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ESPN’s FPI predicts big winner in Penn State-Iowa top-25 showdown
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Penn State and Iowa will take center stage in the B1G this weekend for a top-25 showdown!
The Nittany Lions and Hawkeyes enter Saturday’s game ranked No. 17 and No. 18 respectively on the AP Top 25. Both teams are playing well this season and should provide plenty of fireworks in the game.
Despite being ranked next to each other on the AP Poll, ESPN’s Football Power Index ranked the two teams quite differently. According to the FPI, Penn State is still a top-10 team and is ranked at No. 7. Meanwhile, Iowa is ranked a bit higher than its AP ranking at No. 13 on the FPI.
When looking at the FPI, one team is also heavily favored for Saturday’s big game. The FPI gives the Nittany Lions a 73% chance to take down the Hawkeyes. It is worth noting the game will be played in Happy Valley, and Trace McSorley and company will look to get a key win ahead of a matchup with Michigan.
It should also be stated that the Nittany Lions have an outside chance at winning the B1G, but a lot would have to fall their way moving forward. A loss to Iowa would likely eliminate any remaining shot at winning the B1G East.
For Iowa, the FPI gives the Hawkeyes a 9.2% chance to win the B1G, but a loss to Penn State would make achieving that goal incredibly difficult.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm EST on ESPN. Who do you have coming out on top?
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.