Two of the four teams currently tied for last place in the Big Ten meet on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State and Iowa have been the most disappointing squads in the conference so far this season, but the Hawkeyes have a legitimate excuse: a rash of devastating injuries and a couple suspensions. Other than opening with two league road games, the Nittany Lions have absolutely no valid explanation for their lackluster play so far.

It looks like Iowa will take to the field this weekend without its starting wideout (Andy Brodell), tight end (Tony Moeaski), linebacker (Mike Klinkenborg) and defensive back (Devan Moylan). They are all injured, some for the entire season. The Hawkeyes also haven’t had quality receivers like Dominique Douglas and Anthony Bowman all season because they are in trouble with the law.

With the expected return of guard John Shaw, Penn State will be at full strength on Saturday, not missing a single starter from the preseason depth chart. Not one. Shaw has been the only significant player to miss any significant playing time this season. And don’t forget, safety Anthony Scirrotto and end Chris Baker haven’t missed a play, even though both face felony charges.

The Lions have been remarkably fortunate so far with injuries/suspensions. That is why their 0-2 record is much more disappointing than Iowa’s. And why PSU has been the Big Ten’s most underachieving group by far. And everybody agrees it is not a vintage year for the league. – NEIL GEOGHEGAN.