Iowa at Penn State odds, expert picks: Young Nittany Lions offense takes on tough Hawkeyes defense

The Iowa Hawkeyes visit the Penn State Nittany Lions in this week’s premier matchup between two Big Ten schools. Iowa has defeated Penn State the past two times the programs have gone head to head, but the Nittany Lions are significant favorites coming into this year’s showdown.

Penn State has its eyes on the College Football Playoff, but the Nittany Lions would be unwise to overlook their Big Ten counterparts, especially with Penn State’s offense coming off a less-than-spectacular showing against Illinois. Sophomore quarterback Drew Allar completed fewer than half his passes against the Fighting Illini. Still, Allar avoided costly mistakes and is still yet to throw an interception this season.

Now, Allar and the rest of Penn State’s offense will deal with yet another stingy Iowa defense. The Nittany Lions have not topped 21 points in any of their past three games against the Hawkeyes. Iowa has held opponents to 3.5 yards per carry, uninspiring news for Penn State’s running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who are both fresh off modest games against Illinois.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara has defeated Penn State, though it came in 2021 during his time as Michigan’s signal caller. McNamara has been inconsistent this year along with the rest of Iowa’s offense, which now must face a Penn State defense that forced five turnovers last week (four interceptions and one fumble). The Hawkeyes will also have to try to pull off the upset without tight end Luke Lachey, who suffered a “fairly significant” leg injury last week against Western Michigan.

What is the spread for Iowa at Penn State?

Expert picks against the spread

How to watch and stream Iowa at Penn State

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Beaver Stadium in State College, Penn. The game will be televised on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+.