Iowa Hawkeyes’ opponent breakdown: Penn State
Iowa's Adrian Clayborn knocks the ball loose from Penn State's Daryll Clark in the first quarter, Saturday Nov. 8, 2008, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 24-23.
Kevin Newsome is the front-runner to be Penn State’s new starting quarterback, but Evan Royster is the go-to guy.
The senior tailback enters this season with 2,918 career yards and has eclipsed the 1,000 mark the past two years.
Coach Joe Paterno also has playmakers at the receiver spots, such as Derek Moye, who led the Nittany Lions with 48 catches for 785 yards.
Until the offense clicks, Penn State will rely on a defense that has ranked among the top five nationally each of the last six seasons.
Iowa has won seven of the past eight meetings, so you have to figure Penn State has this game circled – just like last year.
Here’s a closer look:
Coach: Joe Paterno (394-129-3 at school)
Key losses: QB Daryll Clark, TE Andrew Quarless, OT Dennis Landolt, DT Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman, P Jeremy Boone.
Key Additions: Silas Redd was the nation’s No. 4 prep running back, according to Rivals.com. Able to catch passes and help in pass protection.
Outlook: A lot will be made of Kevin Newsome becoming the starting quarterback, but the Nittany Lions have an even bigger void on defense – replacing all three starting linebackers. The past six seasons, Penn State has ranked among the top five nationally in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense.
Player to watch: Stefen Wisniewski is switching to guard after being named an all-Big Ten center
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football, Uncategorized
