The Penn State Vs. Iowa Availability Report
Penn State released its pregame availability report ahead of tonight's Big Ten game against Iowa. Here's the Penn State pregame glance as the No. 7 Lions prepare for a White Out showdown against No. 24 Iowa. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Who's out for Penn State and Iowa?
Penn State released a favorable availability report before the game, with just no starters listed as out. Receiver Tre Wallace, who did not play at Illinois, is listed as "questionable" for the second consecutive week. Wallace had 10 catches through the first two games, including a team-high seven against West Virginia in the opener.
Receiver Malick Meiga, who has not played the past two games, is out. For Iowa, the key injuries are on offense, with tight end Luke Lachey and running backs Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson confirmed as out.
The Penn State Nittany Lions does a flip during the 2023 White Out game against Minnesota at Beaver Stadium.
Dan Rainville/USA Today Sports
The turnover factor
With rain and wind in the Beaver Stadium forecast, this could turn into a replay of last year's Penn State-Northwestern game at Beaver Stadium. The Lions won 17-7 despite committing a season-high four turnovers. It's noteworthy, though, that Penn State's next turnover of 2023 will be its first.
Penn State entered Saturday's action as one of just two teams (with Oregon) in the FBS that had not committed a turnover. Quarterback Drew Allar has attempted 148 career passes without an interception. The Lions are plus-7 in turnover margin this season, No. 1 nationally among Power 5 teams.
Once again, Penn State is forcing turnovers as well. The Lions forced five (with four interceptions) at Illinois and rank second in the Big Ten in turnovers gained. Of note, the Lions are 9-0 over the past two seasons when forcing multiple turnovers in a game.
News and notes
Penn State has scored at least 30 points in 10 consecutive games, the nation's longest active streak.
Penn State leads the Big Ten in scoring offense (43.7 ppg) and turnover margin and ranks third in both total offense and total defense. Iowa ranks 13th in total offense and seventh in scoring offense (28.3 ppg).
Penn State is 8-6 in full-stadium White Out games dating to 2007. Iowa is 1-0 in White Out games, having defeated the Lions 21-10 in 2009.
Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara is 16-3 as a starter at Michigan and Iowa. In 2021 he connected with tight end Erick All for the game-winning touchdown pass in Michigan's victory over the Lions. All transferred to Iowa with McNamara and will start in the Hawkeyes' offense tonight.
Get in on the action
Penn State has covered the spread as the favorite in its first three games of 2023. The Lions are a 14-point favorite over Iowa. Can they do it again? Penn State fans can take advantage of a new-user promo from FanDuel Sportsbook when wagering on tonight's game.
Pregame reads
Penn State vs. Iowa preview, predictions
The 2021 Penn State-Iowa game won't be a factor this week, Kirk Ferentz says
Coziah Izzard makes quick impact in return to Penn State's defense
Penn State and Iowa have a wild history at Beaver Stadium
The view from Iowa City: Scouting the Iowa Hawkeyes
Flashback: In 2021, James Franklin responded to Iowa's suggestion that his team faked injuries
Penn State knows what to expect from Iowa
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
