Even with James Franklin out as Penn State’s head coach, there were no vast improvements. The Nittany Lions dropped their fourth straight game Saturday, losing 25-24 to Iowa in interim head coach Terry Smith’s debut. The loss puts them 3-4 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play.
Penn State blew a fourth quarter lead. Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski rushed for a career-high 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a 67-yard burst that set up Kaden Wetjen’s game-winning 8-yard touchdown run with 3:54 remaining.
The Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) eventually ran out the clock for the victory. One win away from being bowl eligible for the 13th consecutive season.
"We just have to execute," Smith said. "I think we gave everything we had."
The loss ties Penn State with the longest losing streak by an AP top-2 preseason team at four straight defeats. Penn State’s last four-game skid came in 2020.
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw two interceptions, including one to Xavier Nwankpa that led to a 1-yard Gronowski touchdown. Kaytron Allen led the Penn State offense with 145 rushing yards and two scores.
Penn State led 14-10 at halftime after Xavier Gilliam blocked a 66-yard field goal attempt and Elliot Washington II returned it 35 yards for a score. A late Ryan Barker field goal gave the Lions a 24-19 edge, but Iowa struck quickly.
Next up for Penn State is a bye week before a daunting road trip to No. 1 Ohio State.
Meanwhile, Franklin reflected on ESPN’s College GameDay. “To think essentially six games ago, we were fighting for a chance to be in the national championship... It feels surreal.”
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