Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0) at Penn State No. 5 Nittany Lions (3-0)

Opening Line: Penn State -10

Time: 8 PM ET Saturday September 26, 2009 on ABC

by Marasoft.com Staff

In an early season Big 10 game the Nittany Lions of Penn State host the Iowa Hawkeyes this Saturday night. Both teams are 3-0 and the winner of this game has the inside track of winning the Big 10. This is Iowa's first big test of the season and what a tough season they have, as they play at Wisconsin and Michigan State and host Michigan and Ohio State. This is also the first big test for the Nittany Lions, as they have played a weak early season schedule beating Akron, Syracuse, and Temple all at home. The big question in this game will be if the Hawkeyes can score on the ferocious D of the Nittany Lions.

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The Nittany Lions are led by Heisman candidate QB Daryll Clark (760 yds 8 TD 3 INT) and his main targets are Derek Moye (13 rec 204 yds 2 TD) and Graham Zug (12 rec 153 yds 2 TD). The NIttany Lions rushing attack is led by star RB Evan Royster (236 yds 3 TD). The Hawkeyes are led by QB Ricky Stanzi (644 yds 5 TD 3 INT) and his main targets are Trey Stross (11 rec 167 yds) and Marvin McNutt (8 rec 121 yds). The Hawkeyes rushing attack is led by the RB duo of Adam Robinson (233 yds 3 TD) and Brandon Wegher (147 yds 2 TD).

In the 3 wins for the Nittany Lions they have only surrendered 20 points. The Nittany Lions have one of the best LB corps in the nation, but luckily for the Hawkeys Penn State is dealing with injuries at the position. Star LB Sean Lee has a sprained knee and he is questionable for this game and the other starting outside LB Navorro Bowman has missed the last 2 games with a groin inury. If these guys can't go this weekend it will really hurt the Penn State D.

One big key for the Hawkeyes will be if their RB's can move the chains on the ground. If they can pick up yards in the rushing game and control the clock it will give them a great chance to win this game and it will keep the legit offense of the Nittany Lions on the sidelines. The Hawkeyes have played solid D in their last couple of games, but they will have to contain Royster and not allow Clark time to find his targets. Stanzi is a solid QB for Iowa and he does have an arm, but he will have to cut down on his INT's, as if he turns the ball over in this game the Hawkeyes will be in trouble.

This is the Big 10 opener for both teams and the Nittany Lions look to get some revenge against an Iowa team that may have cost them a shot at the National Title last season.

The Marasoft Pick: Iowa plus the 10 points