PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Trace McSorley had his 34-game touchdown passing streak snapped last week but he’s still Penn State’s most important player. At this point, his abilities have lifted an offense that has suffered from a lack of play-calling creativity, especially on third down where the Nittany Lions are just 35-for-95 on the season.
–RBs Miles Sanders and Ricky Slade have their work cut out for them. The Hawkeyes have allowed just two teams to eclipse 100 yards rushing this season and their last three opponents have combined to run for just 221 yards, less than three yards per carry.
–DE Shaka Toney has seemingly gotten better with each game. The long-armed pass rusher put Penn State’s defense on his back to preserve the win against Indiana where he racked up four sacks over the final four Hoosier possessions.
–CB Amani Oruwariye is always a threat to hop in front of opposing receivers. Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley has thrown an interception in five straight games and Oruwariye has seven in his career. He’s had a few more bounce off his hands in tight coverage this season.
–LB Cam Brown will need to be extra mindful of his coverage responsibilities as Iowa’s top two receivers are tight ends who’ve generated a combined 736 yards and nine touchdowns working mostly down the middle.
SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads Iowa 15-12. The Nittany Lions won the last meeting 21-19 at Kinnick Stadium last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I want to do whatever I need to do to help our team win. If that’s carrying the ball however many times, throwing it, whatever it might be. To me, I really haven’t felt like there’s been a big burden or felt like I’m shouldering too much of a load or whatever Coach was saying.” — Penn State QB Trace McSorley on if he’s carrying too much of the load.
