Lions roll continues through Iowa
Just when it seems this Penn State football team can’t play any better, it does.
Penn State’s 38-14 smackdown of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on the road, showed the Lions to be a dominant team on both sides of the ball against a decent, if not good, opponent.
PSU’s offense continues to click as the players become more comfortable in Bill O’Brien’s schemes. Allen Robinson has now cemented himself as the go to receiver. Tight ends Kyle Carter and Matt Lehman are a legitimate tandem threat. Bill Belton returned healthy and had a 100-yard night. Zach Zwinak is a pounding change of pace from Belton. The line seems to have solidified. While missing some receivers, Matt McGloin has taken commend of O’Brien’s fast paced, high octane game plan.
On defense, the Lions front did what Michigan State couldn’t do–shut down Iowa’s running game, and expose the Hawkeyes quarterback problems. Michael Mauti grabbed another interception and continues to be downright inspirational with his overall play and leadership.
Special teams worries continue–the coverage unit gave up a kick return for a TD, and while Sam Ficken actually made a mid-length field goal, he also badly missed one. Zwinak had a couple of fumbles and must work on this.
Still, Penn State took advantage of Iowa’s mistakes and jumped on the Hawks early, and didn’t let up until the issue was decided.
O’Brien’s Lions come home for what is sure to be a raucus Saturday night get together with Ohio State, in a battle of what may be the two best teams in the Big Ten. The fact that neither of these squads can go to bowls may make Saturday’s contest the equivalent of a bowl for both.
