To say that a team had no answer for an opponent in a matchup would often imply that the game featured some form of back-and-forth on both sides of the ball. But in Penn State’s dominant 31-0 victory over Iowa on Saturday, the Hawkeyes’ final stats were so insane that it was almost hard to believe.
While Iowa pulling off the upset would have certainly been a bit of a surprise, nothing like what played out on the field could be considered “normal” in the college football world. Here’s a brief breakdown of some stats that were tough to try to compare.
- Iowa had the same number of turnovers as first downs (four)
- Penn State scored just two more points than Iowa had offensive plays (31 to 33)
- Penn State had more rushing attempts (57) than Iowa had passing yards (56)
- Iowa’s total rushing yards (20) were nearly matched on one rush by Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (19 yard long)
- Iowa had six total fumbles (four lost)
- Penn State QB Drew Allar nearly had as many passing attempts (37) as Iowa QB Cade McNamara had passing yards
- Iowa posted a total of 20 rushing yards on 17 attempts (0.8 yards per attempt)
As you can guess, fans all across the college football world weren’t thrilled after sitting through the brutal offensive performance by Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s group.
Brian Ferentz trying to get into the Iowa football facilities tomorrow @BarstoolUIowa pic.twitter.com/gvLMlJ7qIb
— Barstool ‘Skers (@BarstoolHusker) September 24, 2023
25 points per game is just way too ambitious for Brian Ferentz. An achievable target is 25 plays. https://t.co/53VdMT1OcL
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 24, 2023
Brian Ferentz has his sights set on the future #Steelers offensive coordinator opening.
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) September 24, 2023
Kirk Ferentz was right in this regard last October after gaining 158 yards and scoring 10 points against Ohio State.
— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) September 24, 2023
It could be a helluva lot worse.
You could gain 76 yards at Penn State and get shutout.
All the best,
That Guy pic.twitter.com/65lvt68AdD
The Iowa we know and love is BACK pic.twitter.com/kbSB88xHTD
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) September 24, 2023
Total plays on Saturday night: Penn State 97, Iowa 33.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 24, 2023
Over the past 5 seasons, no other FBS team has been out-snapped by 60+ plays, according to @TruMediaSports.
there is not light at the end of this tunnel. Kirk Ferentz cares way too much about his son’s ego and generational wealth to admit he’s wrong and his stupid fat meathead son sucks at his job. this is going to end with Kirk burning it down, and you’re watching it.
— Dr. Hawkize, M.D. (@stillnothawkize) September 24, 2023
