Oct 20, 2025
Iowa running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs from Penn State linebacker Dominic Deluca (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Following is Neil Rudel’s report card from Penn State’s 25-24 loss to Iowa on Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium:
Quarterback: C+
For his first start, on the road, at night, Grunk did OK. He was 15 of 28 for just 93 yards, but he managed the line of scrimmage
well and made some key completions. Also scrambled. A lot to build on.
Running back: B
Allen (28-145) was really good. So many of his yards come after contact. Also had three catches. Singleton (6-15) still has no running room and was stopped on the last series.
Offensive line: C+
The third-quarter TD drive was the best the O-line played all year. Clean pocket, blowing open holes for Allen. Grunk was sacked only once and the unit had no penalties. Failed on fourth-and-1 to Reynolds. No Vega, who was injured.
Wide receiver/TE: C
Tough spot with rookie a QB. Smith, though, noticed lack of separation. Pena dropped a TD that makes it 28-19. He and Reynolds had three catches. Ross two. Howard, Dinkins and Rapp had one each.
Offensive coaching: D
And we’re being generous. 17 points doesn’t cut it. Didn’t like fourth-and-1 with Reynolds and definitely not the third-and-5 with Singleton up gut (for 1 yard) in the last 1:20. Communicated with first-time starter well.
Defensive line: D-
Again, no sacks. The big names (Dennis-Sutton, Durant) have been disappointing — they combined for one tackle. Gronowski wasn’t under pressure and he still couldn’t pass. TFL for frosh Kemajou (99).
Linebackers: F
When the QB is the leading rusher (and averages 14.4 on nine rushes), nobody is home here. DeLuca is a great story, but Linebacker U has become Linebacker Who. Wiley deserves more snaps. Rojas continues to be missed.
Secondary: C
Wheatley played tough with 10 stops, an interception and a QB hurry. Collins had a TFL. Harris was back at CB after being benched last week. Lane made three tackles.
Defensive coaching: F
No lead can be put away. With all the great defensive coordinators in PSU history, it’s painful to watch Jim Knowles. Talk about a bad fit, not to mention his $3.1 million salary that’s guaranteed for three years.
Special teams: B-
Lions blocked a kick for third straight week and scored a TD off it for the second time. Usually you win those games. Credit Gilliam (54) and Washington (9) on blocked FG/TD return. Wallace bobbled a kickoff return.
The other guy: B
It’s hard to believe Iowa can beat quality teams with its lack of a pass game. Then again, in this case, it didn’t. Ferentz’s teams are always good on defense and can really run it. He survived a bad decision on the blocked FG.
Overall: C
The Lions’ effort in their first game under an interim coach was impressive in a hostile environment. Their execution in the key moments, however, was not, as they found yet another way to lose.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com
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