October 20, 2012 at 12:43 AM

Quarterbacks

In a contest filled primarily with relatively evenly-matched position breakdowns, the quarterback spot is not one of them. Iowa’s starter, James Vandenberg, hasn’t lost any games for the Hawkeyes single-handedly — he’s thrown just three interceptions and threw for more than 200 yards in both the team’s losses. However, he also hasn’t single-handedly won any either. Despite Iowa receiving several opportunities to control the game against Michigan State, Vandenberg was unable to consistently click with his receivers and threw for just 134 yards on 36 attempts. Meanwhile, Matt McGloin has continued his dominant play and is coming off another standout performance against Northwestern in which he led a fourth-quarter comeback.

Advantage: Penn State

Running backs

This is easily the most talked-about position matchup in this one, with so much weight placed on the presence — or lack thereof — of Iowa running back Mark Weisman. The Cinderella story of the dynamic running back has made the ‘#WeismanForHeisman’ hashtag one of the most popular trends on twitter during Iowa’s games. However, Weisman suffered an injury at the end of the Michigan State game last weekend, leaving him doubtful for Saturday’s game. Even if he is to make it back on the field, it remains a question mark whether he’d be able to run with his usual downhill style. For Penn State, Bill Belton is once again listed as the starter this week despite his recent struggles. However, between Belton — who is apparently now completely back to 100 percent — and a surging Zach Zwinak, look for the Nittany Lion backfield to narrowly outplay the Hawkeyes’.

Advantage: Penn State

Wide receivers/tight ends

Whether a product of quarterback play or otherwise, Iowa’s receivers have not put up impressive numbers in most games this season. The Hawkeyes have just two receiving touchdowns this season, compared to Penn State’s receivers that have caught 12 (Allen Robinson has seven scores himself). Granted, Iowa has often leaned on Weisman when approaching the endzone, taking much of the pressure off of the receivers in this area. However, with Weisman expected to miss the game, it will be imperative for Keenan Davis, the Hawkeyes’ leading receiver, to step up in this one. Conversely, the Lions’ receivers, led by Robinson and tight end Kyle Carter, will look to improve upon their promising break-out first halves of the season.

Advantage: Penn State

Offensive line

Weisman has received lots of national recognition for his breakout season through the first half of the season, averaging 105.2 rushing yards per game after not receiving a single carry last season. However, considering his immediate rise to the forefront, the play of the Hawkeyes’ offensive line cannot go without praise. Anchored by head coach Kirk Ferentz’s son, James Ferentz, as its senior center, the line has led a rushing attack averaging 4.5 yards per carry while giving up just seven sacks. Although the Penn State offensive line is as healthy as its been all season with Donovan Smith now back to full strength, look for the Hawkeyes’ line to set the bar in this one.

Advantage: Iowa