Iowa’s offense will be an issue for a Penn State defense that has not been good against the run in the Nittany Lions’ recent three-game skid. But there are bigger issues for Terry Smith’s Nittany Lions (3-3), who visit Iowa City on Saturday night.

Chad Leistikow's 5 thoughts column digs into the James Franklin-less Nittany Lions, what has helped Ferentz stay, Jeremy Hecklinski and more.

18. Hawkeyes Coach Kirk Ferentz played linebacker and fullback in high school in Upper St. Clair, Pa. This year’s Upper St. Clair Panthers were 7-1 entering their game Friday against Moon Area. The Panthers went 11-1 last season.

It's a drastic difference between Penn State's defense and Iowa's offense as the Hawkeyes' offense continues to struggle

The most recent time Penn State traveled to Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, in 2021, a Nittany Lions backup quarterback took center stage. Ta’Quan Roberson relieved an injured Sean Clifford midway through the game and couldn’t hold onto an early lead,

Coming off a 37-0 win, one would expect nothing to be wrong with the Iowa Hawkeyes starting quarterback Mark Gronowski. The fifth-year senior exited early again

Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley rallied to give Penn State one of its signature wins during the James Franklin era.

Ross, who was at Troy last season, caught two long touchdown passes vs. the Hawkeyes and also returned a punt for a score.