Iowa vs. Penn State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Iowa Keep Drew Allar in Check?
The Iowa Hawkeyes will visit the Penn State Nittany Lions in a Top-25 Big Ten matchup in Week 4. Can Iowa keep Drew Allar in check? Jason Radowitz provides his Iowa vs. Penn State prediction and pick ahead of the game.
Jason Radowitz - September 18, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
5 minIowa vs. Penn State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Iowa Keep Drew Allar in Check?
The Iowa Hawkeyes will visit the Penn State Nittany Lions in a Top-25 Big Ten matchup in Week 4.
Both teams are heading into this game undefeated. Iowa has wins against Utah State, Iowa State, and Western Michigan. Meanwhile, Penn State has earned victories over West Virginia, Delaware, and Illinois.
Penn State has played harder competition but started their most recent game a bit slow on the road at Illinois.
How will the Nittany Lions begin their first home Big Ten game on Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions.
Iowa vs. Penn State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 23, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Iowa vs. Penn State Odds
- Spread: Iowa +14 (-110), Penn State -14 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 41 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Iowa (+440), Penn State (-600)
Iowa vs. Penn State Injury Report
Iowa
Out: RB Kaleb Johnson (Undisclosed), TE Luke Lachey (Leg)
Penn State
Out: DT Alonzo Ford Jr. (Undisclosed)
Iowa vs. Penn State Prediction
The Iowa Hawkeyes won their last game, 41-10, against Western Michigan. But Iowa only ran up the score to make things look better.
The Hawkeyes only led 14-10 at the half but earned 27 unanswered points in the second half after wearing down Western Michigan.
Iowa was expected to have a better passing game this year behind Cade McNamara. He transferred from Michigan and has much experience in the Big Ten. But against Western Michigan, he completed just nine passes on 19 attempts and threw two interceptions.
McNamara also added two touchdowns but averaged just 5.4 yards per pass attempt.
The offensive line for the Hawkeyes has been good. But only the run game has benefitted. The Hawkeyes have rushed for 151.3 yards per game while only earning 150.7 yards passing offensively.
However, defensively, Iowa looks terrific. They've held teams to under 286 yards, including only 179.3 in the air. The coverage has been electric, and the run defense has been just as good.
They'll take on a Penn State team with much more offense than any of the three teams they've played this season. The Nittany Lions have earned 467.3 yards per game behind Drew Allar. Allar has thrown for 737 yards and four touchdowns. He also has no interceptions.
Meanwhile, the run game has been led by Kaytron Allen, who has added over 200 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Nicholas Singleton is the other portion of the two-headed monster in the run game.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions have missed a lot of tackles. But the defense has still only allowed 267.3 yards per game. They've limited teams to under 100 yards rushing through the first three games.
Allar's a great quarterback for Penn State. The run game has also been good. But the offensive line is concerning. Iowa's defensive front can disrupt some things.
I'll grab the Under 41.5 in this one.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Pick
- PICK: Under 41.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
College Football Odds
