Things went just the way Coach Ferentz likes them to on Saturday night. Iowa won the coin toss, chose to receive (of course), took the opening drive 77 yards and kicked a 20-yard field goal. The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns on 2 drive in the first half, and then went into an ultra-conservative protect the lead mode. The second half was filled with low-risk, timing consuming plays on offense that were a product of the two touchdown lead and the poor field position Iowa had the entire half. The game was really put into the hands of the defense to preserve the lead. And that they did.

Stars
Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard: The defensive line has been pretty dominant thus far this year, but hasn't necessarily put up great stats or lived up to admittedly ridiculously high expectations. Saturday night was a different story though. The defensive line was completely disruptive and completely shut down Penn State's offense for the majority of the game. Evan Royster was held to just 56 yards, 26 of which were gained on Penn State's final drive in which Iowa's defender were just standing around waiting for the clock to run out. Rob Bolden was pressured much of the night and was sacked twice.

Adrian Clayborn had his best showing of the season. He recorded a team high 10 tackles, 3 for loss, and a sack. He consistently was in Penn State's back field against left tackle Quinn Barham (who kept a picture of Clayborn on his phone for motivation). It was Ballard though who made arguably the biggest play of the game. Penn State had momentum going its way after scoring a field goal at the end of the first half and driving 70 yards down to the Iowa 1 yard-line. It was 4th-and-goal from the 1 and Penn State dialed up a QB-keeper on a roll-out to the right. Bolden looked like he was going to drive in to the endzone when Jerimiha Hunter got a hold of him. Bolden still would have been able to stretch over the goal-line had it not been for Ballard coming over and stuffing Bolden inches short. Ballard finished the game with 6 tackles and a sack.

The need to know
What: Iowa vs. Penn State
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
When: 7:00 PM
TV: ESPN

Injury report
Out: Jewel Hampton (torn ACL), Bruce Davis (torn ACL), Jason White (sprained knee)
Questionable: Daniel Murray (hip flexor), Christian Kirksey (undisclosed)
Probable: Paki O'Meara (concussion)

Reminder
Black and Gold Spirit Day: Remember, today's color scheme is black and gold stripes. If you are going to the game, check the section of your seats and make sure to wear the appropriate color. Students and odd sections - wear black; even sections - wear gold. Yes it is going to be cold during the game (lower 50s at kickoff maybe down into the 40s as the game goes on) so wear layers. If you are going to wear a coat, at least try to keep it off until after kickoff so the striped stadium will look cool for a moment.

Daniel Murray, who has missed the previous month dealing with a hip flexor, is back this week and feeling 100%. He's just in time for his favorite opponent: Penn State. He hasn't kicked a ball in the past 4 weeks so it is probably unlikely that he plays unless his services are needed to kick a game winning field goal. I'm sure you don't need any reminder of what that would look like, but here it is anyway.


I could watch that every day.

Adam Robinson: Iowa this year may be more of a pass to set up the run type team with a senior quarterback and deep pool of receivers, but the Hawkeyes will still give Robinson his share of carries. Don't expect either freshman (Marcus Coker or Brad Rogers) to get very many reps unless the game is sufficiently wrapped up. I would think that we'll see Coker come in to spell Robinson on a play or two when needed, rather than for an entire series.

Derrell Johnson-Koulianous: For the first time this year, DJK was listed on the depth chart [pdf] as the outright starter. There was no "or" between his name and Colin Sandeman. It's nice to see DJK back on the coach's good side, though don't expect to hear anything from him until after the bowl game.

Adrian Clayborn and Tyler Sash: I have heard "Iowa has the number 1 defense in the country even though Clayborn doesn't have a sack and Sash doesn't have an interception" thrown around a few times this week. This could very well be the week that both of those things change. Teams thus far have done a good job scheming against Clayborn. They have kept a TE in to help block, chipped him with a running back, or have used the Georgia Tech second half just-run-every-play-the-opposite-way scheme. Penn State may not have that luxury as it is the opposite side of their offensive line that will need help with a converted defensive lineman making his first start at right tackle.

Penn State's true freshman quarterback Rob Bolden has sailed a few passes over the middle this year resulting in 5 interceptions. He will face a tough environment in his first ever Big Ten road game (though playing at Alabama was probably a tough environment too) and if he continues to make mistakes, Tyler Sash will be waiting.

Ricky Stanzi: The past couple of years Stanzi hasn't been stellar against Penn State but has done enough to win. In 2008 he was 15 of 25 for 171 yards with a TD and INT, but led an extraordinary game winning drive. In 2009 he was 11 of 26 for 134 yards with 2 INTs, which was his worst game of the year. Stanzi is capable of performing better than that, and if his stats thus far this year are any indication, then he should have his best outing against Penn State tomorrow.

Broderick Binns: Binns had a career day against Penn State last year recording 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble that resulted in a safety. He could have a chance to match or better that production this weekend going up against the previously mentioned converted defensive lineman, now starting right tackle Lou Eliades.

Iowa Offense vs. Penn State Defense

Category	Iowa O: Stat	Iowa O: Rank	Penn State D: Stat	Penn State D: Rank	Advantage
Rushing Yards	184.75	38	117.25	39	-
Passing Yards	261.00	32	158.50	17
Passing Efficiency	175.60	4	116.78	44	+
Sacks	2.25	71	1.75	72	-
Total Yards	445.75	50	275.75	18
Scoring	36.00	28	12.75	8
Turnovers	1.00	13	1.75	40
3rd Down Conversion	52.00	14	21.28	3	-
Red Zone %	83.33	54	100.00	113	+

Penn State's defense has been very solid thus far. Aside from the Alabama game (albeit that was really their only test), they haven't given up many yard or many points. They have been particularly effective at getting teams off the field on third down.