Give me your prediction: PSU-Iowa

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Both teams are riding waves of early season success against what we’ve since learned to be over ranked teams (save for Auburn, which is still ranked). Neither team’s defense has yet to match up with a complete offense, though both have been stingy...probably both a bit overrated. Neither team’s offense has been consistent, though, I’d argue State’s O has had more splash plays per game. Because of this, if either team is going to win big (by 2+ scores), it’s likely going to be State.

 

[psuno1]

24-17 PSU

 

[troutrus]

I got PSU with -3 and don’t think they’ll need it.
A quick analysis of Iowa’s performance thus far leaves me wondering how they are ranked so high. 🤔

 

[IANit]

Iowa - 28
Penn State - 20

Seems high to take Over in this one. Also, Iowa usually is known for FGs against Penn State.

Both teams have beat Indiana at home. Really enjoyed the opener at Kinnick.

QB Spencer Petras is playing better. He is gaining confidence vertically.

Same throw, now two different receivers.

View embedded media

On the bottom, you have the CSU defender (Group of 5) a few steps late. The top shows a Maryland (probably 2nd tier Big Ten East) defender arriving just a step late. The next picture will be a Penn State defender batting the pass away at the last second.

 

[BobPSU92]

The real question we should be asking is whether Clifford punts after we win.

 

[MtNittany]

...try stopping with the bashing crap.

And this would change the outcome of the game (and your life) exactly how? Have you ever read the garbage about JVP on your own forums? Hayden Fry couldn't carry Joe's jock, and you know it.

 

[Stargellfan]

I know the IU game ended less than 12 hours ago but it’s time to move on to one of the biggest games of the year.

Listened to some of the PSU media talking about Iowa and PSU and they seem to think low scorIng game with PSU having a bit of an edge.

PSU-17
Iowa-13

i say the defense either score or sets up a short scoring drive vs The Hawks

The most significant thing in Iowa’s favor is the fact that the game is in Iowa. That is certainly a big factor, but I really believe that as long as we don’t feed Iowa, and their crowd, with turnovers we’ll be fine. I don’t think either team will consistently be able to sustain drives. We also need the version of Sean Clifford that showed up in the Auburn game. While he certainly wasn’t terrible against Indiana, I am not sure if that version will be good enough against Iowa. A similar interception to the one he threw will be turned into points, and Iowa will not whiff on the potential pick 6 like the one he threw in the 4th quarter against Indiana. He also can’t miss wide open receivers like he did several times against Indiana. If that was the worst game he plays all year, we will be in great shape, but he needs to be better this week. I think he will. I believe that it will come down to big plays, and Penn State is the offense more likely to come up with those plays. I think it’s unrealistic to expect a turnover free game, but there will only be one and Penn state will come out on top 24-17.

 

[Paguy35]

So I have been thinking about this one trying to throw out a good guess based on some facts! Everywhere you read and hear is Iowa's defense, Penn States offense is terrible and wont be able to step up, Iowa does not make mistakes and Iowa is coming into the groove on offense. I went back and looked a Iowa's 5 wins so far and Penn States. Iowa is averaging 4.7 yards per play and PSU is averaging 6.2 yards per play. PSU has played better defenses than Iowa has had to play. Iowa is averaging 320 yards per game and PSU 433. In the 5 games Iowa played Kent State and Colorado State turned the ball over 1 time each and those games for those opponents were won but that should have been expected regardless of turnovers. Kent state was a 23 point win and Colorado State was a 10 point win. Indiana turned the ball over 3 times, Iowa State 4 times and Maryland 7 times. Because of turnovers Iowa has not had to play long field football and honestly Im not sure they have the means to, that remains to be seen. I also see a lot of comments on the horrible rushing numbers. Just for perspective . Against Iowa State , Iowa rushed for 67 yards, Colorado State they rushed for 54 yards. Ill take the under 100 yard rushing performance to Auburns and Wisconsin's defense over what Iowa has done so far. Im not taking away Iowa states defense but Iowa has not faced the defensive teams that PSU has. So with that said I feel that offensively Iowa has not yet been forced to face a defense that i would say has the speed and toughness that the PSU defense will bring. Defensively I dont think Iowa has faced a team that has been tested Like PSU has against Wisconsin and Auburn. I know Iowa State is a good team and has a good defense but take 4 turnovers away and we are not having the top 4 match up this weekend. Regardless I think this not being a night game in Kinnick Stadium, this all comes down to turnovers, if PSU can hold onto the ball I think this win is not a single score game. Without a short field and even if they get one Iowa being able to move the ball against what we have seen so far from the PSU defense it wont be easy. Im going out on a limb here, the defense stays in the bend don't break, the offense continues its passing attack and gets enough of the run game that the difference in the play makers for PSU shines through, may be close but I'm not ready to call it like that 31-17 PSU. If I'm wrong I can be crucified Sunday morning!

 

[The Spin Meister]

So I have been thinking about this one trying to throw out a good guess based on some facts! Everywhere you read and hear is Iowa's defense, Penn States offense is terrible and wont be able to step up, Iowa does not make mistakes and Iowa is coming into the groove on offense. I went back and looked a Iowa's 5 wins so far and Penn States. Iowa is averaging 4.7 yards per play and PSU is averaging 6.2 yards per play. PSU has played better defenses than Iowa has had to play. Iowa is averaging 320 yards per game and PSU 433. In the 5 games Iowa played Kent State and Colorado State turned the ball over 1 time each and those games for those opponents were won but that should have been expected regardless of turnovers. Kent state was a 23 point win and Colorado State was a 10 point win. Indiana turned the ball over 3 times, Iowa State 4 times and Maryland 7 times. Because of turnovers Iowa has not had to play long field football and honestly Im not sure they have the means to, that remains to be seen. I also see a lot of comments on the horrible rushing numbers. Just for perspective . Against Iowa State , Iowa rushed for 67 yards, Colorado State they rushed for 54 yards. Ill take the under 100 yard rushing performance to Auburns and Wisconsin's defense over what Iowa has done so far. Im not taking away Iowa states defense but Iowa has not faced the defensive teams that PSU has. So with that said I feel that offensively Iowa has not yet been forced to face a defense that i would say has the speed and toughness that the PSU defense will bring. Defensively I dont think Iowa has faced a team that has been tested Like PSU has against Wisconsin and Auburn. I know Iowa State is a good team and has a good defense but take 4 turnovers away and we are not having the top 4 match up this weekend. Regardless I think this not being a night game in Kinnick Stadium, this all comes down to turnovers, if PSU can hold onto the ball I think this win is not a single score game. Without a short field and even if they get one Iowa being able to move the ball against what we have seen so far from the PSU defense it wont be easy. Im going out on a limb here, the defense stays in the bend don't break, the offense continues its passing attack and gets enough of the run game that the difference in the play makers for PSU shines through, may be close but I'm not ready to call it like that 31-17 PSU. If I'm wrong I can be crucified Sunday morning!

I like the cut of your jib. And sure hope yer right!

 

[pandaczar12]

If PSU can win against the blatant shit pulled in the Auburn game the can win this.

Iowa certainly got some home cooking in 2008:



Scirotto was playing the ball, and the Iowa WR ran right through him, should have been offensive PI. Should have been 4th and 27 from the Iowa 12, or even with a no call, 4th and 15 from the Iowa 24.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

Found this on Iowa's board. A stat that confirms what everyone has already said - but Iowa has been almost completely dependent on winning by creating a ton of turnovers. It's actually the most impressive stat I've seen in regards to defense this year. Not only are teams not scoring on them, but they get the ball back with great field position. They play zone defense in the back half, and are more than capable of getting a significant pass rush with 4 or 5.

This sounds very simple - if we turn the ball over, we lose. Don't turn it over, we win. A tough task on the road at a fired up Kinnick, let's hope Clifford/RBs are up for the task. This would be a great game for K. Lee to get a bulk of the carries (if he protects the ball).

 

[royboy]

A good punter can come in handy vs an opponent like this, and Penn State has one.

 

[okinburg1]

PSU wins if they win the turnover battle; really think it's that simple. When you compare them, both teams have a strong D and PSU (IMO) has a slightly better O. As others have pointed out, Iowa's TO rate almost certainly cannot continue for a full season and hopefully starts coming down out of the upper atmosphere this Saturday. PSU scoring early/first, to subdue the crowd somewhat, would certainly help. Looking forward to what should be a great game.

 

[j0nnyhb_Prime]

Reading comprehension lacking in the cornfields?

I wasn’t talking about turnover margin. I was talking about turnovers and replying to a post saying Iowa doesn’t make mistakes. Iowa has turned the ball over more than PSU this season (1 int and 3 fumbles lost vs 3 ints and no fumbles lost). 4 turnovers > 3 turnovers last I checked.

Both teams also have the same number of penalties (26) on the season. So if Iowa doesn’t make mistakes, neither does Penn State.

Will PSU have a turn over in the game? I'll say they will have 2 or more. When you struggle to run then the QB is forced to throw more and when the QB is under pressure he makes some bad throws. Clifford isn't a great pure passer, he is a good scrambler and he is a tough SOB. He will make some plays with his legs, but I think eventually he will have a few bad throws that will get picked off.

On the flip side, same goes for Petras ... if he tries to force throws against a stout PSU defense, that will lead to some turn overs, however, so far this season, he hasn't shown that. The QB who doesn't get forced into TOs will likely lead his team to victory.

 

[luvmyhawks]

Iowa 24. PSU 10
Their offense is better than ours. It pains me to think of a loss but they are due.

As a die hard Hawkeye, el oh ****ing el!! No seriously, now that I have wiped the tears out of my eyes from laughing so hard, what have you actually seen to believe Iowas offense is better than yours?

I am not making a prediction as I am terrible at them and always wrong. I hate being wrong. However, I do think this will be a little more high scoring than most are thinking. In the 20's for both teams as I do think special teams and defense will give both teams a short field here and there and the offenses will capitalize on them.

Anyway. Here is to a good, clean injury free game!!

 

[psupride1997]

I predict we beat Iowa, then have to spend the following few weeks hearing about what a huge drop off there is between Bama/UGA and us…

 

[cohawk]

Petras throws 2 pick sixes because he's got zero arm strength. Iowa implodes because they can't score if they aren't handed 5 turnovers. 34-13 good guys.

Petras has his issues but arm strength isn't one of them.

 

[PennsylvaniaPride]

I know the IU game ended less than 12 hours ago but it’s time to move on to one of the biggest games of the year.

Listened to some of the PSU media talking about Iowa and PSU and they seem to think low scorIng game with PSU having a bit of an edge.

PSU-17
Iowa-13

i say the defense either score or sets up a short scoring drive vs The Hawks

Iowa 20 PSU 13

I could see PSU winning, but I don’t see either team scoring over 24 pts. If Iowa Score 24 pts or more it’s because of their turnover machine defense.

I hate to say it and no offense to Hawk fans, but I don’t think either team finished in the top 5 at the end of the season. Hope I’m wrong.

 

[cohawk]

Iowa certainly got some home cooking in 2008:

View embedded media

Scirotto was playing the ball, and the Iowa WR ran right through him, should have been offensive PI. Should have been 4th and 27 from the Iowa 12, or even with a no call, 4th and 15 from the Iowa 24.

Good lord that was pass interference and it will get called every time.

I think the game will be close but bitching about officiating before a game has even started is kind of weird. It might imply you already have a bias.

 

[cohawk]

Iowa 20 PSU 13

I could see PSU winning, but I don’t see either team scoring over 24 pts. If Iowa Score 24 pts or more it’s because of their turnover machine defense.

I hate to say it and no offense to Hawk fans, but I don’t think either team finished in the top 5 at the end of the season. Hope I’m wrong.

I think you are correct. I doubt either team finishes in the top 5. I think both have fine seasons and finish in or around the top ten. Neither team has a very good offense. Eventually, that will come back to bite them.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

First team to 24 wins.

 

[BeaverLion]

I feel like Yurcich kept the play-calling vanilla once it was evident that Indiana wasn’t going to be able to do much offensively. Yurcich abused Auburn on some really sneaky plays. I think Yurcich designs just enough to scheme us into 17-21 points and we win a close one.

if I’m Iowa I pick up on our pedestrian running backs, terrible TE blocking, and weak inside run game in general. We made Indiana 47 look like Dick Butkus. Iowa keeps its LB near the line of scrimmage and keeps Dotson in front of them. It will be very tough sledding.

This stuff cracks me up.. Every bad offensive performance the excuse is the coaches kept the play calling vanilla.

 

[PSU Mike]

Iowa has turned the ball over more than we have this season…

Part o’ the story, yes.

Turnover margin thus far:
Iowa +2.4
Penn State +1.2

 

[royboy]

Part o’ the story, yes.

Turnover margin thus far:
Iowa +2.4
Penn State +1.2

Special thanks to Maryland for 7 turnovers.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Our secondary has yet to see a really good QB/WR combo that can go vertical whenever it wants. I don’t think Iowa has that, so we can keep the score close. We absorbed Wisconsin and Auburn’s run game, we can do the same to Iowa.

Forget balance and the PSU run game, Iowa can’t cover Dotson and the TEs all game. It’s Clifford’s decision making and whether the online can give him time. Rushed Sean looks like 2020 Sean, which is bad.

I think we already beat this team, they were just wearing Auburn uniforms. I’ll spot 7 points for Iowa playing at home: PSU 28 Iowa 27.

I would think so given that Iowa has one of the statistically worst running games in the Conference and the absolute worst Overall Offense in the Conference (averaging only 320 yards of Offense Per Game).

 

[theiacowtipper]

So many Iowa fans coming on this board looking for affirmation that their team is really good. Pretty pathetic. Okay Iowa fans, look in the mirror and repeat after me, “We’re good enough, we’re smart enough, and doggone it, people like us.” There, do you feel better about your team?

Hmmm. At least for myself, I came here to talk about a football game. I don’t need affirmation of any kind from another school’s fans.

I think this game is an absolute coin toss. A game that a play or two either way decides the outcome. If it’s a blowout, it’s because of the breaks going one way. This is going to be 27-24 pick a winner.

 

[theiacowtipper]

Iowa certainly got some home cooking in 2008:

View embedded media

Scirotto was playing the ball, and the Iowa WR ran right through him, should have been offensive PI. Should have been 4th and 27 from the Iowa 12, or even with a no call, 4th and 15 from the Iowa 24.

That play is defensive pass interference 100/100, except if you’re a Penn State fan with a persecution complex. The defender went over the offensive players back and through him before the ball got there. End of discussion

 

[AWS1022]

Hmmm. At least for myself, I came here to talk about a football game. I don’t need affirmation of any kind from another school’s fans.

I think this game is an absolute coin toss. A game that a play or two either way decides the outcome. If it’s a blowout, it’s because of the breaks going one way. This is going to be 27-24 pick a winner.

Coming here to talk about a football game is fine….but the posters who argue about Iowa’s schedule being harder, Iowa should be ranked higher, too many PSU fans are picking PSU to win, etc are the ones I’m talking about.

 

[theiacowtipper]

Coming here to talk about a football game is fine….but the posters who argue about Iowa’s schedule being harder, Iowa should be ranked higher, too many PSU fans are picking PSU to win, etc are the ones I’m talking about.

Let’s talk about the schedules. I posted a link to a reputable computer guy, Jeff Sagarin, who said Iowa’s schedule is tougher. What I get in return is derision of a road win over a then top ten team.

I think it’s a minority, but many of your fans on this board have no interest in talking about a football game, and only seeking to interact with opposing fans that agree with the viewpoint that Penn State is the superior team.

Penn State May very well be superior. I don’t know. I do think that many on here dismiss the Iowa defense. Dismiss the results of last year. Dismiss the ability of the Iowa defense to turn people over. Look solely at the fact PSU beat a ranked team at home in a night game as the deciding factor. Ignoring the fact that they are going to be facing a higher ranked team on the road. A historically tough place to play, even though you’ve had some success.

 

[Texas Lion]

Penn State 31
Iowa 10

 

[SR108]

I would think so given that Iowa has one of the statistically worst running games in the Conference and the absolute worst Overall Offense in the Conference (averaging only 320 yards of Offense Per Game).

It will come down to Clifford and whether he is patient and takes what Iowa gives him. While the OLine has not been very good run blocking they have protected him well. Iowa feeds off of turnovers, If Clifford doesn’t give them any we win.

 

[AvgUser]

... bitching about officiating before a game has even started is kind of weird. It might imply you already have a bias.

I will cite only the most recent example why there is great reluctance by many here to count of the officiating being fair and square. It's not a bias. It is a recognition that Penn State seems to get an inordinate amount of bad luck and whoopsie calls officials which have a substantial effect on the game outcome.

Exhibit A
September 18, 2021. Game officials incorrectly concluded and a replay official upheld the erroneous conclusion that Penn State had run three plays from scrimmage during the first half of their game with Auburn University. That's right, they only had to count to three and they screwed it up.

There are many other notable and egregious officiating blunders that can be cited which cause the PSU faithful nervous (or to use your word, "biased"). Somewhere on this site there is a recent thread that lists the most glaring over the past 20 years, but I'm too lazy to look it up.


As for the play in question to which you responded, the receiver ran square in to the DB; not the other way around.

 

[fastlax16]

Part o’ the story, yes.

Turnover margin thus far:
Iowa +2.4
Penn State +1.2

And turnover margin has nothing to do with what I was responding to. Which was the implication that Iowa doesn’t make mistakes.

 

[SR108]

Let’s talk about the schedules. I posted a link to a reputable computer guy, Jeff Sagarin, who said Iowa’s schedule is tougher. What I get in return is derision of a road win over a then top ten team.

I think it’s a minority, but many of your fans on this board have no interest in talking about a football game, and only seeking to interact with opposing fans that agree with the viewpoint that Penn State is the superior team.

Penn State May very well be superior. I don’t know. I do think that many on here dismiss the Iowa defense. Dismiss the results of last year. Dismiss the ability of the Iowa defense to turn people over. Look solely at the fact PSU beat a ranked team at home in a night game as the deciding factor. Ignoring the fact that they are going to be facing a higher ranked team on the road. A historically tough place to play, even though you’ve had some success.

It’s a Penn State fan site, and a game prediction thread. PSU is currently undefeated. Who did you think PSU fans would predict as the winner?

It will be a hard fought game. I don’t see a blow out by either team. If Penn State doesn’t turn the ball over, they have a good chance to win. While inconsistent on offense they do have a couple of explosive players. Our back seven on defense are athletic and fast. If Iowa has to throw to win I like our chances of generating a couple of our own turnovers.

While they have held up for the most part our front four can have trouble with a power running team. I’m not sure how good Iowa is at grinding out long drives. So far they haven’t had to do it very often.
I have no idea who will win, but I expect a good close game.

 

[theiacowtipper]

I will cite only the most recent example why there is great reluctance by many here to count of the officiating being fair and square. It's not a bias. It is a recognition that Penn State seems to get an inordinate amount of bad luck and whoopsie calls officials which have a substantial effect on the game outcome.

As for the play in question to which you responded, the receiver ran square in to the DB; not the other way around.

Both players were moving. The Penn State player ran into the back of the Iowa player before the ball got there. That is pass interference every time. I know it screwed up your perfect season, but that’s pass interference on the defense.

 

[theiacowtipper]

It’s a Penn State fan site, and a game prediction thread. PSU is currently undefeated. Who did you think PSU fans would predict as the winner?

It will be a hard fought game. I don’t see a blow out by either team. If Penn State doesn’t turn the ball over, they have a good chance to win. While inconsistent on offense they do have a couple of explosive players. Our back seven on defense are athletic and fast. If Iowa has to throw to win I like our chances of generating a couple of turnovers.

While they have held up for the most part our front four can have trouble with a power running team. I’m not sure how good Iowa is at grinding out long drives. So far they haven’t had to do it very often.
I have no idea who I’ll win, but I expect a good close game.

I wouldn’t question the Penn State fan who predicted a victory. That makes sense. I question the Penn State fan who is derisive of any point that an Iowa fan makes that gives the Hawks a chance.

Case in point, an entire thread dismissive of Iowa schedule as cake when it is rated tougher than the Penn State schedule.

Part of that is that it’s so early. We don’t really know how good Wisconsin is, or Iowa State, or even Auburn. I get that.

 

[AWS1022]

Let’s talk about the schedules. I posted a link to a reputable computer guy, Jeff Sagarin, who said Iowa’s schedule is tougher. What I get in return is derision of a road win over a then top ten team.

I think it’s a minority, but many of your fans on this board have no interest in talking about a football game, and only seeking to interact with opposing fans that agree with the viewpoint that Penn State is the superior team.

Penn State May very well be superior. I don’t know. I do think that many on here dismiss the Iowa defense. Dismiss the results of last year. Dismiss the ability of the Iowa defense to turn people over. Look solely at the fact PSU beat a ranked team at home in a night game as the deciding factor. Ignoring the fact that they are going to be facing a higher ranked team on the road. A historically tough place to play, even though you’ve had some success.

Your last paragraph proves my point…you’re on a Penn State message board looking for affirmation and being assured that your team is good and they’re respected. So sad.

 

[lazydave841]

Will PSU have a turn over in the game? I'll say they will have 2 or more. When you struggle to run then the QB is forced to throw more and when the QB is under pressure he makes some bad throws. Clifford isn't a great pure passer, he is a good scrambler and he is a tough SOB. He will make some plays with his legs, but I think eventually he will have a few bad throws that will get picked off.

On the flip side, same goes for Petras ... if he tries to force throws against a stout PSU defense, that will lead to some turn overs, however, so far this season, he hasn't shown that. The QB who doesn't get forced into TOs will likely lead his team to victory.

I'll use Wisconsin as an example to your first part. We'll run twice and pass once then punt. We have a strong kicker who will pin you in the 20 or flip the field with a 50+ yarder.

The way the defense is playing, I don't think we are going to play very risky on the road. I think we play field position and go from there.

As for Petras, I don't think he's seen a secondary like ours yet, but I don't know enough about the Cyclones to verify. Considering they aren't even ranked now, to say they are better than ours would be as foolish as saying Wisconsin's defense is better than yours.

At this point, we both seem to be who we are. Execution is going to be crucial. If either team cracks the code of the other, I'll be surprised. I see it low scoring unless one of us comes unhinged.

 

[SR108]

I wouldn’t question the Penn State fan who predicted a victory. That makes sense. I question the Penn State fan who is derisive of any point that an Iowa fan makes that gives the Hawks a chance.

Case in point, an entire thread dismissive of Iowa schedule as cake when it is rated tougher than the Penn State schedule.

Part of that is that it’s so early. We don’t really know how good Wisconsin is, or Iowa State, or even Auburn. I get that.

At this point, who has the stronger or weaker schedule is meaningless. The better team will be determined on the field Saturday afternoon/evening.

 

[BlueLion]

Special thanks to Maryland for 7 turnovers.

Pretty sure, on one of those punt passes, the Iowa db made a fair catch on the int.