The Nittany Lions played some spirited football under interim head coach Terry Smith, but was it enough to earn a passing grade?

Hawkeyes spoil the first game for interim coach Terry Smith and the first start for quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer

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

Hawkeyes spoil the first game for interim coach Terry Smith and the first start for quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer

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.