Penn State vs. Iowa 2012: Nittany Lions' impressive win could have been better

The Penn St. Nittany Lions football program earned its fifth straight victory Saturday night, easily defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes, 38-14, in a Big Ten Conference game in Iowa City. The victory improved Penn State to 5-3 overall, but more importantly boosted the Nittany Lions' league record to 3-0.

Sophomore running back Bill Belton ran for 103 yards and scored three touchdowns while quarterback Matt McGloin threw for 289 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead Penn State to its first victory in Iowa City in 13 seasons.

The win was impressive, but according to the SB Nation blog Black Shoes Diaries, it could have been better.

While you revel in a 38-14 win, I'll be annoyed it wasn't 52-7.

The blog's strive-for-greater attitude stems from head coach Bill O'Brien, who despite earning a 24-0 halftime lead, wasn't pleased about his team's first-half performance.

And the best part is that Bill O'Brien gets to have his cake, and eat it too.

When he was interviewed coming out of the tunnel at halftime, O'Brien told the Big Ten Network sideline reporter that he considered it 0-0, that Penn State had left too many points on the board. He wasn't resting on the 24-0 lead his team had built up in the first half. He, like me, knew it should have been more.

To read Black Shoes' full recap of Saturday's game, click here.

Penn State's next game is schedule for Saturday against the visiting Ohio St. Buckeyes. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET and the contest will be broadcasted on ESPN.

Penn State vs. Iowa 2012 score update: Nittany Lions beat Hawkeyes 38-14

The Penn State Nittany Lions remain undefeated in Big Ten play, moving to 3-0 and 5-2 overall with their 38-14 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Penn State dominated this game from the start, shutting out the Hawkeyes for the first three quarters of the game while scoring the first 31 points of the game.

Running back Bill Belton ran the ball well, rushing for 103 and three touchdowns on 16 carries. Quarterback Matthew McGloin had a strong day through the air, completing 26 of his 38 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Carter led the Nittany Lions' receiving core, hauling in six catches for 85 yards. Jesse James and Allen Robinson each caught a touchdown as well.

The Penn State defense played an impressive game, holding the Hawkeyes to 209 total yards. The run defense played especially well, holding Iowa to 20 total rushing yards on 23 carries. Penn State forced one fumble and picked off Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg twice.

Box Score Hero: Penn State running back Bill Belton, who rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.

Rankings Ramifications: Penn State received one vote for the AP rankings last week and may pick up a few more this week with their impressive victory.

But Did They Cover?: The Nittany Lions were 1½-point underdogs so the Hawkeyes were unable to cover the spread.

For More On This Game: For more on Nittany Lions football, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire, SB Nation Pittsburgh and SB Nation Philly.

For more on Hawkeyes football, visit Iowa blog Black Heart Gold Pants, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.

Next Week's Schedule:

Penn State - vs. Ohio State

Iowa - at Northwestern

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Penn State vs. Iowa scoring update: Nittany Lions cruising, leading Hawkeyes 31-0

The Nittany Lions continue to dominate the Iowa Hawkeyes, adding a third quarter touchdown to expand their lead to 31-0. Jesse Della Valle returned the second-half kick off for 46 yards, giving Penn State the ball in Iowa territory to start the second half. Quarterback Matthew McGloin wasted little time, completing a 42-yard pass to Brandon Moseby-Felder on the first play from scrimmage. Bill Belton punched the ball in from the three-yard line on the next play, giving Penn State a 31-0 lead.

Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg threw a pick on the Hawkeyes first play from scrimmage, giving Penn State another strong scoring opportunity. Unfortunately, Zach Zwinak fumbled the ball on the third and goal from the Iowa 1-yard line for the first Penn State turnover of the game. The Penn State defense continues to impress, forcing an Iowa punt and a turnover on downs in the Hawkeyes two other possessions in the third quarter.

Penn State vs Iowa 2012 score update: Nittany Lions lead Hawkeyes 24-0

Penn State is on their way to staying undefeated in Big Ten play, as they lead the Iowa Hawkeyes 24-0 at halftime. Quaterback Matthew McGloin has led the Nittany Lion offense on three 60+ yard scoring drives, completing 18 of his 28 passes for 196 yards. Kyle Carter has received the bulk of the targets, snagging six receptions for 85 yards. Receivers Jesse James and Allen Robinson each have a touchdown reception, while running back Bill Belton has chipped in 65 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

The Penn State defense has looked just as impressive as the offense, holding the Hawkeyes to 99 total yards in the first half. The Iowa running game has been completely shut down; the Hawkeyes only have five yards rushing on 14 attempts. Penn State defensive tackle DaQuan Jones jumped on a fumble in the second quarter, which gave the Nittany Lions great field position and led to an easy touchdown.

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