Smith, Penn State’s interim head coach, took over for James Franklin, who was fired Sunday after the Nittany Lions lost three straight games. He has just four practices to prepare Penn State for a trip to face the Hawkeyes at a sold-out Kinnick Stadium.

C: Penn State nearly won on the road in Terry Smith’s first game as interim coach and Grunkemeyer’s first start. Andy Kotelnicki’s call on fourth-and-1 from the Lions’ 40 late in the third quarter was odd and was stopped. And it’s inexplicable that Jim Knowles’ defense allowed two big QB runs, which set up touchdowns.

The Nittany Lions had a road win in their possession before the Hawkeyes were able to snatch it away late. Now, a bye week awaits as they prepare for No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 1

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.

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.

While he was a four-star quarterback coming out of high school, the Iowa Hawkeyes don't have much film on their upcoming opponent. Penn State quarterback Ethan