The Penn State Football Show

I'm surprised by the number of times in the past week that I have heard people refer to this game as a really tough test for Penn State and their most difficult game remaining. I'm not sure why people think the Iowa game is more difficult than a top 20 MSU team. I guess it's because Iowa is away and MSU is at home, but this team has proven that it doesn't have a problem playing on the road this year.

There is something else I heard a few times this week that I almost thought was a joke because it is so ridiculous. I heard TWO Big Ten Network commentators state that Iowa is the toughest place to play in the Big Ten. Are you kidding me? Tougher than Beaver Stadium, The Horse Shoe and Camp Randall? Not even close. I heard it again this morning on the radio. , No clue where that came from.

Anyway, Drew, in response to your post: Trust me, I know this team is good. Real good. I have more confidence in this team than any other Penn State team I've ever watched. But this blog would be pointless if we all just came on it each week and said how the Nittany Lions were going to dismantle every team that comes in their way. Plus, if there is any lesson learned from college football in the past two years, its that any given team can beat any other team on any given day. (A lesson that was instilled into my brain at a very young age by my father.) So, to completely dismiss the possibility of an upset would be foolish, and quite poor journalism might I add. So, what Rudy and I attempt to do, is outline the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent so our many listeners/readers have a good idea what to expect.

With that being said, Iowa is as good of a candidate as any to pull of an upset of this Penn State team. Iowa likes to play a good old-fashioned style of football: strong defense, good running game, ball control, control time of posession. So, if they can somehow find a way to play their game, and keep Penn State's explosive offense off the field by maintaining long scoring drives, they have a shot.

All of their losses have come by seven points or less, so they always keep it close. On the other hand, if you exclude Ohio State, all of Penn State's wins are by 14 points or more. So they tend to make sure it's not close. Clearly something has to give. In my opinion, it will be Iowa's streak that will come to an end.

Penn State is too focused, too determined, too rested, and simply too good to lose this game -- or even keep it close. They haven't played in two weeks, so they will be anxious to get out there and play. I say Penn State comes out fired up and takes it to Iowa -- which would be a great statement to all of the analysts who have predicted an upset. Personally I'm glad that people are making this game out to be a challenge for Penn State rather than just chalking it up as a guaranteed win. This way when the Lions come out on top, it looks more impressive.

Like I said, the only way I think Iowa wins this game is if they are able to dominate time of possession and keep Clark and Co. off the field. They do have a strong defense, so if they can force a few three-and-outs early, sustain a few long drives, and get on top and get the crowd into it, it could turn into a game. I haven't seen much of Iowa this year, but from the highlights of Shonne Green, he looks like a good back and I'm excited to see what he can do. The key for Penn State is for the defensive line to continue playing like it has been and keep Green under control. I think Maybin will continue to have success rushing the passer, and Royster will pick up some big yardage in the fourth quarter.

Elsewhere: Alabama will take care of LSU. Oklahoma State will hang with Texas Tech, and maybe even knock them off. They played well at Missouri, so they are capable of going on the road and beating a good team. They shut down Missouri's high powered offense in that game, so they might be able to do the same to the Red Raiders.

Chaz Powell takes a kick to the house. Penn State 34 Iowa 10