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Penn State will need to be physical against Iowa

Five things to look for as Penn State tries to run its winning streak to five against an Iowa team that could serve as a major challenge to the hopes of a 10-2 season.

No. 1: Tough it out

The one thing you can always count on from Iowa is an extremely physical game, with the Hawkeyes trying to impose their will over the course of four quarters. They’re going to punch you in the mouth, keep punching you in the mouth and see if they can wear you down.

Penn State has more talent than Iowa, but a lot of it is young talent that can be more susceptible to getting frustrated against this kind of tough, plodding opponent.

The Hawkeyes are always built around their offensive and defensive lines and probably will have an advantage in both areas tonight. PSU’s linemen need to remain disciplined and fundamentally sound, because Iowa almost certainly will do so.

No. 2: Big plays

The Lions’ offense has done an outstanding job picking up big chunks of yardage and scoring quickly, and that’s just the sort of thing that can frustrate a plodding team that relies on the wear-down philosophy as Iowa does.

The Hawkeyes have a very good running game and will try to keep their offense on the field for long stretches. They do not have much quick-strike ability.

Penn State needs to keep taking its usual shots down the field, and if it hits a few that lead to quick scores, Iowa probably won’t be able to keep up.

Trace McSorley has done a very nice job in PSU’s deep passing game. He’s a smaller quarterback, and while he might not deliver bullets down the field, he’s shown good accuracy giving receivers a chance to make plays.

No. 3: Third down

This has been a glaring problem for PSU, which is dead last in the nation converting just 25.3 percent of its third-down chances (24-of-95).

The Lions have won four games in a row, so their third-down issues haven’t been overly costly just yet. But the law of averages will catch up with them if they don’t improve, and this is the kind of game where they will have to be better.

Since we’re looking at statistics, one reason why the third-down problem hasn’t been more significant for PSU is that it seldom finds itself in that spot. The Lions have faced the sixth-fewest third downs in the country at 95, and the only teams better have been: LSU (81), Washington (86), Iowa (89), Navy (90) and Georgia Tech (94).

The Lions obviously have been solid on first and second down, but that will be tougher today against a quality Iowa defense that has the ability to keep Saquon Barkley in check on the ground.

No. 4: Tackle better

Iowa has two running backs with more than 600 yards rushing, and it will remain committed to the run behind its solid O-line. The Lions have had their issues wrapping up, and they’ll have to be better at that today, especially as the game progresses and the defenders face the potential of wearing down.

Defensive line coach Sean Spencer does an excellent job of rotating his players in and out to keep them fresh, and that will be important against the run-heavy Hawkeyes.

No. 5: Players to watch

PSU: McSorley’s accuracy needs to improve as he’s completed just 46 percent over the past four games. The defense and special teams have put the Lions’ offense in a lot of good spots during the winning streak, but this very well could be the kind of game where the offense has to do it all with long, sustained drives. That puts more pressure on McSorley’s arm.

Iowa: LeShun Daniels Jr. is the starting tailback and has 624 yards and six TDs, but backup Akrum Wadley is actually the bigger threat as he has 636 yards, averages 7.1 and has scored eight TDs.

Prediction: Penn State 27, Iowa 20

Follow @CoryGiger on Twitter throughout for live updates and analysis throughout tonight’s game.

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