Saturday Spotlight

(4) Penn State Nittany Lions at (3) Iowa Hawkeyes

Penn State: I’ve been following along with them and keeping a close eye. I’ve said it on “Monday Evening Quarterback”, and I’ll say it here. This is the best team I’ve seen so far in the Big Ten this season. When I was recording an episode of “College Football Showdown” the night before the season kicked off, I remember asking Israel Rivera this particular question: Can Sean Clifford take control of the offense? For years, I questioned him and even compared him to the New Orleans Saints Taysom Hill because I always saw Sean run more than he threw it. I’m taking back everything I said because he’s been impressing me. Last Saturday against the Indiana Hoosiers, he just threw his first interception so it’s safe to say he’s been playing clean ball. I’ve noticed a more offensive balanced attack from the Nittany Lions. Everyone knows their role whether it’s Jahan Dotson being targeted on a route down the field, Noah Cain getting his touches out the backfield, or Brenton Strange making a play. This Penn State defense has also been big time this year. They are third in the nation in scoring defense and second in RedZone defense which is key. This means they have that don’t break mentality in 20 yards and fewer in the red area of the field. Teams will throw it or run on them down the field. It’s the clamping down in goal line situations where they stand out. Today, they make a trip to Iowa City for their biggest game in recent memory.

Iowa: This is the best team in the Big Ten West which isn’t saying a lot. Wisconsin is down this year, Northwestern is rebuilding, Minnesota is too inconsistent and Illinois, well, they’re just that, Illinois. What is it about this team that draws me to them you ask? That’s a great question. They play a disciplined brand of football, but most importantly, I see a lot of team ball being played. It’s not just one guy that makes the difference. I see a collective effort week in and out and that’s why they’ve had the success so far this year. Next to the Georgia Bulldogs, this is one of the more physical teams in the country. The Hawkeyes defense has been such a tough out for many this year. Look at what they did last week against the Maryland Terrapins. They intercepted the Terps six times and seven turnovers altogether. While the defense does deserve its shine, so does their offense. Spencer Petras can be hit or miss playing quarterback, but all they need him to do is take care of the football. All they need to do is simply hold onto the ball and the defense will handle the rest. Today, they will welcome James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions to town for a huge showdown in the Big Ten.

Penn State X-Factor: Brenton Strange– They’ve always had a nice tight end on their offense. Look at Mike Gesicki a few years back before he went to the NFL. In the passing game, he’s a reliable target for Sean and he helps move the chains when you need it. What stands out to me about his game is his ability to block. You can’t be a tight end in this game and not be able to put hands in the dirt and act as an additional offensive lineman and Brenton does just that. I look for him to protect his quarterback a bit today because Iowa will throw different looks.

Iowa X-Factor: Riley Moss– I said this on Monday Evening Quarterback last week. You can’t be a slouch in this game with that last name, word to Randy Moss! His nose for the football is amazing. Riley keeps his eye on the quarterback, then makes his moves. Read and react describes his game perfectly! This will be tough for him because he will see one of the more explosive receivers in the country in Jahan Dotson this afternoon. I can’t wait for this matchup!

Final Thoughts: It’s a huge game in the Big Ten that doesn’t consist of Ohio State or Michigan! This is a collision course for both teams. On another note, both teams are very similar to one another. The defenses are stepping up big time and they get just enough from the offense. Neither is spectacular offensively though. The top matchup I’m watching in this game is Jahan Dotson when he’s being covered by Riley Moss. This will be a dogfight! I see this game coming down to one thing. A turnover. Whichever team forces that takeaway at any point of the football game will come out victorious. Iowa has been forcing turnovers left and right this season. With Penn State, can Sean Clifford avoid making a mistake? He’s played as close to perfect football as possible. If he controls things and lets the game come to him, they will be fine. What can Spencer Petras do? He put up five total touchdowns last week. Maryland’s defense isn’t walking through that door.

Prediction: Penn State 19, Iowa 14