Neither Iowa (Legends) nor Penn State (Leaders) was favored to win its respective division. But the Legends looks wide open with Nebraska looking mortal last week in its loss. And the Hawkeyes (3-1) get the two 1-0 clubs in that division, Michigan State and Michigan, at home this year. So really other than this game, Iowa shouldn’t be an underdog again until closing the season at Nebraska.

The Hawkeyes should have an advantage here because they were on a bye last week. Last time out, on Sept. 24, they thumped Louisiana-Monroe 45-17 behind 270 yards passing and three TDs from QB James Vandenberg. With Vandenberg at the controls, the Hawkeyes are averaging 422 yards and 38 points.

Penn State (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) opened conference play last week with a not-very-impressive 16-10 win over a bad Indiana team. With Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden still rotating at quarterback, offense has been an issue this season for Coach Joe Paterno. McGloin 10-for-22, 204 yards, 1 TD) was much better than Bolden (6-for-17, 1 INT) against the Hoosiers. The Nittany Lions ran a season-high 86 plays, gained 464 total yards and held the ball for nearly 37 ½ minutes. But they also had two turnovers in the red zone. Bolden has been starting so far.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has had Paterno’s number. In his last nine meetings against Paterno, Ferentz is 8-1. Iowa has won the last three games against Penn State, including the last-second 24-23 victory that dropped the Nittany Lions from the unbeaten ranks in 2008. Iowa dominated 24-3 at home last year.

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