Nittany Lions move to 4-0 as defense suffocates Iowa in 31-0 shutout
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(This story was updated at 7:55 a.m. this morning)
UNIVERSITY PARK — It took a while, but Penn State's offense eventually kicked it into gear Saturday night.
The Nittany Lions' fourth victory was never in jeopardy because the defense dominated from the outset and cruised to a 31-0 win over the Hawkeyes before a White Out crowd of 110,830 — the second-largest ever at Beaver Stadium.
Through three quarters, Iowa managed a mere 54 yards and two first downs. That's not a misprint. The Hawks finished with 76 total yards and just four first downs, two of those coming on the Hawks’ final possession.
Iowa's 10 possessions ended with seven punts and three lost fumbles. The Hawks fumbled six times on the game, losing four.
Because of past concerns, Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of veteran Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz, has a special clause in his contract mandating that the Hawks average 25 points per game this season.
That deal took a hit here in Happy Valley as Iowa’s offense could stay on the field to run just 33 plays.
The Lions harassed Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara all night.
Linebacker Curtis Jacobs recovered two of the fumbles (one on special teams) and thus became the first PSU player to do so since Mark D'Onofrio against Temple in 1991.
Offensively, Penn State wore down the Hawks by keeping a wide advantage in time of possession — 45:27 to 14:33.
Drew Allar completed 25-of-37 for 166 yards and four touchdowns — two to Tyler Warren and one to Khalil Dinkins and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Allar was not intercepted or sacked.
His 9-yarder to Dinkins gave the Lions a 10-0 lead in the second quarter and was followed by a pair of short strikes to Warren.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith led the receiving corps with eight catches for 66 yards and a late TD and Theo Johnson — another tight end — caught six for 42 yards and was more involved early.
Kaytron Allen carried 21 times for 72 yards and Nick Singleton added 49 on 17 tries.
Through four games, PSU has yet to commit a turnover this season.
The No. 7 Lions are back on the road next Saturday, visiting Northwestern for a noon kickoff (Big Ten Network).
Iowa (3-1) hosts Michigan State (7:30 p.m., NBC).
For a complete recap of the game, check out Penn State Extra in Monday's print edition.