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(AP) -- Iowa's defense remains a surprising question mark heading into Saturday's league opener at Penn State.

The Hawkeyes tightened up its defense in the fourth quarter of a rousing comeback against Pittsburgh and in its last game, a 45-17 win over Louisiana-Monroe back on Sept. 24.

Iowa still ranks 53rd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 23.8 points per game after finishing in the top 10 each year from 2008-10.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says some of the problems that plagued the Hawkeyes in a 44-41 loss to Iowa State are ongoing, though he adds the defense has taken positive steps.

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