The two sides of John Sacca have already been placed on full display this season.

From the best performance of his career -- with four touchdown passes against Minnesota -- to a below-mediocre outing against USC, the redshirt junior is a full-fledged initiate into the perils of quarterbacking.

And so far, he's made it through intact.

"You're not going to throw four touchdowns every game you go out," Sacca said. "I didn't hang my head (against USC)."

So with the scales equally tipped in each direction, the verdict on Penn State's signal-caller could come at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow when the Lions (2-0) visit Iowa (2-0). The game will be regionally televised by ABC-TV.

It will be a tough task in a hostile environment, Penn State's first-ever Big Ten road game. Just another step in the conference initiation process, this trek to Kinnick Stadium in the depths of the midwestern cornfields.

"It's going to take a real effort on our part to go out and go a good job," Coach Joe Paterno said.

It is also the season's first road game, something that Paterno is actually looking forward to.

"I always like to take a team on the first game on the road, because you get away -- you don't have anybody around you," he said. "Although, I don't feel it's as necessary with this team, because I really feel closer to this team than I did in other years."

So far, that closeness has breeded victory. But the Hawkeyes pose another firm challenge -- they are anchored by quarterback Paul Burmeister and a typical Big Ten defense.

"They have a very precise passing game, a lot like USC," Paterno said. "Defensively, by far they're the strongest team we've played so far."

Against Tulsa, they got away with it. Against Iowa State, it almost cost them the game. Against Penn State it could be lethal, and the Iowa Hawkeyes know it. Playing one good half of football and one half-hearted might have worked against lesser foes. But Penn State is not Tulsa.

"We have to play 60 minutes at our best level of football," said Iowa defensive lineman Mike Wells. "If not, we're going to get toasted."

Against Iowa St. last week, the Hawkeyes rumbled to a 31-7 lead. The final score was 31-28.

"The thing we have to do is limit our mistakes," added junior tailback Ryan Terry. "Things like penalties and guys jumping offsides."

Terry, who amassed 107 yards rushing last week, pointed out similarities between the two teams. Talented, young offenses. Veteran defenses.

"I think these teams are very comparable," Terry noted. "The thing is, we have nothing to lose. We just have to be relaxed and have some fun."

Despite attempting only 11 passes last week, Iowa's passing attack is adept, led by Burmeister. Terry said against a team like the Lions, just running the ball will not be enough.

"We have to mix things up against Penn State," Terry said. "We have to keep them off-balance. They are a very sound football."

He then went on to mention some film clips that stood out in his mind. The Penn State film clips, that is, starring Tyoka Jackson and Lou Benfatti.

"Very physical," Terry said.

Probably more physical than anything the Hawkeyes have faced yet in this young season.

"We are going from playing two mediocre teams to playing a great team in Penn State," Wells said. "We haven't put together a whole game yet. We've let up. Penn State is not going to let up."