Penn State Nittany Lions Football: Previewing the Iowa Hawkeyes Game

The Penn State Nittany Lions improved to 4-1 with a Week 5 victory over Indiana. A 16-10 victory was not what most expected. However, the Nittany Lions' scoring struggle continues.

Iowa enters Beaver Stadium in Week 6. Penn State has lost to Iowa eight out of the last nine times. Most notably the 2008 upset of No. 3 Penn State. The upset crippled Penn State's national title hopes.

The Hawkeyes have a dangerous passing attack. Quarterback James Vandenberg has 10 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards. Marvin McNutt is a major benefactor of Vandenberg's ability. McNutt has 400 yards so far on the season.

The Iowa vs. Penn State rivalry has become a dreaded matchup for the Nittany Lions. Will this be the year they get over the hump?

It sure won't be easy.

Here is a preview of the anticipated Big Ten clash:

Is Matt McGloin the Answer?

Matt McGloin's production in the last two games should earn him the starting job for Week 6 against the Haweyes.

He may not be the best long term option. He doesn't have much, if any, upside. But in terms of the here and now, McGloin appears to be the best choice for Joe Paterno.

McGloin has 76 passing attempts as opposed to Rob Bolden's 85. However, McGloin has almost 200 more passing yards than Bolden. He also has thrown no interceptions. Bolden has four.

Last season McGloin was labeled a gunslinger by many. He may still be, but at the the time being he appears to be on the right track.

Penn State will need sound decision making, and confidence if they want to beat the Hawkeyes.

McGloin overshadows Bolden in both areas through five games.

Can the Penn State Secondary Shut Down James Vandenberg?

No Ricky Stanzi, no problem for the Hawkeyes so far this season. James Vandenberg has stepped behind center almost flawlessly thus far.

Vandenberg has 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns. One interception on the year points to Vandenberg's accuracy and savvy in the pocket.

The Penn State secondary will most likely be without D'Anton Lynn on Saturday.

Look for Vandenberg to try and stretch the field with Marvin McNutt. If Penn State's secondary cannot matchup with McNutt, it could be a long day.

Vandenberg hasn't made many mistakes. Penn State will want to change that in Week 6.

Does Silas Redd Need More Carries?

Silas Redd is averaging just over 18 carries per game. Redd is Penn State's most talented offensive player. Should that number be higher?

Redd is averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Not a huge number, but better than Penn State's sputtering aerial attack.

He is still relatively inexperienced. He hasn't carried a major workload in his collegiate career. He may not be a 25-30 carry running back.

Penn State must find this out for themselves though. Give Redd the ball until it doesn't work anymore. The passing attack is not working. Lean on Redd and allow Matt McGloin to manage the game.

If given the opportunity Redd's production could explode.

Who Will Ignite the Nittany Lions' Offense?

The Penn State offense needs a spark. The Nittany Lions have the skill players. They just have to find the best way to use all of their weapons, and when to do it.

Devon Smith took a screen pass 76 yards for a touchdown against Eastern Michigan in Week 4.

No, Smith isn't the biggest or strongest player. He shouldn't touch the ball 15 times a game, but Smith deserves more attention. Smith currently has seven catches.

Penn State's offense needs explosive plays. Smith, at the least, is a home run option as soon as he touches the ball.

Will the Nittany Lions' Defense Withstand the Loss of Michael Mauti?

Iowa has a few very dangerous options on offense. Penn State's defense is without their best player Michael Mauti. This could make a huge difference on Saturday.

Mauti was Penn State's leading tackler and all-around defensive standout. The defense held Indiana to 10 points last week, but Iowa is a much larger test.

James Vandenberg can air it out and has targets in Keenan Davis and Marvin McNutt.

The Hawkeyes' ground game is also solid. Marcus Coker has four touchdowns and averages just over four yards per carry.

Penn State still has plenty of talent on their seventh ranked scoring defense. Mauti's loss will be felt but can be overcome with a team effort.

Penn State Wins If...

The dominance of Penn State's defense through five weeks has been impressive.

They will need to continue their dominance, and Penn State's offense will need to come alive for a win on Saturday.

Iowa has dominate Penn State as of late. The Hawkeyes will pull out all the stops in Beaver Stadium.

Penn State must get Silas Redd his touches. Playing through the ground game will eventually present open opportunities for Matt McGloin down the field.

Defensively, Penn State must get pressure on James Vandenberg. He will find open targets if given time to scan the field.

Iowa Wins If...

Iowa finds a way to beat Penn State. Kirk Ferentz will bring a tough bunch to Happy Valley once again in 2011. Expect Iowa to bring their normal intensity.

Offensively, the Hawkeyes have weapons at receiver and a quarterback capable of taking advantage.

Marcus Coker is a grinder in the backfield. Iowa's offensive line must win the battle in the trenches against Penn State' stout front seven.

Penn State's passing attack is questionable at best. Shaun Prater leads a talented Iowa secondary into Happy Valley.

A few Matt McGloin mistakes could turn this game on its head. Prater will take advantage of any errant McGloin decisions.

Key Matchup: Matt McGloin vs. Iowa Secondary

Matt McGloin must not lose the game for Penn State on Saturday. If he isn't careful Iowa's secondary will silence Beaver Stadium.

Shaun Prater leads the group. He is an electric playmaker at cornerback. McGloin has to be very careful if Prater is in the area.

Jordan Bernstine is a ball hawk at safety. He and Prater are both very experienced seniors.

Their leadership and playmaking ability should make Penn State fans nervous.

Penn State must keep things simple for McGloin and be careful who they test in this experienced Hawkeyes' secondary.

Final Score

The Penn State offense will come alive, enough, in Week 6. The Nittany Lions' defense will continue their stingy play for at least one more week.

Matt McGloin will struggle against the Hawkeyes' secondary. However, he will make just enough plays to keep the defense honest.

The Penn State defense will prove itself capable despite the absence of Michael Mauti. Tom Bradley knows what it takes to play team defense against quality offenses.

In the end, Penn State and Iowa will have their usual knock-'em-down, drag-'em-out Big Ten battle.

Penn State holds on by a hair.

Final Score: Penn State 21, Iowa 20