Iowa and Penn State are both 3-0. That changes tomorrow night in Happy Valley.

Both teams are very talented and elite on the defensive side of the ball, it should be a highly competitive matchup. Match that with arguably the greatest atmosphere in all of college football, and you have one exciting night.

Penn State has talent all over, but I am going to highlight the playmakers on this Nittany Lion squad.

The Nittany Lion offense is led by former 5-star prospect Drew Allar. Allar is one of the highest rated QB prospects of all time, and he’s flashed some of that talent to start this season. Allar so far this season has completed 59 of 88 passes for 737 yards, 4 TDs, and no interceptions.

Allar had a really rough game to open Big Ten play against Illinois, completing just 16 of 33 pass attempts for 208 yards. Allar is going to need much better protection this game, as the offensive line really did not hold up against the Illini front 7.

The Penn State run game is a 2-headed monster, and I mean that quite literally. Kaytron Allen has been one of the best backs in the Big Ten, and Nicholas Singleton isn’t far behind him. Allen has taken 42 carries for 208 yards and 2 TDs this year, while Singleton has taken 36 carries 154 yards and 5 TDs. These are 2 of the most versatile backs you will seen in the entire country. Allen has had the best game of the season between the 2 thus far, as he had 19 carries for 103 yards and a TD against Delaware.

If this is a rainy game, Penn State is going to look to run the ball down Iowa’s throat, and they have the backs to do it.

On the receiving end, Keandre Lambert-Smith has led the Nittany Lions with 13 catches for 220 yards and 2 TDs. His best game came against West Virginia, where Lambert-Smith caught 4 passes for 123 yards and 2 TDs. No other receiver for Penn State has broken the 100 yard mark on the season, so Lambert-Smith is the clear cut #1 guy, and for good reason. He’s one of the most talented deep threats in the entire country, and if he gets behind your secondary, you may as well call it a day.

Defensively, Penn State is one of the 10 best defenses in the nation. Their secondary is possibly the best in the country, and it’s led by Kalen King. King is absolutely lock down, very few teams have thrown to him and for good reason.

If there is a “weak link” on this Nittany Lion defense, it’s their defensive line. The defensive line has only combined for 5 of the 10 sacks for Penn State this year, so there could be some opportunity if the Hawkeyes line can get some push.

Overall, this game is going to be a tough out for the Hawks. You’re facing a top 10 team, at night, on the road, in the best atmosphere in American sports. Oh and rain is expected all day. It’s going to be an uphill climb for Iowa, but you know Kirk Ferentz will have his guys ready. My prediction? Iowa 20, Penn State 24.