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How Penn State Moves On: Terry Smith Checklist, Iowa Preview

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby: Thomas Frank Carr10/15/25ThomasFrankCarr

The Penn State football team opens practice on Wednesday night for the first time since firing former head coach James Franklin. Today on the BWI Live Show, we’ll discuss how the team moves on ahead of a game on Saturday on the road against Iowa. We’ll discuss what interim head coach Terry Smith has on his checklist for Week One of his time on the job. We’ll also preview the game against the Hawkeyes and take your questions.

Join the BWI Live Show today at 10 a.m. on YouTube to discuss the team’s new identity and what you think Penn State needs to do to right the ship. Catch the show every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 a.m. or on demand wherever you get your podcasts.

Penn State coaching search and regrouping effort

Today, we’ll start with an update on the coaching search and the replacement for Franklin. What’s the latest fans need to know about the process? We’ll discuss.

Next, we’ll focus on the team. What does Smith need to do this week to refocus his team and get a talented but flawed Penn State unit back on track? We’ll look at some of the points that Smith outlined in his opening press conference and give our own thoughts as well.

Iowa preview

Next, we’ll discuss the upcoming matchup between Penn State and Iowa on the road this weekend. What is the team up against? We’ll discuss what we’ve learned about the Hawkeyes, how the two teams match up, and where the Nittany Lions can attack to have a shot at winning on the road at night.

We’ll also discuss how the team should plan on playing with redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer under center. How will the offense change? What does Grunkemeyer bring to the table that is different than Allar? We’ll discuss the new starter for the Nittany Lions on today’s show.  

Want more conversation about the state of the Nittany Lions? There’s never been a better time to join Blue White Illustrated than right now. Join for just one dollar to get a week’s access to the site for coaching search news, game previews, and insider intel. Then you choose to join for the rest of the year. We’ll be providing fans with updates throughout the process so they stay informed about the future of the Penn State Football team.

Click the link here to sign up.