I haven't had a chance to watch any Penn State games yet, so to get a little better perspective on the Nittany Lions I had a Q&A session with Devon at www.nittanywhiteout.com. Check out my responses on the Hawkeyes too.
1. How big of a factor is revenge? Ferentz and Joe Pa both kind of down-played it in their pressers, but Clark has not been shy about the fact that he's had this game circled on his calendar since last year.
For the fans, and for a lot of our players, it's everything. Penn State had a chance to do something last year that we haven't in a while, and after we beat Ohio State, it looked like the path was clear. The loss to Iowa really caught us all a little off guard. Now, we feel like we have the same kind of chance, and I don't think it's as much revenge fueling the fire as it is the sense that we don't want to let Iowa ruin our chances again. Much like Michigan up until last year, Iowa's had our number, so that adds to the frustration, too. If we can't beat Iowa this year, it just expounds the failure of a year ago.
2. The offensive line, wide receivers, and secondary are all pretty inexperienced. What new player should the Hawkeyes look out for? And, on the flip side, what player really needs to step up this weekend?
It's no surprise that those three positions are the least experienced at Penn State, and have drawn by far the most scrutiny. However, both the wide receivers and the defensive backs have performed admirably. Penn State's offense hasn't been as dynamic as it was a year ago, but we have a talented group of wide receivers whose best asset might be their size. And while Graham Zug is a prototypical possession receiver, Derek Moye has burst onto the scene as a big play receiver. He's 6'5, and has great speed, and he's been a home run threat over the first three weeks. Similarly, Penn State's defense is designed to take pressure off of the defensive backs, with a keep-everything-in-front strategy. The biggest weakness has been at safety, where Nick Sukay has struggled at times, and that's against the likes of Akron, Syracuse, and Temple. The big worry for most Penn State fans, though, has been the offensive line. We struggled to get any semblance of a run game going in the first two matchups, and even though we did last week against Temple, the pass protection struggled in its stead. Iowa's got a better line than any we've faced all year, and the offensive line needs to open up running lanes and protect Daryll Clark if we'll have a chance. Keep your eye on right guard Lou Eliades, #77, who's been the culprit on a lot of QB hurries.
3. The Penn State defense has been impressive so far giving up only 20 points in the first 3 games. How much of that is a result of poor opposing offense? Also, with Lee and Bowman's injuries, and an untested secondary, what is the defensive game plan for Iowa?
Well, Penn State's defense is for real. Even though the opponents haven't been up to snuff, you can see the makings of a great defense coming together. Sean Lee had been having a tremendous season up until now, and his status is still up in the air for Saturday. He's a real gamer, a tough player, and if there's any chance he can play, he'll give it a shot. He's been the main catalyst for the defense, as he has this preternatural ability to tell where the play is going. The defensive line has been great in stuffing the run, but pressure hasn't been too consistent on pass plays. It seems that every year Penn State is great against the run with a philosophy designed to contain, rather than shut down, a passing offense, and that's no different now. Expect a lot of nickel sets, very few blitzes, and a soft zone which should allow Ricky Stanzi to throw underneath for short gains. It's Penn State's defensive line, though, which should get enough pressure to not allow Stanzi to go through his entire progression before getting rid of the ball.
4. The offense hasn't exactly been wowing anybody this year. And last year, after the first couple of games, everyone was saying how the Spread HD was the best thing ever. Any cause for concern that margin in the first 3 games has not been what it was last year?
To be honest, it seems that Penn State hasn't been playing with the urgency they did a year ago. Last year, we had a test in week two, against Oregon State, so we knew we had to be in top shape early in the season. This year it seems we've been complacent, as Daryll Clark has tried to force a few bad throws and has hung a couple deep balls, mistakes he simply shouldn't make against sub-par defenses. On the other hand, the offensive line has struggled, and it's tough to chalk that up to lethargy alone. It's not replacing the skill players that's been an issue, but picking up the pieces in the trenches after the graduations of 3 great linemen. Penn State's kept the book a little closed, using a more traditional passing offense than we'd expect. I'm preparing to see a few new wrinkles unleashed on Saturday, especially to get speedster Devon Smith, a 5'6, 140 pound true freshman who can FLY, the ball in space.
5. Looking at Penn State's schedule before the year I saw no way the team is worse than 10-2. Now 3 weeks in, it's still hard to find more than 2 losses, especially with Illinois and Michigan State's troubles. What is your prediction for the year, and will you be satisfied with anything less than a Big Ten Championship?
Honestly, coming into this season I saw Penn State at 11-1, and I really did think we were the best team in the Big Ten. And as bad as we've looked at times this year, I'm even more confident in my prediction. You can't tell me Ohio State looks like a world-beater either, after struggling against Navy and falling to USC. Michigan State? Lost to a MAC team. Illinois? Please. Iowa? You guys struggled with a 1-AA team. But the one game that scares me more than any other, as it did when the schedule came out, is our visit to the Big House on October 24th. Tate Forcier looks legit, and Michigan has been as impressive as any team in the conference so far in the season. We haven't won in Ann Arbor in years, and even though we should be the better team, Michigan just might have what it takes to beat us. A win wouldn't surprise me, but I just have a bad feeling about that game. Aside from the Michigan game, there isn't another game on the calendar that I'm really afraid of, and that includes Ohio State. 11-1 is my prediction, and though I'd be okay with 10-2, anything less is an abomination. I wouldn't mind a BCS at-large bid, though.
6. I know a couple of guys (Hawkeye fans of course) leaving for Happy Valley tonight. What should they expect when they get there? Will the crowd be hostile for a prime-time game...especially with the WhiteOut and College GameDay?
Well, the hatred for Iowa isn't normally what it is for Ohio State or Michigan, but with 12 hours of tailgating, and the events of a year ago fresh on everybody's mind, I'd tell them to wear a white T-shirt and shut up about being Hawkeye fans. As a whole, we tend to be a pretty nice fanbase, and while the student section might call you names, you won't get beer thrown on you or anything. The general rule for visiting Beaver Stadium, as it is anywhere, is to be gracious in defeat, and apologetic in victory. If Iowa [somehow] wins, and your buddies start celebrating in public, well, they should expect a confrontation.
7. Final score?
I think Penn State wins, but that Iowa gives us a hell of a game. Let's say 24-13, with the last TD coming in the last few minutes.