Penn State vs Iowa Prediction 10/18/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Penn State vs Iowa prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 18th at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 8 matchup. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 3-3 (0-3) this year after they lost to Northwestern by a score of 22-21 last week. Penn State led 14-13 at halftime and 21-16 in the fourth quarter, but they allowed a touchdown with about five minutes left for the loss. The Nittany Lions were out gained by a total of 292-274, went 6-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 2-1 in the game. Drew Allar went 13-20 for 137 yards and one interception, while Kaytron Allen rushed 16 times for 90 yards and one score. Devonte Ross led the receivers with seven receptions for 115 yards in the loss. The PSU defense recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss in the game. 

Penn State also has losses against UCLA and Oregon, while getting wins against Villanova, FIU, and Nevada. The Nittany Lions have lost three games in a row and they are tied for last in the Big Ten standings. Penn State has scored 35.7 points per game with 200.8 passing yards and 169.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 18.5 points against per game this season. Drew Allar got hurt against NW, so it will be Ethan Grunkemeyer under center. Kaytron Allen has led the rushing attack with 467 yards and seven scores on 70 carries this year. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 4-2 (2-1) this season after they defeated Wisconsin by a score of 37-0 in their last game. Iowa led 23-0 at halftime and pitched a shutout in the second half for the blowout victory. The Hawkeyes out gained Wisconsin by a total of 319-209, went 5-12 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 3-1 in the game. Mark Gronowski went 17-24 for 107 yards and one interception, while Kamari Moulton rushed 15 times for 96 yards and one score. Moulton also led the receivers with three catches for 29 yards in the win. The Iowa defense recorded zero sacks and two tackles for loss in the game. 

Iowa also has wins against Rutgers, UMass, and Albany, while losing to Iowa State and Indiana. The Hawkeyes have won three of their last four games and they are currently tied for fourth in the Big Ten standings. Iowa has scored 30.7 points per game with 142.0 passing yards and 184.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 13.0 points against per game this season. Mark Gronowski has thrown for 743 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Kamari Moulton has rushed for 261 yards and two scores on 50 carries this season. 

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

The underdog has won each of Penn State’s last three games.
Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games as a home favorite against teams from Pennsylvania.

Total Points Facts

Four of Penn State’s last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Seven of Iowa’s last nine games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Iowa ranks 1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (11.1).
Iowa ranks 5th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (79.0).
Penn State ranks 6th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (20.8).
Penn State ranks 7th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (+6.8).

Penn State vs Iowa Prediction 

Penn State comes into this matchup looking to snap a three game losing streak, but their starting quarterback is out and they just fired their head coach. The Nittany Lions have been a huge disappointment this year and are facing a lot of distractions right now. Iowa just blew out Wisconsin on the road and should have plenty of momentum coming into this game. The Hawkeyes should win this game with everything that Penn State is dealing with, but the Nittany Lions still have a ton of talent, a great defense, and two elite running backs. Take Penn State and the points here.

David Racey is 70-48 (59%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!