Our weekly column on checking in on Penn State's past opponents is back! What’s been going on with the teams that the Nittany Lions have already faced?

Akron Zips (3-3)

Crushed Ball State

Congratulations to the Akron Zips, who beat the Ball State Cardinals 31-3, moving the Zips into a 3-3 record overall and 2-0 in the MAC East standings. Akron capitalized on multiple turnovers by Ball State, with Zips linebacker John Lako returning an interception 35 yards for a score.

Akron quarterback Thomas Woodson began the scoring with a 24-yard pass to Austin Wolf in the first quarter. Running back Deltron Sands scored on a 32 yard run later in the game. Overall, Woodson had a solid day with 211 yards and two touchdown passes, and his top wide receiver A. J. Coney finished with six catches and a total of 90 yards.

Punter/kicker Nick Gasser was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week (East Division) for his gameday performance. Gasser punted six times for 270 yards (and a career long 59-yard punt) and kicked off six times for 366 yards with two touchbacks.

This weekend, the Zips will look for a win over the Western Michigan Broncos, who are 4-2.

Up Next: Western Michigan Broncos (4-2)

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Pitt Panthers (2-4)

Lost to Syracuse

For the first time in five years, the Pitt Panthers lost to the Syracuse Orange 27-24. Last year Pitt pulled off a 76-61 win in what was, at the time, the highest scoring game in FBS history. This year, it was a very different story and a much closer game.

Both teams were tied at the half. A 56-yard field goal by Pitt’s Alex Kessman – the longest ever in the Carrier Dome - got the Panthers to 20-16 early in the fourth, but Syracuse scored to take the lead to 27-16.

Pitt made it close on a 19-yard touchdown run by Qadree Ollison and a two-point conversion, moving the score to 27-24, but it wasn’t enough to overpower the Orange.

Max Browne was 15 of 22 for 161 yards before leaving the game with an arm injury . Backup Ben DiNucci was 6 of 10 for 55 yards for the Panthers.

Pitt next plays the North Carolina State Wolfpack, who are 5-1.

Up Next: NC State Wolfpack (5-1)

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Georgia State Panthers (2-2)

Defeated Coastal Carolina

In their Sun Belt conference opener, the Georgia State Panthers defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 27-21 in a close matchup.

Glenn Smith returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Panthers the early lead. Smith finished the game with 74 rushing yards on 23 carries, 3 receptions for 13 yards and two kickoff returns for 114 yards – with an impressive career-high 201 all purpose yards.

Georgia State quarterback Conner Manning threw for 273 yards and one touchdown. Penny Hart caught 8 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, while Kyler Neal and Demarcus Kirk each scored in the end zone.

Next for the Georgia State Panthers are the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, who are 3-2.

Up Next: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (3-2)

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Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2)

Trounced Illinois

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 45-16, snapping a two-game losing streak. Iowa capitalized on the four turnovers that they forced during the game.

Iowa trailed 13-10 in the second quarter but took the lead to 17-13 with a touchdown just before the half. In the second half, Iowa outscored Illinois 28-3.

On the offense, Hawkeye quarterback Nate Stanley completed 17 of 32 attempts for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Akrum Wadley rushed for 115 yards on 23 attempts with his 12th career 100 yard game, and had two catches for 14 yards and a touchdown.

For the defense, Iowa safety Brandon Snyder intercepted a pass at the 11 and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown, and had three tackles and two pass break-ups. Hawkeye linebackers Bo Bower and Josey Jewell tied for the team lead with 10 tackles each.

The Hawkeyes next play on October 21 against the Northwestern Wildcats who are 2-3.

Up Next: Northwestern Wildcats (2-3)

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Indiana Hoosiers (3-2)

Blanked Charleston Southern

In an absolute rout, the Indiana Hoosiers beat non-conference Charleston Southern Buccaneers 27-0, their first shutout of the 2017 season.

The Hoosiers only scored 3 points the first 11 minutes, but quickly were up 10-0 in by the end of the first quarter. By the half, Indiana led 24-0.

Quarterback Peyton Ramsey had an impressive game in his first college start, going 32-for-41 for 321 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 54 yards and recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

Freshman receiver Taysir Mack caught seven passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. Simmie Cobbs Jr. had 10 catches for 98 yards.

The Hoosier defense combined for 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

This Saturday, Indiana plays the No. 17 Michigan Wolverines (4-1), who are mad as heck coming off a loss to Michigan State.

Up Next: Michigan Wolverines (4-1)