IOWA CITY, Iowa – Hard to believe that Saturday’s much-anticipated showdown between No. 3 Iowa and No. 4 Penn State will mark the midway point to the 2021 season.

Time certainly flies when you’re having fun, and so far, this season has been a hoot for fans from both schools.

Both teams are 5-0 and flirting with elite status, although, whichever team loses on Saturday will face a steep uphill climb to make the four-team college playoff.

Kinnick Stadium will be rocking on Saturday with a sellout crowd ready to create a hostile environment that could ultimately give Iowa a slight edge.

Iowa will be trying to win its 12th straight game dating back to last season, while Penn State will try to win its 10th game in a row.

The Iowa game always highlights the Hawk Fanatic weekly predictions regardless of the opponent.

But Iowa vs. Penn State stands above all other games being played this week.

The top-five matchup is the sixth top-five matchup in Iowa football history, and the first at Kinnick Stadium since No. 1 Iowa edged No. 2 Michigan 12-10 in 1985.

Pat Harty

Iowa 23, Penn State 22: Spencer Petras will score the game-winning touchdown as time expires on a 10-yard quarterback draw. He then asks the media afterwards to refer to him as a dual-threat quarterback from this point on.

Michigan 27, Nebraska 24: Scott Frost accuses Jim Harbaugh of trying to distract his players by picking his nose on the sideline throughout the game.

Michigan State 25, Rutgers 21: The Scarlet Knights would be doing just fine under Greg Schiano if they didn’t have to play Big Ten opponents.

Wisconsin 6, Illinois 2: After seeing the final score, Chicago Cubs management considers signing a couple Wisconsin defensive players as pitchers.

Texas 44, Oklahoma 41: After seeing the final score, Chicago Cubs management considers signing players from both teams to help jump start the offense.

Tyler Devine

Iowa 10, Penn State 7: It would be silly of me to pick against the Hawkeyes this week, especially considering the 1921 Big Ten champion team that featured my great, great uncle Aubrey Devine and my great grandfather Glenn Devine will be honored.

Michigan 45, Nebraska 14: Nebraska could be playing like it was in the 90s and I would still pick against the Huskers.

Michigan State 27, Rutgers 21: After seeing that photo of Mel Tucker chiefing a cigar, it’s hard for me to pick against Sparty.

Illinois 43, Wisconsin 40: Bielema beats Badgers in barnburner.

Texas 48, Oklahoma 45: Waylon Jennings was born in Texas, and I love Waylon Jennings. Though I don’t know if he would have any interest in this game.

Dallas Jones

I would first like to point out that I was a perfect 5-0 on my picks last week, just a quick humble brag.

Iowa 27, Penn State 24: Nothing caps off a thrilling matchup in Kinnick like a game-winning field goal. Iowa proves just how elite they are and Tyrone Tracy has a HUGE game.

Michigan 34, Nebraska 17: Who doesn’t love a matchup of two coaches who have underachieved at their current schools???

Michigan State 20, Rutgers 13: Probably the forgotten matchup of the week in the Big Ten, for good reason.

Wisconsin 24, Illinois 30: Illinois pulls off the upset after returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown at the end of regulation. Trust the bad knee.

Texas 37, Oklahoma 34: Might be the most entertaining game of the weekend (sorry Iowa fans), but Texas has elite running backs and that ends of being the difference on Saturday.