Ground-and-pound awaits Nittany Lions
Hawkeyes can lull defenses to sleep, then strike quickly
Iowa’s offense ranks among the worst in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total yards, a number that doesn’t fool Penn State defenders.
The Hawkeyes might look anemic at times, but the Nittany Lions know they can lull defenses to sleep and then strike with play-action passes when the top-five teams meet Saturday at 4 p.m. in Iowa City (TV-FOX).
“They’re a big ground-and-pound team,” defensive end Nick Tarburton said. “They may run the ball four (straight) times and play-action the next play. They have a lot of double-tight end sets and things like that. You just have to read your key.”
Eye discipline will be critical on defense for fourth-ranked Penn State (2-0 Big Ten, 5-0). No. 3 Iowa (2-0, 5-0) does not create many explosive plays, preferring to run the football, wear down a defense and set up the pass.
Spencer Petras has completed 62% of his passes for 943 yards and seven touchdowns with one interception in his second season as Iowa’s starting quarterback. His primary targets have been tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Tyler Goodson.
The Hawkeyes have a group of young wide receivers; none has more than 11 receptions.
“If I have a pass responsibility, I defend the pass,” cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields said. “If my job is to fit the run, then my job is to be physical and go make a tackle. But it’s just knowing your responsibility, knowing your role within the defense and then just not being Superman.”
Penn State’s defense ranks among the national leaders in red zone defense (second), scoring defense (third, 12.0) and pass defense efficiency (seventh). The Lions are strong at all three levels: line, linebackers and secondary.
“I just think we’re playing really good complementary defensive football,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “I don’t know if we’re overwhelming in any area, but I think the defense is doing its job.”
Penn State’s secondary has allowed just two passing touchdowns, and
they came against reserves in the fourth quarter of an easy win over Villanova. The Lions handed Indiana its first shutout loss in 21 years last week in a 24-0 victory.
“We have great players all around, so not one man has to carry the load,” Castro-Fields said. “There are 11 players on the field for a reason. Football is one of the greatest sports there is.
“I rely on everyone to do their job, and they rely on me to do my job. When you have that kind of cohesion and chemistry and everyone wants to do their job, success is going to come.”
Iowa also has a relatively young offensive line, which has allowed 11 sacks. Penn State has talent and experience up front, led by tackle PJ Mustipher and a trio of ends: Arnold Ebiketie, Jesse Luketa and Tarburton.
“Iowa’s another team that just wants to be real physical and assert the run game,” Tarburton said. “Iowa, I think, is unique because that’s been their identity forever almost. It’s impressive what they do.”
Penn State’s most impressive defensive performance came against Auburn when the Lions held the Tigers — ranked 17th in total offense in the FBS — to 367 total yards, more than 110 below their average.
Linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks are the leading tacklers; Ebiketie is the best pass rusher; and safety Ji-Ayir Brown has a team-high three interceptions. “Defensively, they’re aggressive with their approach,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “They’re a high-pressure team. Most importantly they have good players and they play hard. It’s going to be a challenge.”
For Penn State, it’s about not biting on Petras’ fake handoffs before his passes.
“They do an excellent job with their play-action,” Franklin said. “I think that’s probably the biggest thing: play-action, play-action, play-action.”
Rich Scarcella’s pick Penn State 20, Iowa 18
The Nittany Lions keep turnovers to a minimum and force the Hawkeyes to kick field goals in the red zone. The game will be decided in the final minutes, just like it was on Penn State’s previous two visits to Kinnick Stadium.