3 Bold Predictions for Penn State vs Iowa

Following an uncharacteristically undisciplined performance, Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes return to Iowa City as they welcome James Franklin and a Penn State team hungry for a signature win to establish themselves as a team capable of winning the conference.

3. Sean Clifford is Picked Off Twice

Clifford has been an even more efficient passer than Trace McSorley last year, and his 59-0 embarrassing of Maryland speaks to what this offense can be when he is firing on all cylinders. Iowa caught a lot of flack for their performance last week, but they did hold Michigan to just 10 points on the road, so this unit remains one of the best in the Big Ten. Clifford should get a rough introduction to life amongst the big boys in the conference.

2. Yetur Gross-Matos Gets at Least Two Sacks

The Nittany Lions defense hasn't gotten their due this season, as they have evolved from a underperforming unit last year into the fourth-best group in the nation in terms of yards allowed. The best player on that side of the ball is future first-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos, who already has 5.5 sacks on the season. While fellow future NFL star Tristan Wirfs played pretty well against Michigan, left tackle Alaric Jackson had a rough go of it. Expect Gross-Matos to win the battle against Jackson and yank QB Nate Stanley down at least twice.

1. Iowa Pulls Out a Late Win on a Nate Stanley Touchdown

Stanley and the Hawkeyes were unusually undisciplined and careless with the football last week, as Stanley threw three interceptions in Michigan's 10-3 win. A week of practice with Ferentz after a performance like that is sure to get Iowa back to playing their style of football. Penn State is going to score some points, but an efficient day from Stanley and the Hawkeyes will be enough for the wins.