- The Iowa Hawkeyes welcome the Penn State Nittany Lions to Kinnick Stadium for a Big Ten showdown under the lights. With the game scheduled for 7:00 PM on October 18, 2025, the Hawkeyes aim to continue their strong home performance. Iowa holds a 4-2 overall record, including a 2-1 mark in conference play.
- Meanwhile, Penn State looks to turn around their season after starting with a 3-3 record, struggling in conference games with three losses. The Nittany Lions have yet to win on the road this season, making this a critical opportunity to gain momentum. They will need to shake off recent losses, including a narrow defeat to Northwestern at home.
- On the betting front, Iowa is favored with a -152 moneyline and a 3-point spread in their favor. The over/under is set at 39.5 points, reflecting potential for a defensive battle. Fans can catch the game live on PEAC as these two teams, both hailing from the Big Ten conference, look to assert their dominance.
Iowa vs Penn State At a Glance
- Game Venue: Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA
- Game Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: PEAC
- Current Standings: Penn State is 3-3, Iowa is 4-2
- Weather Forecast: Outdoor Field, check local listings for updates
- Betting Odds: Iowa favored at -3.0 (-106) spread
The Hawkeyes’ Challenge: Iowa Prepares for a Critical Game
Offensive Struggles and Opportunities
The Iowa Hawkeyes have had a mixed season offensively, scoring 184 points, placing them 42nd in the nation. Their passing game has been a weak point, ranking 119th with only 852 yards. However, the rushing attack has been more promising, with 1,110 yards, ranking 45th.
First downs have come at a steady pace, with the team ranking 45th in this category. This indicates that while their offense might not be explosive, it is capable of sustaining drives. Improvement in the passing game could be pivotal in the coming games.
Defensive Fortitude
Defensively, Iowa has been formidable, allowing just 78 points, ranking 36th nationally. Their pass rush has been effective with 12 sacks, placing them 14th. The secondary has been equally impressive, recording 4 interceptions and ranking 5th.
The defense’s ability to force turnovers is further highlighted by their ranking of 7th in fumbles recovered. These defensive strengths will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in future contests.
Key Player Contributions
Quarterback Mark Gronowski has led the team with 743 passing yards, though improvement is needed as he ranks 117th. On the ground, Kamari Moulton and Xavier Williams have been vital, rushing for 261 and 241 yards, respectively.
In the receiving corps, Sam Phillips stands out with 193 yards, the highest among his teammates. Tight end DJ Vonnahme also contributes with 64 receiving yards, providing a reliable target in the middle of the field.
Betting Trends to Watch
- SU – After Loss: 11-0 in the last 11 games (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: 24-5 in the last 29 games (82.8%)
- SU – Totals ≤ 42: 21-6 in the last 27 games (77.8%)
- ATS – After Loss: 5-0 in the last 5 games (100.0%)
- ATS – All Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games (100.0%)
Overall, the Iowa Hawkeyes have shown resilience and a knack for bouncing back after setbacks. Their defensive prowess and steady rushing game provide a solid foundation, but offensive improvements, particularly in passing, are necessary to elevate their game. With key players like Gronowski and Moulton, there’s potential for the Hawkeyes to enhance their offensive output and continue their strong performance in upcoming games.
Analyzing the Penn State Nittany Lions as They Prepare for Iowa
Offensive Performance
Penn State’s offensive output has shown a decline this season. Currently, they rank 89th in passing yards and 57th in rushing yards. With a total of 214 points, their offensive ranking is 29th in the nation.
The Nittany Lions have experienced a sharp drop from last season’s offensive performance. In 2024, they ranked 4th in points scored with a total of 530 and were 5th in rushing yards. This year’s numbers indicate a significant challenge for their offense.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Penn State stands out with a strong sack game, ranking 12th nationally with 14 sacks this season. Their ability to recover fumbles and intercept passes is noteworthy, ranking 5th in both categories. However, they have allowed 111 points, placing them 59th defensively.
Last season, Penn State’s defense ranked 66th in points allowed, suggesting some improvement this year. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses with turnovers could be key against Iowa.
Recent Game Performances
The Nittany Lions have struggled in recent games, losing to Northwestern, UCLA, and Oregon. Their most recent game saw a narrow 22-21 loss to Northwestern. The team managed just 13 first downs compared to Northwestern’s 23, highlighting struggles in ball control.
Despite their losses, Penn State displayed resilience against UCLA, putting up 37 points. However, defensive lapses allowed UCLA to score 42 points, showcasing vulnerabilities that need addressing against a robust Iowa team.
Key Player Contributions
Quarterback Drew Allar has contributed significantly with 1100 passing yards and 8 touchdowns. However, his absence due to injury will require backup quarterbacks to step up. Running back Kaytron Allen has been a bright spot, with 467 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, ranking 39th nationally.
Wide receiver Devonte Ross has emerged as a key target, with 240 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Despite injuries, these players will be pivotal in providing offensive firepower against Iowa.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have plagued Penn State this season, with key players like Drew Allar out for the season. Wide receiver Kaden Saunders and defensive tackle Kaleb Artis are questionable, which could impact both offensive and defensive strategies. The team’s ability to adapt and fill these gaps will be critical.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 27-3 in last 30 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 25-5 in last 30 games
- SU – After Win: 23-5 in last 28 games
- O/U – Away Games: 4-0 in last 4 games
- ATS – Away Games: 16-8 in last 24 games
Iowa vs Penn State Prediction: Over 39.5
The matchup between Iowa and Penn State features two teams with solid defensive units, yet recent trends suggest that the total score might surpass the current line. Iowa has gone over the total in 11 of their last 18 games, and their recent dominant 37-0 win over Wisconsin shows their ability to put points on the board. Furthermore, Penn State’s offensive stats, including 214 points scored this season, indicate potential for a higher scoring affair.
Despite both teams having respectable defensive records, both offenses have demonstrated they can score. With Penn State averaging 35.7 points per game this season and Iowa’s solid performance at home, there is potential for the offenses to shine. The current total of 39.5 appears low given these offensive capabilities and trends.
Playing at Kinnick Stadium at night may give Iowa an edge in terms of momentum, but Penn State’s offense will likely look to rebound after a close loss to Notre Dame. The outdoor conditions at Kinnick could play a role, but both teams should be able to adapt and find the end zone multiple times.
Considering the overall scoring trends and offensive potential of both teams, we project this game to go over the total of 39.5. A projected final score of Iowa 28 – Penn State 21 supports this prediction.
- Iowa vs Penn State Prediction: Over 39.5
- Iowa vs Penn State Score: Iowa 28 – Penn State 21
