Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – In an impressive display of dominance, No. 7/7 Penn State Football, 4-0, 2-0,  registered a resounding 31-0 victory over the No. 24/22 Iowa Hawkeyes, 3-1, 0-1,  on Saturday evening. The game played out in front of the second-largest crowd ever at Beaver Stadium, setting the stage for a remarkable defensive performance by the Nittany Lions.

Penn State’s stalwart defense stole the show, holding their opponents scoreless and delivering their first shutout against an AP Top 25 team since their historic win over No. 18 Texas A&M in the 1999 Alamo Bowl. The Blue & White put up an impenetrable wall, allowing a mere 76 total yards of offense from Iowa. Their dominance extended to all facets of the game, limiting the Hawkeyes to just 50 passing yards and a mere 26 rushing yards.

Leading the defensive charge were linebackers Abdul Carter and Curtis Jacobs, each recording three tackles during the game. Their standout performances were supported by linebacker Dominic DeLuca and defensive ends Chop Robinson, Amin Vanover, and Dani Dennis-Sutton, who contributed with forced fumbles throughout the contest. A notable highlight came from Jacobs, making him the first Nittany Lion since Mark D’Onofrio in 1991 to recover a pair of fumbles in a single game.

The dominance displayed by Penn State Football was not limited to the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions also had an exceptional performance on offense, outgaining the Iowa Hawkeyes by a staggering 397-76 yardage tally. The offensive showcase was complemented by a commanding 97-33 differential in total plays, illustrating Penn State’s ability to control the tempo of the game.

A key factor in Penn State’s victory was their ability to keep Iowa’s offense at bay and limit their opportunities. The Nittany Lions won the time of possession battle by maintaining control of the ball for over 30 minutes. This strategic approach effectively kept the Hawkeyes’ offense off the field and prevented them from establishing any momentum.

Furthermore, Penn State displayed efficiency in crucial situations throughout the game. They converted 9 out of 20 third down attempts, while Iowa struggled, managing to convert only 1 out of 9. This stark contrast in third-down conversions further highlighted Penn State’s impressive execution and ability to sustain drives.

Not only did Penn State control the game on both sides of the ball, but they also excelled in the red zone. The Nittany Lions capitalized on all four of their red zone opportunities, showcasing their ability to convert promising opportunities into points. Conversely, the Penn State defense held the Iowa offense without a single red zone chance, effectively shutting down any potential scoring opportunities for the Hawkeyes.

The atmosphere at Beaver Stadium for the recent game was absolutely electric, as a sellout crowd of 110,830 passionate fans filled the stands. This attendance figure marked the second-largest in the history of Beaver Stadium, second only to a highly anticipated game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2018, where a staggering 110,889 fans gathered to cheer on the Nittany Lions. The immense support from the loyal fan base undoubtedly contributed to the game’s excitement and created an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.

It was a slow start to the game, with both Penn State and Iowa struggling to gain momentum on their first offensive possessions. However, it was the White Out crowd that made an impact early on, causing an intimidating atmosphere that resulted in a false start penalty for Iowa. The Nittany Lions’ defense capitalized on the momentum and made a big play shortly after. On Iowa’s second drive, Dennis-Sutton forced a fumble that was recovered by Jacobs, giving Penn State possession at their own 18-yard line.

With the turnover, the Nittany Lion offense had a golden opportunity to take the lead. After a methodical 17-play drive that covered 53 yards and took 7 minutes and 28 seconds off the clock, the offense settled for a 46-yard field goal by Alex Felkins. The successful kick gave Penn State a 3-0 advantage with just 1 minute and 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Although it was only a field goal, the score provided the Nittany Lions with a boost of confidence and put them ahead early in the game. Both the defense and the offense showed signs of solidity, setting the stage for what seemed to be an intriguing and tightly contested matchup between Penn State and Iowa.

The Nittany Lions continued their offensive momentum on their next drive. Although Iowa forced a punt, a fortunate bounce off an Iowa player allowed Penn State to regain possession deep in Hawkeye territory. With another opportunity to score, quarterback Allar led the Nittany Lion offense down the field. Allar showcased his skills and connected with Dinkins for a 9-yard touchdown pass, extending Penn State’s lead to 10-0 with 9 minutes and 17 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Penn State’s defense maintained their dominance throughout the rest of the first half, preventing Iowa from getting on the scoreboard. The Nittany Lions collected two turnovers and stifled the Hawkeyes to just 63 total yards in the half. Heading into the locker room, Penn State held a confident 10-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions kept their foot on the gas pedal as they started the second half. The offense looked unstoppable as Allar led a 15-play, 75-yard scoring drive to increase their lead to 17-0. It was a methodical drive that consumed 6 minutes and 40 seconds of game time. Allar utilized the entire field and connected with Warren for a two-yard touchdown, capping off the impressive drive and solidifying Penn State’s commanding lead.

Penn State’s offensive juggernaut continued in the second half with another touchdown, this time courtesy of Warren. He hauled in a seven-yard reception, giving him his second touchdown of the game. The Nittany Lions orchestrated an impressive 12-play, 71-yard drive, extending their lead to 24-0 with just 1 minute and 1 second left in the third quarter.

The Penn State defense remained relentless, immediately returning to work after the touchdown. On the very first play of Iowa’s subsequent drive, Robinson broke through the line and sacked quarterback Cade McNamara, causing a fumble. Isaac was quick to react, scooping up the loose ball and securing possession for the Nittany Lions at the Iowa 19-yard line. Allar, displaying his composure and leadership, efficiently maneuvered the offensive unit down the field. He showcased his remarkable skills once again, throwing his fourth touchdown pass of the game. This time, it was a beautifully placed four-yard touch pass to Lambert-Smith in the corner of the end zone. The scoring play occurred at the 12:19 mark of the fourth quarter, and Penn State seized a commanding 31-0 lead. The Nittany Lions needed only eight plays and 3 minutes and 37 seconds to move 19 yards for the score.

The Penn State defense displayed their dominance with one last standout play that solidified their shutout victory. In an impressive display of skill and technique, Vanover managed to disrupt the Iowa offense by sacking their quarterback, Deacon Hill, and forcing a fumble in the process. Fisher, exhibiting great awareness and quick reflexes, swiftly recovered the loose ball for the Nittany Lions. This turnover was the third of the game for the Hawkeyes, emphasizing Penn State’s defensive prowess and ability to generate turnovers. With a mere 3 minutes and 25 seconds remaining on the clock, the Nittany Lions confidently secured their win, leaving no doubt with a final score of 31-0. This play served as the exclamation point on a remarkable defensive performance by Penn State.

This decisive victory strengthens Penn State’s position as a top contender in the college football landscape. With their undefeated record intact, the Nittany Lions continue to build momentum for the remainder of the season, leaving opponents wary of their formidable defense and aspiring to replicate their success.

2023-09-23 PSU Football Game vs. Iowa