The Nittany Lions (3-4) left Iowa searching for the cure to their four-game losing streak. Penn State has lost four straight games for the first time since 2020, all by a combined total of 13 points. They had fourth-quarter or overtime possessions to win, take the lead or tie each game.

The Nittany Lions will be led by interim head coach Terry Smith and first-time starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer against the Hawkeyes.

Penn State also used Iowa native Jaxon Smolik at quarterback, sometimes together with Grunkemeyer. Smolik gained 3 yards on four rushes without throwing a pass. He left the game with an upper-body injury after absorbing a hard tackle in the fourth quarter.

Penn State's football team will be without top offensive lineman Vega Ioane for their game against Iowa. The team is also missing its starting quarterback, Drew Allar, due to injury and recently fired head coach James Franklin. Redshirt quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer will make his first college start under interim coach Terry Smith.

This week, a new-look Penn State offense will take the field on the road against the Iowa Hawkeyes. While there are certainly low expectations surrounding Ethan Grunkemeyer, this could be a chance for the young QB to usher in a new era of Penn State football if he plays well.

Penn State at Iowa

Iowa by 8.5. Against the spread: Iowa 3-2-1, Minnesota 2-4. Minnesota ranks 20th in the FBS with a +5 turnover margin. Both teams avoid getting penalized. Iowa leads the FBS averaging 21.1 penalty yards per game,

Our expert breaks down the Penn State vs. Iowa Big Ten battle for Week 8 of the college football season, including their predictions, picks, and best bets.