Nittany Lion Intel from All-Penn State

Beat Writer Mark Wogenrich Shares Insight on Iowa's Next Opponent

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) gestures during a game against Delaware on Sept. 9, 2023 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. (Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports)

Here's a Q&A exchange with Mark Wogenrich from All-Penn State on the Fan Nation network on SI. You can read our answers to his questions HERE. 

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1. Beyond fan reaction, what is your sense on how the Penn State program views Iowa after what happened in the 2021 game between the teams? 

There’s definitely some residue from that game, particularly among the players and coaches who heard the boos and didn’t appreciate them. James Franklin even asked a few days later why his team would fake injuries against a team that uses a huddle offense. 

The Penn State head coach has a long memory but also compartmentalizes issues well. He’s much more focused this week on unlocking the big-play offense that largely has been absent this season. 

As for the players, only four starters who made that trip still are around. No doubt they’ll consider a big win some payback, but ultimately this team has bigger goals. 

2. What is the best way to attack this stingy Penn State defense? 

Run, run, run, play action, run. Penn State’s defense lives on pressure, particularly with unique blitzes, and pass defense. Iowa doesn’t want to linger in third-and-long. 

Interestingly, the top three defensive ends (a positional strength) have combined for .5 sack, so they’re due for a breakout. Penn State’s defensive middle is the attack point, though tackle Coziah Izzard’s return after missing the first two games could change that. 

Three cornerbacks made interceptions at Illinois last week, and that doesn’t include All-American Kalen King. That whole secondary is a handful. 

3. Explain to Iowa fans what their team is facing in a night game whiteout at Penn State? 

One of the best descriptions came from a player who said he had to pinch his helmet to stop it from vibrating because of the sound. Beaver Stadium’s press box looks like a trailer perched on flamingo legs, and it sways during intense moments. During a White Out, surely some fans wonder when it inevitably might tumble into the stands (we’re assured that the box is structurally sound). 

If Iowa gets the ball first, the noise will be deafening. Best to have a silent count or signals ready. But Kirk Ferentz knows how to beat the White Out, having done so in 2009. 

4. How has Drew Allar looked in his first season as the starter and what is there yet to be learned about the young man’s play? 

It’s difficult to avoid comparison between Allar and Kerry Collins, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, even three starts into his career. He has a live-wire arm, some truly natural footwork for a 19-year-old and an innate sense for when to step move the pocket. 

His numbers weren’t great against Illinois (16-for-33), but he led a terrific 2-minute offense before halftime, made good decisions and protected the ball. Allar hasn’t thrown an interception in his first 148 attempts at Penn State. 

His next step is to take more downfield shots. He has just two completions longer than 30 yards, a number that offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich wants to upgrade. But as a young quarterback playing take-what-the-defense-gives-you football, Allar couldn’t have played much better so far. 

5. Which Penn State players have surprised with their play this season and how can they impact this game? 

The most surprising player has been running back Nicholas Singleton, largely because of what he hasn’t done. Singleton was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2022 after leading the Big Ten in runs of 30+ yards. He had nine of those runs last season, including five of 40+ in the first three games. 

But Singleton’s longest run this year is 16 yards. He’s healthy, has been close to breaking a few and has scored five touchdowns but hasn’t delivered the explosive run yet. Still, he can impact the game in other ways, like screen passes and kickoff returns, and it feels like he’s just waiting to explode.