UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 17/16 Penn State (5-2, 2-2) welcomes the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1, 3-1) to Happy Valley for a Big Ten east vs. west matchup. The game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, will mark Military Appreciation Day inside Beaver Stadium.
The Nittany Lions enter the game looking to build off their 33-28 victory over Indiana last week. Penn State has won the last four meetings against Iowa and leads the all-time series 15-12. Last time the Hawkeyes entered Beaver Stadium, Penn State rolled to a 41-14 victory.
The game will be televised on ESPN and broadcasted on the Penn State Sports Network.
Penn State Spotlight
Miles Sanders continues to lead the way for Penn State on the ground. The Pittsburgh native has racked up eight touchdowns while averaging 110.3 rushing yards per game. Despite being a threat in the backfield, Sanders has elevated his presence in the passing game. The junior had six receptions for 54-yards against Indiana last week. Miles will take on an Iowa defense that ranks third in the country in yards allowed (258.1 ypg) and fifth in scoring defense (14.1 ppg).
What they're saying
"The ability to get to the quarterback, Nate Stanley, is probably going to be the biggest key for Penn State," ESPN's Todd McShay stated. "If they can bring the pass rush like they did a week ago at Indiana, I think they have a really good shot to pull it off."
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz on Trace McSorley: "He can beat you with his hands or his feet or his arm," Ferentz said. "A really good quarterback brings a lot of value to the team, are meaningful to a team's success. I think he epitomizes that."
"I've said it before, it's like playing 12 guys," Ferentz added. "[McSorley] can make a play out of nothing. He's got that ability. That's why he's such a dangerous performer."
Iowa connections
- Penn State freshman kicker Jake Pinegar and Iowa Freshman defensive back Riley Moss played together at Ankeny Centennial in Iowa.
- Penn State freshman offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, defensive tackle Evan Presta and wide receiver Henry Fessler and Iowa freshman defensive back Terry Roberts played together at Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Penn State junior quarterback Tommy Stevens and Iowa freshman wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. played together at Decatur Central in Indianapolis.
Iowa quick facts
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz
Record at Iowa (20thseason): 149-98 (.603)
vs. Penn State: 8-6
Game Information
On Wednesday, Penn State announced parking changes for the Iowa game, due to existing wet conditions and the forecast for additional rain this week. Vehicles will be re-directed to other parking lots near Beaver Stadium.
For more information about the parking changes and other parking options for Saturday, go to:
GoPSUsports.com/news/2018/10/24/football-forecast-and-existing-conditions-force-closure-of-several-grass-parking-lots-for-iowa-game.aspx
Penn State will honor the men and women who have bravely served our country during Military Appreciation Day activities. ROTC elite, active duty and veterans will be honored with special recognitions during the game, including a recognition of the 100thanniversary of women serving in the Armed Forces.