Penn State falls to Iowa 24-3

Iowa 24– PSU 3
Penn State is really looking forward to seeing Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi graduate. The senior signal caller for the Hawkeyes finished his collegiate career against the Big 10 rival Nittany Lions by winning his final three starts against them. The Penn State offense failed to generate any consistent drives and Iowa’s 17-point first half was enough to send the Lions home 0-1 in the Big 10. The victory extended Iowa’s win streak to three against Penn State.

GAME FLOW
Iowa got a field goal on their first possession, driving 77 yards on nine plays. They went up 10-0 at the end of the first quarter when Stanzi threw a touchdown pass to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. In the second, the Hawkeyes got a touchdown run from Stanzi to up their lead to 17-0. Penn State’s offense sputtered all first half until a final two minute drive got them a field goal to end the half. The second half was practice for the punters as neither team moved the ball much. Penn State freshman quarterback Robert Bolden’s last ditch pass to keep a late drive alive was intercepted by Shaun Prater for a pick-six and the game’s final score.

OFFENSE
On the ground: Evan Royster was held to only 56 yards on just 10 rushes as Penn State played from behind all game. Royster’s biggest run was 27 yards in garbage time after the Lions were down 24-3. Iowa’s Adam Robinson led all rushers with 95 yards on 28 carries.

Through the air: Bolden completed 20 passes on 37 attempts and finished with 212 yards and one interception. Stanzi was 16-22 for 227 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

DEFENSE
Penn State defense picked off a Stanzi pass in the first half, but the offense could not take advantage. While the Iowa defense failed to generate any turnovers, they confused freshman quarterback Bolden and did not allow the running game to get anything going,either. Bolden’s pick-six late in the contest put away the game for good for Iowa.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Neither kicker missed an opportunity.

GAME BALL
Ricky Stanzi did not play a great game, but he found a way to beat Penn State once again. He threw for one touchdown and rushed for another.

NEXT UP
The Nittany Lions put their undefeated home record on the line against Big 10 rival Illinois. The Fighting Illini head to Happy Valley for a noon kickoff hoping to continue on the momentum they bring from playing the nation’s second-ranked team, Ohio State, tough in a 24-13 loss.