Is the Penn State football team ready for a top-five clash at Iowa?

It's one of the top topics of conversation among Nittany Lions fans today as the team sits just days away from the 4 p.m. Saturday showdown at Kinnick Stadium.

Today's newsstand has previews of the matchups, info on new recruiting offers, top-25 updates, and much more.

Let's dive into the top tweets and headlines about the Penn State Nittany Lions and college football as a whole on Oct. 4.

Let's start with a rankings update: The Nittany Lions stayed at No. 4 in the AP top-25 and were moved up to that spot in the Coaches Poll. Of course, that means they were jumped by the Hawkeyes, who are now No. 3 in both.

It was a good day for former Nittany Lions in the NFL, as Saquon Barkley scored a walk-off touchdown in the Giants' win over New Orleans, and Mike Gesicki hauled one in as well.

On the recruiting front, Penn State offered Class of 2023 York receiver Kenny Johnson on Sunday before extending one to Baltimore, Md., St. Frances quarterback Michael Van Buren on Monday.

Finally, Penn State-Iowa is an unprecedented matchup in the Big Ten. One stat shows why:

Penn State makes 2 more red zone stops against Indiana: Scarcella, Reading Eagle

It's Penn State-Iowa week: Spread, TV info, storylines, more: Pickel, BWI

Chemistry between Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson fueling undefeated Penn State’s success: Juliano, Philadelphia Inquirer

Penn State Football Photos: Recruits at the Indiana Game: Snyder, BWI

Penn State-Iowa storylines to start the week: The Hawkeyes’ amazing turnover margin, the Lions’ tenacious duo, more: Flounders, PennLive

Trip to unbeaten Iowa awaits Nittany Lions: Herb, BWI

Sunday observations: Is Iowa ready for Penn State?: Giger, DKonPittsburghSports

Notebook: Nittany Lions credit run-stuffing D for Pick City, Clifford, more: Bauer, BWI

“Iowa is playing really good, and they’re able to run the ball. They’re playing great defense. That defensive coordinator has been doing a really good job. And what’s amazing is, you turn on the tape from yesterday, turn on tape from six years ago, turn the tape on from 12 years ago — they do what they do, and they do it well.

“The fact is that they’re always in zone coverage and they always have eyes on the quarterback. They have these massive defensive linemen that are able to get pressure and bat balls down. They’re a good team, so I’m going to try to enjoy this one for a few hours.”

--Penn State coach James Franklin, as transcribed by Statecollege.com, on facing Iowa.

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