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Rapid Reaction: Iowa’s offensive woes continue, Penn State exits Kinnick Stadium with narrow win
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Final Score: #10 Penn State 17 #17 Iowa 12
Brief Recap: Iowa’s offense never got going in this game. Part of the reason for that was Penn State’s defensive line. The Nittany Lions got to Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley early and often, and eventually a fourth quarter interception led to a Penn State TD that made it a 17-6 game, essentially ending the contest. Iowa led 3-0 early, but a Penn State TD in the second quarter gave the road team a lead it would never relinquish. The Hawkeyes scored a TD with just over two minutes left to make it a one-score game.
Key Moment: Midway through the second quarter, Penn State trailed 3-0. The offense wasn’t doing much for the Nittany Lions. However, a quality drive helped setup a 22-yard catch and run for WR KJ Hamler, who leapt over a defender and into the end-zone for the team’s first TD of the game. That play made it 7-3, which in the end, gave Penn State a sense of comfort throughout the rest of the contest.
Key Stat: Iowa had two turnovers compared to Penn State’s zero. Sometimes if you look at a box score, you can tell who won a football game. If one team turns it over twice and the other plays turnover-free football, that team giving up two extra possessions typically loses. That was the case here, as both Hawkeye turnovers equated to 10 of Penn State’s 17 points scored.
Key Player: Penn State QB Sean Clifford. Why? Don’t look at the stats. Clifford passed for 117 yards and just one TD in this game. He barely completed 50 percent of his passes. However, it was the one TD to zero turnover ratio that helped lead the Nittany Lions. His work on the ground appeared to be timely as well, despite a non-eye-popping rushing total of 52 yards. Clifford did enough and did it without making mistakes.
What it means for Penn State: Penn State has a record that matches the best of the best. The Nittany Lions are 6-0 and still have a chance at a spot in the College Football Playoff. What more can you ask for? Realistically, Penn State’s offense is too talented to be completely shut down and the defense (defensive line in particular) can control a game. The Nittany Lions may be young, but dang are they talented and quick. Penn State gets Michigan at home next week.
What it means for Iowa: This loss crushes the Hawkeyes. Iowa already had one Big Ten loss thanks to its 10-3 defeat at Michigan a week ago. Now Iowa is 1-2 in Big Ten play. With the way Wisconsin is looking, two losses puts you completely out of the picture in the Big Ten West division. Oh, and Minnesota’s undefeated, too. Iowa may hang on to a spot barely within the AP top 25 next week. The Hawkeyes get Purdue at home for homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.