That hurt. A lot. Iowa came into Beaver Stadium and pretty much dominated Penn State. Final score 21-10, Hawkeyes, it didn’t seem that close by the time it was over, even though Penn State was leading until the fourth quarter.
- Penn State started strong with a long TD pass on their first play. It seemed like it was going to be our day, especially after the Nittany Lions followed up with a 20 play drive. That ended in a field goal, a huge moral victory for the Hawkeyes.
- Iowa’s safety was the turning point of the game though — nothing says defensive domination like a safety.
- Iowa’s defensive line completely embarrassed Penn State’s offensive line. The tackles had no answer for the defensive ends. That caused QB Daryll Clark all sorts of trouble, he got rattled and forced throws even when he was not under heavy pressure.
- Like just about every other quarterback, Clark showed that when pressured, he’s just as likely to have trouble as other QBs. I thought he’d do better because of his mobility. I am still blaming the line.
- I thought RB Evan Royster was having a decent game against a tough line, but his fourth quarter fumble sealed the game for the Hawkeyes.
- The defense had a pretty good night, keeping Iowa out of the endzone until the fourth quarter. Iowa already had field goal, safety and punt block returned for a TD by then.
- OLB Navarro Bowman was excellent in his first significant action of the season. He was creating havoc all night.
- MLB Josh Hull played just about as well as he can. He’ll be better when Sean Lee, who missed the game, returns.
- The officiating was kind of poor and a few things did not go Penn State’s way, especially the “running into the kicker” penalty. However, that did not cost them the game.
- Good to see TE Andrew Quarless got some more balls thrown his way. He needs to be a bigger part of the offense, he has the talent.
- Iowa has better Steelers uniforms than the Steelers.
- Next week, at Illinois 3:30 for the Nittany Lions. They probably could have used a road trip in September. Not a problem next year — they go to Alabama.
