It's Penn State-Iowa week: Time, TV channel, early storylines, point spread, more

Penn State continues the 2023 season this week with both its second Big Ten Conference game of the year. The No. 7 Nittany Lions return home this week for a matchup with Iowa. Head coach James Franklin’s team is coming off something of a ho-hum 30-13 win over Illinois.

“You’re going to go on the road, 11 a.m., Big Ten environment, and find a way to grind it out,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “And that’s what the first half was. Never lost the lead. Never lost control of the game. We didn’t take control, but we never lost control of the game. And just kind of kept chipping away at it. So I was proud. That’s kind of how the season is gonna go. You’re gonna have some big wins, you’re gonna have some challenging wins. You’re gonna have to find ways to win on the road.

“You have to find ways to win at home. Continue to build momentum. And then make a ton of corrections between now and next week. To me there’s a ton to learn off of with this film, but it’s a good win on the road in the Big Ten.”

Get ready for the Hawkeyes with our early look at the game below.

Time and TV info

CBS will come to State College to televise this contest for the first time since it joined the Big Ten as a media rights holder this offseason. The network’s top broadcast team of Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, and Jen Dell will be on the call for the ‘White Out’ spectacle at Beaver Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

What is the Penn State-Iowa point spread?

DraftKings opened a look ahead line that made Penn State a 13.5-point favorite. When betting outlets across the country reopened the line on Sunday, the Lions were listed as a 14.5-point favorite.

Game week schedule for the Lions

The schedule will be similar to what it has been in years past. There will be no media availability on Monday. On Tuesday, head coach James Franklin will hold his first news conference of the week around lunchtime. He will also speak after Wednesday’s practice and during the second half hour of the Penn State Coaches Show on Thursday, which runs from 6-7 p.m. ET. Select players will be made available to reporters on ZOOM or after practice in person Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. And, an assistant coach will chat with the media Thursday morning.

Outside of a potential spot on a pregame show, that will be it for the week until Franklin’s postgame news conference, with players following him.

What’s up with Iowa?

Iowa is 3-0 to start the 2023 season. The Hawkeyes have beat Utah State, Iowa State, and just on Saturday, Western Michigan 41-10. But, the team is dealing with some injuries. Star tight end Luke Lachey was hurt early in the game and seen in a walking boot during the second half. He is unlikely to play. And, it’s unclear if starting running back Kaleb Johnson will return after missing this past week’s win due to injury.

A pair of former Michigan players, quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Erick All, headline the offense.

Weather report

The early forecast from Weather.com did initially call for sunny conditions for tailgating with the high in the mid 70s. Now, however, numerous forecasts suggest rain will be in the forecast on Saturday throughout the day.

Early Penn State-Iowa storylines

–Will Harrison “Tre” Wallace III be back this week after missing the Illinois game? This offense is certainly different when he’s in it compared to when he is not.

–How will Iowa overcome the loss of Luke Lachey? He is a star and an enormous part of the Hawkeyes offense who is now out for the year.

–Can Penn State get its ground game going more efficiently and consistently? Both starting backs did score on Saturday, but the Lions were unable to run the ball when they wanted to unlike the first two weeks. That needs to change this week.

–Are we going to hear anything about Kirk Ferentz’s comments in 2021 about fans thinking the Lions were faking injuries at Kinnick Stadium? It’s a safe bet.