The Penn State Football Show

There are a lot of interesting match ups in the Big Ten this week. Particularly Michigan State - Wisconsin, and I'll be keeping my eye on an undefeated Indiana team hosting Michigan. But obviously my mind is fixed on the perennial thorn in Penn State's side, Iowa.

Iowa seems to be the team that we can never beat when we're supposed to and can never yank an upset from when we aren't. I think the root of this can be traced to coaching. Kirk Ferentz is a great coach. An outstanding coach. I think most people "in the know" would tell you the same but your casual fan would probably know who Lane Kiffin is before Ferentz. Iowa is one of these teams I joke about because no matter who graduates they seem to always have the same team: lots of beef up front, a decent and mobile quarterback, a good running back, and one receiver that's fast as lighting. This years squad pretty much fits that mold. The loss to Arizona told us what we already knew, Iowa is not a team that's going to be able to score at will, especially against the tougher defenses of the Big Ten. But have no doubt, this will not be a 6-4 game.

I was obviously concerned at the score of last week's game versus Temple. For the second time this year I think PSU has fallen victim to playing better than the score showed. Five trips to the red zone ending in field goals is not a way to beat Iowa. I haven't seen a red zone attack that bad since Rudy put on all that Old Spice body spray and went cruising for high school girls. The offense becomes very predictable inside the 20 and they need to trust Bolden more. I'm a firm believer that the red zone is where tight ends earn their stripes. Quarless and Shuler were great red zone threats and I'd like to get back to that. It was also nice to see Royster have a good day. However I would personally rather see Silas Redd get more action than Stephon Green.

Last year's Iowa game was a perfect example of how we always lose to Iowa. Giving up big special teams plays, failing to convert on big third downs, and turning over the ball on their half of the field. These are all things that this Penn State team has already proven they love to do. You can't give Ferentz chances, he will make you pay. I just don't see the Lions pulling this one out on the road. But as the old saying goes, "that's why they play the game." If we can limit the turnovers and keep up the amazing job of not committing penalties, this could launch PSU in to a great spot in the Big Ten standings.