It's Penn State-Iowa week: Spread, TV info, storylines, more

It's Penn State-Iowa week, and what a doozy we have on deck for Saturday afternoon in Iowa City.

The Nittany Lions and Hawkeyes are, perhaps surprisingly, both top five programs as we enter the sixth week of the college football season, and that means a fantastic showdown is in store at a packed Kinnick Stadium.

"There was a lot of things we've got to correct from this game, and we got a tremendous challenge on the road," Penn State coach James Franklin said after the Indiana win.

"There's not a whole lot I look forward to going to Iowa City. I am looking forward to the hospital, and waving to those children, but that's the only thing I'm looking forward to, but it will be a tremendous challenge."

Here's everything you need to know to get ready for the week.

Unlike many trips to this Big Ten West foe, kickoff is not in primetime.

The game will start at 4 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. local time and air on FOX. The Penn State Radio Network will also have the call, of course, with Steve Jones and Jack Ham.

Iowa is anywhere from a 2.5-point to a pick’em in this matchup.

Tuesday will feature player interviews and a lengthy news conference with Franklin. On Wednesday, there will be more player calls in addition to a chance to watch practice plus another opportunity to interview Franklin and a player.

Thursday brings the Penn State Coaches Show, which Franklin typically appears on for the last half hour, and that will be it for the week until Saturday after the game.

Iowa just thumped Maryland on Friday night to improve to 5-0. The Hawkeyes beat Indiana 34-6 to start the year and also have victories over Iowa State, Kent State, and Colorado State. They have yet to win by less than 10 points.

The Hawkeyes have the nation's best turnover differential at an incredible +12 on the season. Their average score this year has been 33-11.

Tyler Goodson is the bell cow back who's carried 99 times for 430 yards and five scores. Under center, quarterback Spencer Petras directs the offense. He has 943 passing yards and a 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and has completed 62 percent of his passing attempts. Sam LaPorta is the leading receiver with 22 grabs for 263 yards and two scores, but this attack spreads the ball around, as four players have at least 10 catches and six have at least seven.

Defensively, linebacker Jack Campbell is the leading tackler with 43, while corner Riley Moss has three interceptions, and nickelback Dane Belton and corner Matt Hankins each have two. Defensive tackle Lukas Van Ness leads the way with 3.5 sacks.

Finally, on special teams, Caleb Shudak has made eight of nine field goals.

--Penn State leads the all-time series, 17-13.

--It might be a surprise, but the Nittany Lions have won 10 of 15 contests played between the two at Kinnick Stadium.

--Here's a good note on the Hawkeyes from their media relations team: "Iowa has won its last 11 games. The Hawkeyes have outscored their last 11 opponents, 380-141, averaging 34.5 points per game offensively and allowing 12.8 ppg during the winning streak. Iowa has won 11 straight for the first time since opening the 2015 season with 12 straight wins. Iowa reached the Big Ten Championship game and accepted an invitation to the 2016 Rose Bowl game."

Here's what Weather.com has to say:

"Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 84F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph."

--Can Iowa continue to have such great turnover luck? It's almost impossible to sustain that kind of advantage for an entire season.

--The Penn State offense will need to self-scout itself in detail and figure out why short-yardage situations are so tough for them to convert. What will they find throughout the week?

--Will the Nittany Lions be able to handle the Kinnick Stadium environment?

--Can Iowa's offense pose a challenge for Penn State's nationally-respected defense? It's doubtful, but will be discussed this week.

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