Penn State Football No. 4 in Latest AP Poll Setting Up Top 5 Clash Against Iowa

Penn State football coach James Franklin congratulates defensive back Kalen King after the defensive back returned an interception for a touchdown during the Nittany Lions' spring scrimmage on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Beaver Stadium. Photo by Paul Burdick

Everybody be cool. Penn State football is staying put at No. 4 in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll.

After Saturday night’s domination of Indiana, the Nittany Lions remain in the top-four of the ranking for the second consecutive week. Iowa now jumps to Oregon’s former No. 3 spot, as the Ducks have fallen to No. 8 after going down to unranked Stanford Saturday afternoon in a 31-24 overtime defeat.

Defense was the story of the night in Saturday’s win, as Brent Pry’s group managed its first shut out of the season and allowed just 264 total yards to the Hoosiers. Ellis Brooks led the group with eight total tackles, while Arnold Ebiketie and Brandon Smith each added a sack.

On the offensive end, Sean Clifford finished the night with three touchdown passes, two of which went to stud wideout Jahan Dotson.

The Nittany Lions are now the second-highest ranked Big Ten squad, as Iowa leads at No. 3. The Hawkeyes forced seven turnovers Friday night en route to a 51-14 win over Maryland in College Park. As for the rest of the conference, Ohio State (No. 7), Michigan (No. 9), and Michigan State (No. 11) come in behind Penn State. The Wolverines impressed Saturday with a 38-17 win over Wisconsin.

In the USA Today Coaches Poll, Penn State is ranked No. 4. The Nittany Lions jumped two spots in that poll, but remain behind No. 3 Iowa. Ohio State (No. 7), Michigan (No. 8), and Michigan State (No. 11) all improved in that ranking.

A top-five battle is now set between Penn State and Iowa this Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. That highly anticipated contest will kick off at 4 p.m. EST and be broadcast on FOX.