Penn State fell to 3-4 -- and 0-4 in the Big Ten -- after blowing a late lead against Iowa in interim coach Terry Smith's first game since replacing James Franklin.

Even after a change at the top, it was the same result for Penn State. Playing their first game since James Franklin’s firing, the Nittany Lions looked inspired for three quarters under interim coach Terry Smith.

With Saturday's loss to Iowa, Penn State fell under .500 for the first time since 2021, the same year it last lost four straight games.

Terry Smith has been named Penn State's interim football coach in the wake of James Franklin's firing. Here's what to know about the Nittany Lions' new leader. Now in his 12th year at Penn State, Smith entered this season for his fifth year as associate head coach of the Nittany Lions.

Penn State starting left guard Vega Ioane was listed as out for the Iowa game Saturday as the Nittany Lions lost, 25-24. The reason was undisclosed. Texas A&M transfer TJ Shanahan Jr. started in his place and handled all 76 snaps, according to PFF.

Smith, who has served as the team's defensive recruiting coordinator since 2014, said he personally recruited three-fourths of the current roster. Now his job is keeping players from leaving.

Penn State shocked the college football world this week when it parted ways with long-time head coach James Franklin, who had been with the program since 2014. Franklin led the Nittany Lions to a 104-45 (64-36) record over 12 seasons,