It’s been almost a week since the Penn State Nittany Lions finally said “enough is enough” and fired James Franklin, handing him one of the largest buyouts in college football history after losing three games in a row. In the middle of the storm, Terry Smith, a longtime Nittany Lion and associate head coach, has stepped up as interim head coach. He is only the second midseason replacement in program history. To mark the turning point, Penn State dropped a new hype video ahead of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

On October 17, a Penn State insider page called ‘Basic Blue Nation’ on X shared the video, welcoming interim head coach Terry Smith: “Evening from Iowa, Penn State returning to the road here, visiting the Hawkeyes. No matter where we go, we carry Penn State pride with us — from the fields to the stands, from the grind to the glory, we come from hard work and generations built on the blue and white. Every snap, every hit, our standard never changes — quarter by quarter, play-by-play, no hesitation, no fear, just Penn State football. Because no matter the period, we are.” This was their first hype video without James Franklin, paying homage to the end of his era. What makes it intriguing is that the narration was voiced by Terry Smith himself.

The video included clips that were a reminder of the grit the program once embodied. For some, it symbolized a reset. For others, it was the voice of a leader who’s been part of their journey all along. Terry Smith was appointed as the interim head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football program on October 12. He previously served as the associate head coach and cornerbacks coach, stepping into a leadership role for the remainder of the 2025 season amidst a period of transition for the program. He’s a true Penn Stater, having been with the program since 2014 and the last coach remaining from Franklin’s original staff. This appointment makes Smith only the second interim head coach in Penn State history, the first being Tom Bradley in 2011.

Smith’s connection to Penn State runs deep. The man played wide out for the Nittany Lions from 1987 to 1991. Before coming back to his old stomping grounds as a coach, he even led a high school team, Gateway, to a really impressive 101-30 record over 11 seasons. Basically, he’s got a deep connection to the team and knows a thing or two about coaching. He then joined Franklin’s staff as the defensive recruiting coordinator and cornerbacks coach.

Right now, Smith is focused on helping the team get back on track after a tough start to the season. He’s been open about the team’s struggles and how everyone involved feels responsible for Franklin’s firing. He’s all about bringing back the “grittiness, toughness, and swag” that Penn State football is known for. Word on the street is that he’s been spending extra time with the players to help them work through their emotions and get ready to play hard. “You only own opportunity through production on the field,” he said.

The big question now is whether Smith will get to keep the head coach job permanently or if Penn State will pursue high-profile names like Marcus Freeman or Jon Gruden or even Urban Meyer of the world. Athletic Director Pat Kraft has said that Smith is definitely in the running. This is a huge opportunity for Smith to show what he can do, and his performance for the rest of the season will be key to his chances.’

Everything you need to know about Penn State vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Penn State is entering this game without Drew Allar(out for the season) and James Franklin. The offense has struggled badly, averaging just 17.6 points per game during this losing streak. The team now feels lost and unstable, and they’ll have to rely on inexperienced players as they try to turn things around.

On the flip-side, Iowa is the total opposite of Penn State right now. The Hawkeyes are one of the most consistent teams in college football under head coach Kirk Ferentz, who has been leading the team for nearly three decades. The Hawkeyes are allowing only 246.7 total yards per game, including just 79 rushing yards and 167 passing yards, which both rank among the top 10 nationally. They’ve also forced 11 turnovers this season and are an impressive 4-1-1 against the spread (ATS).

What gives a big disadvantage is home-field advantage. Playing at home in Kinnick Stadium, where Iowa has won 10 of its last 12 games, gives them an even bigger edge. Looking at the numbers, things don’t look good for Penn State. Their new quarterback, Ethan Grunkemeyer, doesn’t have much college experience and now has to face one of the nation’s best defenses.

Given all the numbers, the smart play is Iowa. Expect a low-scoring, defensive battle with both teams relying heavily on their ground games and field position. Iowa should be able to control the tempo and take advantage of Penn State’s mistakes, winning something like 20–13 and covering the -2.5 spread at home. More importantly, it’s also a great chance for Terry Smith to make a strong first impression and potentially save Penn State a lot of money — possibly even ending their coaching search altogether.