Penn State 'left no doubt' about its spot in the Big Ten race after shutout of Iowa

Penn State hopes to compete with Ohio State and Michigan for a Big Ten title this season and has looked the part early in conference play. That was again the case on Saturday as the Nittany Lions turned in a 31-0 shutout win against No. 24 Iowa.

The Hawkeyes managed just 76 yards of offense and four first downs for the entire game. Not only that, but Penn State forced four fumbles and recorded three sacks as it had possession of the ball for 45:27. It was about as dominant a performance as you could ask for, and against a top 25 opponent no less.

On3‘s JD PicKell joined Andy Staples on his podcast Sunday, where he described what kind of message that sends to the rest of the Big Ten.

“It was convincing,” he said. “It was kind of how you would hope Penn State would look in that spot. Iowa’s dinged up. So it kind of felt like if you’re going to be that team that does eventually take over the Big Ten from Ohio State and Michigan, this is the spot where you have to pedal to the metal a little bit.

“It continues to trend in the way where Drew Allar has been plug-and-play and lived up to expectations as lofty as they are. White Out conditions at Penn State last night for them to get that win over Iowa. Remember the Titans special; they left no doubt.”

In addition to the strong defensive showing, the Nittany Lions finished with 397 yards and converted all four of their fourth down attempts. Allar continued to impress in his first season as starting quarterback to go 25-of-37 passing for 166 yards and four touchdowns. Penn State also had 215 yards rushing with an average of 3.8 yards per carry.

A former four-star recruit, Allar received plenty of hype coming into this season and so far has added a new element to the offense. He is tied for the conference lead with eight touchdowns and is the only quarterback in the Big Ten who has yet to throw an interception.

Penn State’s only two losses last season came against Ohio State and Michigan, so it still must prove itself in those two games to truly stake its claim in the Big Ten. If it continues to play the way it did Saturday, though it should have a chance.

The Nittany Lions next face Northwestern at noon ET on Saturday. They’ll then have a matchup against Massachusetts in Week 6 before hitting the road to take on the Buckeyes in Columbus the following week.