Iowa vs. Penn State: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The 3-1 Iowa Hawkeyes have a big matchup this week against the 4-1 Penn State Nittany Lions that will essentially determine their fate within the Big Ten.

Once we get into the conference season anything can happen, and every game means everything. If you lose you've essentially taken yourself out of the conference race, and a win takes you one step closer to the conference championship.

Iowa has been rocking the Big Ten in the past few years, but with a new quarterback under center and a conference that is growing more powerful by the game, this matchup at Penn State is huge for them.

Penn State bit the bullet at home against the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide earlier in the season, but there is no doubt that they are a very dangerous team on both sides of the ball.

This is going to be your typical hard-nosed Big Ten matchup, and for those who love smash-mouth football, this game is going to be for you.

Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

When: Saturday Oct. 8. 3:30 p.m ET

Watch: ABC, ESPN, ESPN3

Spread (Bodog.com): Penn State -4

Penn State is going to have the edge at home and I think their offense will allow them to cover the spread.

Over/Under (ESPN.com): 46

Both of these offenses can sling it around, but anytime two Big Ten teams get together I usually don't feel comfortable going over and predicting a lot of points scored.

Key Injuries

Iowa: Offensive lineman Nolan MacMilan questionable (hernia).

Penn State: Tackle Chima Okoli probable (ankle), cornerback Stephon Morris probable (ankle), wide receiver Bill Belton questionable (leg), wide receiver Curtis Drake questionable (leg), running back Brandon Beachum (ankle), cornerback D'Anton Lynn doubtful (neck).

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

This game may not have many BCS or Top 25 implications, but it sure does mean a ton in the Big Ten race, which his highly competitive.

Keys to Iowa Win

Quarterback James Vandenberg needs to put the team on his back to pull off a huge road win for the Hawkeyes. He's thrown for 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns so far. It's going to be a physical game, so Vandenberg is going to have to change the pace and be able to air it out.

Keys to Penn State Win

The Nittany Lions are going to have to play physical against the Hawkeyes, which means running back Silas Redd is going to have to have another good game. If he can get going early and keep the running game productive, Penn State should be able to control the game.

Prediction

Iowa is not a bad team by any stretch of the imagination, but the better team has home-field advantage in this game. Penn State will get a big win at home.

Penn State 24, Iowa 17