Well, it’s official now. A new era of Penn State football has been ushered in, whether fans like it or not. Despite these unknowns, the Nittany Lions still have meaningful games to play. Yes, while they won’t be expected to win many of them, there are still important questions that will be answered. There may not be much hope amongst the fanbase, but here are five reasons they should be optimistic on Saturday against the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road.
Terry Smith brings experience and excitement to the interim role
Penn State cornerbacks coach Terry Smith talks with CB Elliot Washington II (16) during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in State College.
Now that James Franklin has departed from the program, many fans have been wondering who could be the next head coach of the team. It could end up being an in-house appointment if Terry Smith has any say in the matter. As a part of Franklin’s squad since his hiring, Smith knows the ins and outs of this team and its progress. As a former Penn State player himself, he knows what the players need in a coach and, having been a cornerbacks and associate head coach, has the experience and knowledge required to help this struggling squad. If Smith is able to get a couple wins he is not expected to achieve, then maybe that interim tag gets erased by the year’s end.
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Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) warms up before a game against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
As Drew Allar’s career comes to a close, Ethan Grunkemeyer’s will be thrust into the spotlight. Penn State fans may not know much about the redshirt freshman, but they will over the next couple of months. Most importantly, Grunkemeyer has the chance himself to prove why he could be the long-term answer for the Blue and White at QB. As a former four-star recruit, the Ohio native had a senior season where he thre for over 3,500 yards and almost 40 touchdowns. Coaches have praised him for his elite arm talent, fluid throwing motion, and pinpoint accuracy. Look for Andy Kotelnicki to utilize his arm as a downfield threat and create more explosive plays. Who knows? Maybe he will be the QB to lead Penn State to its highest heights.
Iowa’s putrid pass game
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) looks for an open player during the second half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday October 11, 2025 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin.
When Iowa went to the transfer portal to acquire Mark Gronowski from South Dakota State, they thought they were getting someone who could add an explosive element to their offense. On the contrary, he has been anything but. This season, he has only two completions of over 40 yards and has averaged only 5.9 yards per pass attempt. For a team that relies on long-developing plays out of play-action, that is simply not good enough. While Penn State’s defense has been roughed up over the past three weeks, I don’t expect Iowa’s offense to worry them that much through the air.
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They also lack a solid run game
Wisconsin Badgers safety Matt Jung (29) tackles Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) during the second half of the game on Saturday October 11, 2025 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin.
This seems like it shouldn’t be true as Iowa are known for its physical play on the ground. This year, however, they have struggled with injuries and despite elite offensive line play, don’t have an elite back to rely upon. Losing a guy like Kaleb Johnson to the NFL can really take a toll. This year, after five games, they have 12 fewer rushes of 20+ yards than this time last year. Furthermore, they have averaged 44.6 yards less on the ground this year compared to last. During their three-game losing streak, Penn State has shown concerns in their run defense, ranking only 129th in stop rate and allowing 21 third-down conversions. That could change against an anemic rushing attack.
More opportunities for run game to thrive
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
This will be a tough test for the Blue and White this weekend, but with Grunkemeyer now at the helm, this offense can spice up the running game a bit more. Not only does this offer the chance for both Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen to get more touches, but for a more mobile QB in Grunkemeyer to execute RPOs. Iowa’s run defense is incredibly sound, only allowing 2.59 yards per carry and 79.0 yards per game. However, their secondary is weak. Therefore, look for Smith and Kotelnicki to preach the battle of the trenches and getting Singleton and Allen to the second level. That way, Grunkemeyer can take advantage both through the air and on the ground himself.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Five reasons for optimism for Penn State against Iowa
