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11h ago

Penn State Turns to Grunkemeyer as Interim Era Begins at Iowa

Under interim coach Terry Smith, the plan shifts to quick reads with heavier reliance on Kaytron Allen against Iowa’s stingy unit.

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Overview

  • Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer will make his first career start on Saturday at Iowa after Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury in the Northwestern loss.
  • Terry Smith, introduced this week as James Franklin’s replacement, expressed full confidence in Grunkemeyer and put a renewed emphasis on sideline energy.
  • Penn State enters the trip at 3-3 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten, with a tightening path to bowl eligibility and dates next with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana.
  • Coaches and analysts point to a simplified approach built on quick, rhythm throws and heavy usage of tight ends, complemented by a run-first script featuring Kaytron Allen.
  • Iowa poses a major test with a top-25 pass defense allowing about 167.7 yards per game and a rugged run defense at roughly 79.0 yards, making sustained drives pivotal.