The Penn State White Out is here.

This season, the Nittany Lions host Iowa, in front of what has been deemed the most intimidating environment in college football, by many observers, fans, and past competitors, alike.

As we go Behind Enemy Lines to get a sense for Iowa, we have the chance to talk to a pair of reporters … KCRG’s Chelsie Brown, and Shannon Ehrhardt of KCCINews.

Your Initial thoughts on Penn State vs Iowa

Shannon:

This will be Iowa’s toughest contest.

Iowa is not a team that puts up eye-popping numbers on offense, and with some key players injured, expect even less on the board. I think this game will be a defensive dogfight.

If there’s one thing Iowa knows how to do its shut down offenses and generate turnovers, so this will be their first true test.

Chelsie:

What a way for Iowa to open up conference play with a top-25 ranked matchup. Considering how the last few meetings have shaken out, this could be a close game

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Who on Iowa’s Offense should Penn State be concerned about?

Shannon:

Iowa’s offense is currently banged up, so expect to see 2nd/3rd stringers.

Iowa’s top 3 playmakers are out due to injury (Luke Lachey, Kaleb Johnson, and Jaziun Patterson). Erick All, transfer from Michigan, will likely gets the targets in the TE slot.

Watch out for Leshon Williams and Kamari Moulton (running backs), they got most of the touches, and did well, on Saturday against Western Michigan.

Chelsie:

The offensive line.

Iowa has some key pieces on offense missing this week due to injury, but if the line can get it run game going, it could be a game changer.

Should also point out that QB Cade McNamara has had success in Beaver Stadium helping Michigan defeat the Nittany Lions back in 2021.

What makes Penn State versus Iowa so unique

Shannon:

Two perennial powerhouses with incredible fan bases.

Chelsie:

They aren’t really rivals considering they aren’t close on a map, but I think what has made this series fun as of late is that four of the last five matchups have been decided by one possession.

For those who don’t follow Iowa what makes this matchup very interesting

Shannon:

This is a benchmark for the Iowa offense.

They haven’t played against a defense as good as Penn State’s this season. It’ll be intriguing to see if the Hawkeyes can hang, especially with a depleted backfield.

Chelsie:

These two teams have played each other tight. With four of the last five games in the series being decided by six points or less, history says this one should be fun.

Also, watch out for the Hawkeyes special teams.

Punting is winning for Iowa. If they can pin Penn State deep into their own zone and let their defense take over, it could give the Nittany Lions some problems.

What is one reason why Iowa Upsets Penn State

Shannon:

If the defense generates takeaways, and gives the offense a short field, Iowa has a chance to upset.

Chelsie:

Their defense.

Iowa’s defense has allowed one touchdown or less in 12 of its last 16 games dating back to 2022. They also rank 18th in scoring defense at 12.3 points per game.

Is the white out on the more intimidating sites in college football

Shannon:

Yes, no matter how good the team, Penn State is handed at least 14 points before the whistle.

Chelsie:

Considering Penn State only picks one game a year to be the token “White Out” game bringing in 100,000 fans under the lights, absolutely.

Iowa hasn’t won at Penn State in front of thousands since 2009.

Although the Hawkeyes can try to replicate noise in practice gearing up for this game, it’s still going to be different once you’re actually in the stadium.

 

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