UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Iowa City is set to host a top-five matchup this Saturday, as No. 4 Penn State takes on No. 3 Iowa in a crossover of Big Ten programs.
Game Information
The last time Penn State and Iowa met at Kinnick Stadium, both were among the top three teams in the nation in scoring defense (Nittany Lions won 17-12). Three of the last four meetings between Penn State and Iowa have been decided by one-score.
The Nittany Lions hold a 17-13 advantage in the head-to-head series with the Hawkeyes.
Saturday's game will mark the 11th game in Penn State history with both teams ranked among the Top Five of the AP Poll (first since 1999 when No. 3 Penn State beat No. 4 Arizona. 41-7).
Kickoff at Kinnick Stadium is set for 4 p.m. on FOX.
Defensive Battle
The matchup between Penn State and Iowa will feature two of the top three scoring defenses in the nation. Penn State ranks third in the country, allowing 12.0 points per game, while Iowa sits second in the country, giving up 11.6 points per game.
While Iowa is tied for first with giving up only 12 plays of 20 yards or longer against them, Penn State has allowed just 15 of those plays of its own.
Iowa's defense leads college football with its 12 interceptions and plus-12 turnover margin. The Hawkeyes have also returned two interceptions (both by senior cornerback Riley Moss) and one fumble recovery for touchdowns.
Overall, the Iowa defense has scored 68 points off turnovers, with 24 of them coming last week against Maryland. Six different players had interceptions in the win over the Terrapins.
The Nittany Lions, who held Indiana scoreless last week, rank second in the nation and lead the Big Ten allowing a 53.3 conversion rate in the red zone.Penn State's opponents have been held without a score in 7-of-15 trips into the red zone this season.
Penn State did not allow a passing touchdown through the first 147 passing attempts faced this season, the most in the FBS.
Moreover, the Nittany Lions have forced nine takeaways this season.
Players to Watch: Iowa
Linebacker Jack Campbell leads the charge for an Iowa defense that is off to a historic start this season. The junior leads the team in tackles with 46, posting a sack and recovering two fumbles (returning one for a touchdown).
Junior quarterback Spencer Petras has been efficient for a Hawkeyes offense that averages more than 33 points per game.
Petras has seven touchdowns and just one interception, with tight end Sam LaPorta being the top receiver with 22 catches for 263 yards.
Behind a superb offensive line, running back Tyler Goodson has rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns.
Players to Watch: Penn State
Though Iowa's defense has been forcing turnovers at a historic pace, quarterback Sean Clifford has been efficient in terms of taking care of the football.
Clifford is completing more than 67 percent of his throws, with 1,336 yards, 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
Top target Jahan Dotson has 35 catches (tied for 13th in FBS) and has scored in six-straight games dating back to last season. Wide receiver Parker Washington also is a reliable target with 25 receptions, and both receivers average more than 12.5 yards per catch.
As for the Nittany Lion defense, safety Ji'Ayir Brown has three of the team's seven interceptions.
At the linebacker position, Brandon Smith (32 tackles, one sack), Ellis Brooks (30 tackles, one sack) and hybrid playmaker Jesse Luketa (22 tackles, one interception) have held it down for the Nittany Lions in the run game.
