Week 8 of the college football season brings one of the Big Ten’s most anticipated matchups as the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions prepare to host the No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes under the lights at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 18.

Both teams enter the game with postseason ambitions, physical defenses, and something to prove. And with conference title implications on the line, fans across the nation are eager to tune in for what promises to be another classic Big Ten battle.

Here’s everything you need to know — from TV and streaming info to key storylines, predictions, and what to expect when these two powerhouses collide.

📺 How to Watch Penn State vs. Iowa

🏈 Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions (6–0) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (5–1)

📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

⏰ Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

🏟 Location: Beaver Stadium — University Park, Pennsylvania

📺 TV Channel: ABC (national broadcast)

💻 Live Stream: ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or the ESPN App

🎙 Radio: Penn State Sports Network / Hawkeye Radio Network

Fans can also catch full pregame coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, with postgame reactions and highlights airing immediately after the final whistle.

🔥 Game Preview: A Clash of Styles

The matchup between Penn State and Iowa has long been one of contrasts: offensive innovation vs. defensive discipline, speed vs. structure, flair vs. fundamentals.

This year is no different.

Head coach James Franklin has his Nittany Lions firing on all cylinders, led by quarterback Drew Allar, who has emerged as one of the most composed and efficient passers in college football. Meanwhile, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes continue to embrace their trademark toughness — relying on physical line play, elite defense, and clock control to wear opponents down.

It’s a battle between two programs built on identity — and neither plans to back down.

“This is Big Ten football at its purest,” Franklin said during Tuesday’s press conference. “They’re disciplined, they’re physical, and we respect what Iowa brings to the field. But we believe in our guys. This will come down to execution, not talk.”

💪 Key Storylines to Watch

1. Drew Allar’s Command and Composure

Penn State’s sophomore quarterback Drew Allar continues to shine, entering the week with 1,845 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just two interceptions on the season. His poise in the pocket and ability to read defenses have been central to Penn State’s unbeaten run.

Facing Iowa’s defense — ranked third nationally in points allowed per game (11.2) — will be one of his toughest tests yet.

“They disguise coverage well, and their linebackers are as smart as any in the country,” Allar said this week. “We’ll need to stay sharp and take what the defense gives us.”

2. The Battle in the Trenches

Penn State’s offensive line, anchored by Olu Fashanu, has allowed the fewest sacks in the Big Ten. But Iowa’s front seven — led by linebacker Jay Higgins and defensive tackle Logan Lee — has built a reputation for disrupting rhythm and dominating the line of scrimmage.

Expect a bruising, physical game where every yard is earned.

3. Penn State’s Running Duo

Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have combined for over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Their ability to break big plays could determine whether Penn State can wear down Iowa’s defense late in the game.

If they establish the ground game early, it will open the play-action opportunities that Allar has mastered.

4. Iowa’s Offensive X-Factor

For Iowa, much depends on quarterback Cade McNamara, the Michigan transfer who has revitalized the Hawkeyes’ passing game. McNamara’s chemistry with tight end Luke Lachey and wideout Nico Ragaini gives Iowa the balance it often lacked in previous seasons.

Still, the Hawkeyes will need to sustain long drives against a Penn State defense allowing just 244 total yards per game — good for second-best in the nation.

🔍 What to Expect

• A Defensive Chess Match

Both teams rank in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense, meaning points will be at a premium. Expect long, methodical drives and field position battles dictated by punters and special teams.

• Allar vs. Ferentz’s Scheme

How Allar handles Iowa’s complex zone coverages will be the ultimate storyline. Iowa rarely blitzes, instead baiting quarterbacks into mistakes — something Allar has avoided all year.

• The “White Out” Factor

Saturday night’s game will take place during Penn State’s famous White Out, one of the most electrifying environments in college sports. Over 107,000 fans dressed in white will create a sea of noise and energy that can rattle even the most composed opponents.

“You don’t prepare for that — you just survive it,” joked Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker. “The noise hits you like a wall. You have to be mentally sharp from the first snap.”

• Special Teams Could Decide It

In a low-scoring battle, field goals and punts will matter. Penn State kicker Alex Felkins and Iowa’s Drew Stevens are both reliable under pressure. A single mistake on special teams could swing the momentum.

📊 By the Numbers