IOWA CITY, Iowa -- There aren't many Division I-A coaches who have a winning record against Penn State's Joe Paterno.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, is one of the rare exceptions.

Ferentz has fashioned a 5-2 mark against Paterno, who brings No. 3 Penn State (9-0, 5-0) to Kinnick Stadium today to face Iowa (5-4, 2-3) in a Big Ten Conference game.

Ferentz, 53, said this is by far the best Nittany Lions team he has faced since succeeding Hayden Fry as the Hawkeyes' coach before the 1999 season.

"I don't know if we've faced a squad quite as good as this one," Ferentz said. "In fact, I'm pretty sure we haven't. I think they were ranked second in '99 when they came in here.

"To me, this is a much stronger team. When you talk about November records, November polls, they're certainly deserving of their ranking."

Ferentz is one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches in college football, making about $3.1 million per year through 2012. He called Paterno one of the "good guys" in college football.

Ferentz said he was happy to see Paterno, 81, enjoying an unbeaten season in the twilight of his career.

"Except for Saturday, I'm all for it," Ferentz said, jokingly.

Paterno is 11-8 all time against the Hawkeyes.

"To me, they've had a model program for a long, long time, as long as I can remember growing up, just the way they do things," Ferentz said. "They're a first-class outfit. They've always been that way. I don't think coach Paterno would have it any other way."

Ferentz served as a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Pitt during the 1980 season. That team, coached by Jackie Sherrill, finished 11-1 and ended up ranked No. 2.

"At one time, I was thinking about hiring him," Paterno said. "He's just a good football coach -- solid guy, nothing fancy."

Iowa's four losses have been by a total of 12 points, including a 21-20 setback to Pitt on Sept. 20 at Heinz Field.

Ferentz sees few weaknesses in a Penn State team that is on track for its sixth perfect season under Paterno and a possible berth in the national championship game.

The Lions also are attempting to finish 5-0 on the road for the first time since 1994, when they were 12-0 and ranked No. 2 behind Nebraska.

"A couple things jump out at you about Penn State," Ferentz said. "Talent, first of all. They've had a great season. Everywhere you look, they're very talented.

"For the most part, everywhere you look, they're very experienced, with a few exceptions."

Penn State's defense has held four of its past six opponents to seven points or less.

"Our guys will get back on their feet," Ferentz said. "This group has been resilient and they've responded. If you can't get excited about playing in a game like this, I don't know why you'd want to be playing college football.

"You don't get many chances in a career or a lifetime to play an undefeated team in November."

Matchup: No. 3 Penn State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) vs. Iowa (5-4, 2-3), 3:30 p.m. today, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa. Nittany Lions favored by 7 1/2 points.

TV/Radio: WTAE-TV; WEAE-AM (1250) and Penn State Sports Network. Game also can be heard at www.GoPSUsports.com.

Penn State: Holds a 11-9 advantage in the series. ... Is seeking its ninth 10-0 start under coach Joe Paterno. ... Is No. 1 in 18 of the 30 categories tracked by the Big Ten.

Iowa: Needs one more victory to become bowl-eligible. ... Is facing its first top-10 team since playing No. 1 Ohio State in 2006. ... Has won 36 of its past 44 home games.

Hidden stat: Penn State has outscored its nine opponents, 376-100.