with the Hawkeyes.

Keep your eye on the Hawkeyes’ junior RB Shonn Greene this weekend. He is one of the nation’s rushing leaders and is the focal point of Iowa’s offensive attack. If Greene can find a way to rush for more than 100 yards, than this game will be competitive heading into the second half.

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For more on this weekend’s matchup, let’s take a closer look at the numbers:

• 250 - QB Daryll Clark will look for a big day this Saturday against an Iowa defense that has allowed 250 or more passing yards in its last two games. Penn State WR’s Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood should feast on the Hawkeyes’ inconsistent secondary.

• 190.1 - Iowa has been a one-dimensional offensive football team this season, averaging only 190.1 passing yards per game. With the 11 th best rushing defense in the nation, Penn State will try to take away RB Shonn Greene and force Iowa to beat them through the air this weekend.

• 8 - Coach Paterno has always preached about taking care of the football, but this year’s team has been exceptional. Through nine games, Penn State has only 8 turnovers, ranking them 3 rd in the nation in that category. Compare that to an Iowa team that has 17 turnovers, ranking them 75th in the nation.

• 80.7 - The Nittany Lions are averaging 459.8 total yards per game in 2008, which is 80.7 yards per game more than the Hawkeyes. If Iowa is unable to control time of possession this Saturday, look for Penn State to wear down the Hawkeyes’ defense with its stable of offensive weapons and superior offensive line.

Notes: Penn State lost their last meeting at Kinnick Stadium 26-14 in 2003... The weather forecast for Iowa City on Saturday includes a high of 41 degrees and a 30 percent chance of mixed precipitation... Iowa’s four losses this season are by a total of 12 points... Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, quarterback Daryll Clark and defensive end Aaron Maybin have been selected among 15 semifinalists for national awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club.

Prediction: Penn State 27 - Iowa 12

by Chris Goodrich
BigTen-fans.com Penn State Correspondent

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