Iowa's standard offensive formation uses two tight ends and one back. They tend to run and then pass short - slants, bubble screens, etc. Junior RB Fred Russell (5-8, 185 lbs.) is ranked 3rd in the NCAA with a 153.25 yard per game rushing average. Quarterback Brad Banks has an NCAA Passing Efficiency Rating of 157.8, ranking him 8th in the nation. Banks averages 201.0 yards passing and 24.6 yards rushing per game. Iowa's offensive play-by-down breakdown against Penn State: 1st down, 21 rush, 12 pass; 2nd down, 20 rush, 8 pass; 3rd down, 6 rush, 12 pass; 4th down, no attempts.

The Iowa linebackers lineup almost on the line of scrimmage in what appears to be a goal line defense, on every down. So far this season they have 28 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Linebackers Fred Barr and Kevin Worthy lead the team in total tackles with 38 and 35 tackles respectively. DL Calin Cole (6-2, 307 lbs.) has a season total 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Iowa's pass defense is ranked 116th (out of 117) in the nation allowing 324.40 passing yards per game. Penn State ran several plays in the direction of freshman DB Jovon Johnson (5-9, 165 lbs.) and redshirt freshman DB Antwan Allen (5-10, 167 lbs.).

Iowa FG Kicker Nate Kaeding is a perfect 10-10 this season and has a 13 FG made streak that extends back to last season. Five of his 10 FG's this season are beyond 40 yards (40, 47, 49, 51, 55).