(5) Penn State Seeks Revenge Against Visiting Iowa Hawkeyes

Sports Betting News - September 24th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Iowa begins Big Ten play this week in tough fashion as they travel to No. 5 Penn State on Saturday.  After struggling to get a win in their season opener against Northern Iowa, the Hawkeyes have shown much improvement in their last two games.  The question remains as to whether or not they have improved enough to upset the Nittany Lions.  Both teams come into the game with 3-0 records and begin conference play this weekend.  Iowa ended Penn State's run at an undefeated season last year with their last second victory 24-23.  Iowa has also won six of the last seven against the Nittany Lions.  They will be in for a big test at Beaver Stadium as Penn State has won 30 of it's last 32 at home.  Forcing turnovers will be a key if they are to come away with a victory on Saturday.

This weekend's matchup with the Hawkeyes will be Penn State's first real test.  They have handily defeated their first three opponents and their defense is only giving up 6.6 points per game.  Their defense has been very tough, although they have faced opponents not near their caliber. The offense is led by Darryll Clark who has passed for 760 yards and 8 touchdowns.  Last week against Temple, the often-questioned running game came to life as running back Evan Royster erupted for 134 and 1 touchdown on only 19 carries.   The defense has done an outstanding job of stopping the run which will come in handy against Iowa who is averaging 137 yards per game.  They have also done a great job of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks as well.

Iowa's offense is anchored by it's very talented and experienced offensive line.  They have led the way for the freshman running back tandem of Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher who have combined for 380 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Quarterback Ricky Stanzi has performed well as he has passed for 644 yards and 5 touchdowns.  The defense has had great success in takeaways this year as they have picked off 6 passes.  Safety Tyler Sash has 4 in his last 2 games.  This trend needs to continue if they are going to have a chance with Penn State's great passing attack.  Iowa has been consistent on both sides of the ball and could possibly cause some disruption in the Big Ten this year as conference play begins Saturday.     

Penn State comes into the game favored by 10 at home against Iowa according to BetUS.  Iowa will have a tough time on the road, but their recent history with the Nittany Lions has shown, they are very capable of pulling out an upset victory.

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