- Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions vs Iowa Hawkeyes
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Broadcast: Peacock
- Betting Line: Hawkeyes favored by 3.5 points
- Total Points: 38.5
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The thrilling showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2) and the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3) will take place at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The Hawkeyes are currently the favorites, holding a 3.5-point edge, with an over/under set at 38.5 points.
Penn State enters this match with a season record of 3-3. In their previous game, the Nittany Lions suffered a narrow defeat against the Northwestern Wildcats, finishing 22-21. They managed 51 offensive plays, yielding 274 total yards. The rushing game contributed significantly, totaling 137 yards on 31 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. On defense, Penn State allowed 119 rushing yards on 42 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per rush. In the air, they conceded 17 completions on 26 attempts for 163 yards, translating to a completion rate of 65.4%.
When it comes to scoring, the Penn State Nittany Lions average 35.7 points per game. The offense ranks 52nd in Division 1, producing an average of 169 rushing yards each game. They have totaled 2,219 yards this season, with 9 touchdowns through the air and 15 on the ground. The team has recorded 122 first downs and has faced 25 penalties totaling 204 yards, while losing possession 5 times this season.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions are positioned 27th in Division 1, conceding 18.5 points per game. They allow 3.6 yards per rush and 144.3 rushing yards per game, accumulating 866 rushing yards allowed over the season. In terms of passing defense, they’ve given up 947 yards, sitting 16th in Division 1, with 157.8 yards per game and a completion percentage of 61.8%. Overall, Penn State is allowing an average of 302.2 yards per contest, ranking 22nd in Division 1, yielding 8 touchdowns through the air and 5 on the ground.
The Iowa Hawkeyes come into this game with a record of 4-2. In their last outing, Iowa dominated the Wisconsin Badgers, winning impressively 37-0. The rushing attack averaged 5.8 yards per carry, compiling 210 yards on 36 attempts. Overall, the Hawkeyes generated 319 yards of offense, executing 61 plays at an average of 5.2 yards per play. On the defensive end, Iowa’s pass coverage allowed a completion rate of 38.1%, giving up 82 yards on 8 of 21 attempts. They also faced 36 rushing attempts, allowing 127 yards for an average of 3.5 yards per carry.
For the season, Iowa is averaging 326.0 yards per game, placing them 114th in college football. The Hawkeye offense has incurred 128 penalty yards from 13 infractions, ranking 136th nationally in terms of penalties. They average 184.0 rushing yards per game and have accumulated 1,104 rushing yards throughout the season. Additionally, they’ve thrown 4 interceptions and surrendered 1 fumble, while managing to achieve 115 first downs. Offensive performance sees them ranked 53rd in college football, scoring an average of 30.7 points per game, while their passing game has netted a total of 852 yards, averaging 142.0 yards per game, which is 130th in Division 1.
Iowa’s defense has allowed a total of 474 rushing yards (79.0 yards per game) along with 5 rushing touchdowns so far. Through the air, they have permitted 4 touchdown passes and an average of 167.7 passing yards per game, ranking 22nd nationally. They have conceded 78 total points throughout the season, with 2 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions. Iowa’s defense has participated in 342 plays, ranking 12th in Division 1, and is allowing just 13.0 points per game, making them 8th in the nation.
Who will emerge victorious in this exciting Nittany Lions vs Hawkeyes matchup?
Expert Prediction: Bet on the Nittany Lions +3.5
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