Penn State vs. Iowa: Fixing the run game (and stopping it) on the road

The Nittany Lions should learn a good bit about themselves from their first road trip.

They will play under the lights at raucous Kinnick Stadium, one of the tougher venues in the Big Ten.

They will play an undefeated opponent with a history of solid line play and game-changing special teams. A team motivated by being rocked in Beaver Stadium last fall.

More to the point: Is this the same high-flying Penn State offense that adjusted to whatever opponents threw at them last year?

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For now, the biggest questions surround the offensive line and the linebackers.

That leads into the most important bullet-point items for the Lions' crucial Big Ten opener against the team that always used to break their hearts ...

Key matchup

Linebackers vs. Iowa tailbacks/tight ends: Penn State boasts one of the top four-deep linebacker groups in the Big Ten. However, they haven't made impact plays through three games, including senior leader Jason Cabinda.

The main priority is locking down Iowa star tailback Akrum Wadley, also a serious receiving threat. But Iowa's tailback situation is a bit dicey. Wadley will play after tweaking his ankle last week. His backup, James Butler, is definitely out with an elbow injury. Behind them are promising true freshmen Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin, who combined for 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in the comeback over North Texas.

Then there's Iowa 6-foot-5 tight end Noah Fant. He's a beast in the red zone and already has three touchdown grabs. The Lions may call on help here from safety Marcus Allen, who plays more like a linebacker, and former safety Koa Farmer.

Key player

Penn State: Trace McSorley. The Lions' offense, despite piling up points, has looked awkward at times. Certainly, Iowa will test it and probably even dent it. While the Lions' offensive line is still finding itself, McSorley's decision-making will be crucial. He played free and loose against Georgia State, bringing back memories of last season. He will have receivers open. Will he have the time and touch to find them?

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Iowa: Akrum Wadley.  He makes the Hawkeyes' offense hum. One of the top rushers in the Big Ten also is his team's second-leading receiver (six catches, 152 yards, 51 ypg). He's an experienced big-play threat and also a safety blanket of sorts for first-year quarterback Nate Stanley. The Lions bottled him up on the ground last season and would be wise to do the same, especially early. If he struggles with that ankle, the running game will be in the hands of rookies. 

SATURDAY'S KICKOFF

What: No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0) at Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Kinnick Stadium (70,585)

TV: WHTM Channel 27

Radio: WSBA-910 AM, WGLD-1440

The Line: Penn State by 12.5 

THE SERIES

Penn State leads, 14-12

(Last four meetings)

2016: Penn State, 41-14

2012: Penn State, 38-14

2011: Penn State, 13-3

2010: Iowa, 24-3

2017 STAT COMPARISON

PSU                                                         Iowa

47                   Points per game                  33

282                 Pass yards per game          218.3

187                 Rush yards per game          180

469                 Total yards per game           398.3

147.7              Pass yards allowed              238

126                 Rush yards allowed              97

273.7              Total yards allowed               335

4.7                    Points allowed                    19.3 

0.7                 Turnovers per game                2.0

3.0                 Turnovers forced per game     2.0

35                  Penalty yards per game          57.3