The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions meet Saturday in college football action from Beaver Stadium. Iowa is fresh off a game versus Western Michigan. In that one the Hawkeyes rolled to a 31-point win. As for Penn State, they played Illinois last weekend. The Nittany Lions ended up staying undefeated with a 17-point win. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Iowa Hawkeyes 

The Hawkeyes took on Utah State in their first matchup of the year and won 24-14 despite giving up points in each of the last three quarters. Iowa was out-gained 329-284 in total yards but held the ball for 32:12 in the win. In game two versus Iowa State, the Hawkeyes took another win 20-13. Iowa generated a tepid 235 yards on offense (123 passing) and just nine first downs there. 

In the Western Michigan game, the Hawkeyes were down 7-0 after one quarter, but then hit double-digit points in the remaining three periods during a 41-10 blowout win. QB Cade McNamara had 103 pass yards, two scores and two picks. Leshon Williams (145 yards; 12 carries) and Kamari Moulton (50 yards; two TDs; eight carries) paced the offense, though. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts

Iowa has won 13 of its last 14 games in September.
Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against AP-ranked teams.
Iowa has won the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Six of Iowa’s last seven games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.

Penn State Nittany Lions 

Over on the Lions’ side, they put up points in every quarter during their opener against West Virginia, winning 38-15. Penn State put up 478 total yards (332 passing) and 27 first downs. Game two against Delaware was an even bigger blowout, this time 63-7. The Nittany Lions had 541 yards (315 rushing) there, along with 34 first downs. 

Matched up against Illinois last Saturday the Nittany Lions took a 16-7 lead into halftime, scoring in every quarter along the way to a 30-13 win. Drew Allar threw for 208 yards off 16-of-33 passing, while Kaytron Allen had 54 yards and a score on the ground. Nick Singleton added 49 yards off three receptions. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Team Facts

Penn State has won each of its last 14 games in September.
Penn State has covered the spread in each of its last 10 games.
Penn State has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against conference opponents.
Penn State has won the first half in each of its last seven games against conference opponents.
Four of Penn State’s last five games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Penn State ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.846).
Penn State ranked T3rd among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.846).
Iowa ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (3.4).
Iowa ranked 2nd among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (6.3).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I have to stay with Penn State here. That said, you could make a case either way. The Nittany Lions blew through their first two games without much issue, outscoring the opponents by a combined 101-22 margin. In the Illinois matchup, Penn State gave up 292 passing yards and 20 first downs but overall the defense played great. The Lions held the Illini to just 62 rush yards and 6-of-15 on third-down tries while also bagging five turnovers (four interceptions). Penn State has scored at least 30 points in each game so far and I think they’ll keep it rolling in this matchup. Should be a very fun game to watch, though.