Penn State vs. Iowa game preview, prediction

What to expect as Penn State and Iowa face off in this Big Ten matchup along with our Week 4 college football game prediction

This weekend brings us an intriguing Big Ten cross-divisional matchup live from Happy Valley, one of six games across the country between top 25 ranked teams on the same field as No. 24 Iowa squares off against No. 7 Penn State in college football's Week 4 action on Saturday.

Rankings: AP | Coaches | ESPN

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Iowa and Penn State meet, along with our Week 4 game prediction.

Penn State vs. Iowa preview, prediction

Penn State vs. Iowa picks, predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: CBS network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Penn State vs. Iowa game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Penn State -14.5
Total: 40.5 points
Moneyline: PSU -901 | Iowa +500
FPI pick: Penn State 86.9% to win

What to watch for 

Iowa and Penn State meet in Week 4 / USA Today Images

1. Battle at the line. Watch how the matchup between Penn State's skilled backs and Iowa's front seven develops. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton each average at least 12 runs per game, post around 5 ypc, and have been the engine behind a ground attack that eclipsed 100 yards in all 3 games this year. Iowa allowed 2.83 yards per carry a year ago and is holding teams to under 3.5 this fall behind a well-disciplined rotation up front that clogs the interior gaps well and can penetrate behind the line to limit gains.

2. Turnover battle. Penn State is 9-0 when forcing more than one turnover in the last two seasons and is coming off an impressive effort at Illinois in which the defense forced five takeaways, crucial in getting the win as the offense slowed down. Despite strong defensive play, turnovers have been slow to materialize for Iowa, which has taken it away just once in three games.

3. Iowa injuries. The Hawkeyes' ability to both throw and run the ball have been curtailed dramatically by injuries to tight end Luke Lachey and backs Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson, all of whom are out. With them goes 43% of Iowa's rushing production, two-fifths of its rushing touchdowns, and 30% of its receiving game. Leshon Williams gets the nod in the backfield, the team-leader with 164 yards and 8.6 yards per carry but no TDs. He's also a receiving threat, good for 8.2 yards per catch with a touchdown.

Penn State vs. Iowa prediction

Penn State should have the advantage when blocking on the edges, allowing for Allen and Singleton to churn out regular gainers when working the outer edges of the formation. On the other side, PSU's edge rushers have the athleticism to bother Iowa's tackles and rattle the injury-slowed Cade McNamara into some hurried throws. 

It's hard to put together methodical drives against the Hawkeye defense, but of any team in the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions have the pieces to chisel away at it until the opportunity for the big play presents itself. 

That, combined with Iowa's attack, a sluggish scoring unit at the best times, going without three main contributors and working with a quarterback nursing a quad injury, is enough for the home side. Don't be surprised if this is a 7 or 10 point game in the third quarter, until Penn State makes the last big push to put it out of reach.

College Football HQ predicts...

• Penn State wins 31-17
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the over

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