Iowa Vs. Penn State Officially A Battle Of Top 5 Teams
For older Iowa football fans, a simple mention of the year 1985 will usually stir up a common response. That was the year of one of the biggest, most important games in Hawkeye football history. That was the year that #1 ranked Iowa hosted #2 ranked Michigan at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa couldn't find the endzone that day, but kicker Rob Houghtlin hit a 29-yard field goal as time expired to give Hayden Fry's Iowa team a huge win. There hasn't been a match-up of top five teams in Iowa City since. Until this weekend.
After putting up 51 points on undefeated Maryland on Friday night, the Iowa Hawkeyes moved up to #3 in the Associated Press College Football poll. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that it is Iowa's highest ranking since 2015. Iowa rose two spots thanks to their win at Maryland, and Oregon losing to Stanford. The Hawkeyes actually jumped over #4 Penn State who easily handled Indiana 24-0.
The Gazette reports that Iowa hasn't played a top-five team while being ranked in the top five since the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan State. Penn State hasn't been in such a game since 1999. There are currently five Big Ten teams ranked in the latest AP poll. Ohio State is #7, Michigan is #9, and Michigan State is #11. Iowa State did not receive any votes for the first time all season.
Despite the high-profile matchup, the Iowa vs. Penn State game will not be a night game at Kinnick. The kick-off is set for 3 p.m. and will be televised on FOX. That network's 'Big Noon Kickoff' show will also broadcast live from Iowa City on Saturday prior to the big game. LET'S GO HAWKS!