Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1509432
8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 OPENING SHOT FIRE AND RAIN A little precipitation couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of poncho-clad Penn State fans when the Nittany Lions welcomed Iowa to Beaver Stadium on Sept. 23 for this year's White Out game. Fireworks illuminated the night sky as play- ers took the field, accompanied by the thun- derous roar of 110,830 spectators, the second- largest crowd in the stadium's 64-year history. But the evening's most potent powder kegs didn't start detonating until the Lions' defense entered the game. Led by junior linebacker Curtis Jacobs, who finished with 3 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries, and junior defensive end Chop Robinson, who was a fixture in the Iowa backfield, Penn State blew up just about ev- erything the Hawkeyes attempted. PSU sur- rendered just 76 yards of total offense and 4 first downs, both school records against a Big Ten opponent. The Hawkeyes ran a mere 33 plays and held the ball for just 14:33. Throw in a steady, turnover-free showing by PSU's offense, and it added up to an emphatic 31-0 victory by the hosts. "I just thought we played really good com- plementary football — offense, defense and special teams," coach James Franklin said. "Our defense played a suffocating style of D, and we were able to get turnovers [by being] extremely ball-aware. "The other thing is, we didn't turn the ball over on offense. And our special teams, I thought, did a really nice job." Iowa did enjoy some limited success early in the game. On the Hawkeyes' second drive, quarterback Cade McNamara bolted 18 yards to give the visitors a first-and-10 at the Penn State 30. But tight end Erick All fumbled two plays later, and Iowa never got anywhere near the Nittany Lion end zone the rest of the night. Over the game's final 39 minutes, the Hawk- eyes ran just 2 plays in Penn State territory. It was a thrilling night for the Nittany Lion defenders, including senior defensive end Adisa Isaac, who was part of a pass rush that totaled 3 sacks and 6 quarterback hurries. "That's probably one of the best feelings when you feel the offense trying everything but they can't get any movement," Isaac said. "And then we're having fun on top of that. We focus on what we do, but it's definitely a great feeling, just seeing everybody make plays and have fun while doing it. That's what we do it for." — Matt Herb PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL