Ohio State faces its first major Big Ten test when Ryan Day and his Buckeyes travel to Iowa City to take on the undefeated Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0 in the Big Ten) come into this game feeling with a positive feeling about the Hawkeyes — at least prior to kickoff. Iowa (4-0, 1-0 in the Big Ten) comes into this game after a heart-stopping, last-play-of-the-game victory over Michigan. The Wolverines are Ohio State's hated rivals, and the Buckeyes get a warm feeling any time Michigan loses a conference game.
The Buckeyes known that they have serious business to take care of against an opponent that has proven to be opportunistic and tough when the game is on the line. Iowa routed two opponents but has had close wins against in-state rival Iowa State and the Wolverines.
The Buckeyes let their tough Week 2 game at Texas slip through their grasp when they let a big lead get away in the fourth quarter. Day has put the blame for that game on himself, and there was a lack of killer instinct shown by Ohio State when Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson had a chance to put the game away.
It will be a party atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium when the Hawkeyes come out of the tunnel, because the home team will have a chance to beat Michigan and Ohio State in back-to-back weeks. However, the Buckeyes have far more offensive talent than the Wolverines, and their early-season loss means they are not likely to be careless when the game reaches its crucial moments.
Ohio State is a far more dynamic offensive team than Iowa, and should be able to dictate the pace if it can get an early lead.
Ohio State vs. Iowa Odds
Ohio State: -14.5 (-110)
Iowa: +14.5 (-110)
Over: 45.5 (-110)
Under: 45.5 (-110)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17MDuNDZtHFhSqnItQX6muTYsCo9B4ZgPlVYwAmLKhi0/edit?gid=0#gid=0)
Ohio State vs. Iowa Key Injuries
Ohio State — CB Jay Timmons (questionable), ORT Philip Daniels (questionable), TE Bennett Christian (questionable)
Iowa — DB Tyler Brown (out), DB Kyler Gerardy (out), DB Darion Jones (questionable), LB Derek Weiskopf (questionable)
Ohio State vs. Iowa Betting Trends
– Iowa is 3-1 against the spread this season.
– Ohio State is 3-1 ATS this season.
– Iowa is 2-1 ATS at home.
– Iowa is 6-4 ATS as a home underdog in their last 10 games in that category.
– Ohio State is 6-3 ATS as a road favorite in their last 9 games in that category.
– The Buckeyes lead the all-time series against Iowa, 48-15-3.
Article Continues Below– Ohio State's largest margin of victory in the series is 62 points.
– The Buckeyes' longest winning streak in the series is 16 games.
– Iowa's largest margin of victory is 31 points.
– The Hawkeyes' longest winning streak in the series is 2 games.
Keys to Ohio State vs. Iowa matchup
Ohio State certainly knows how to go into a hostile environment and figure out how to play their best game. They may have lost at Texas in the second game of the season, but the Buckeyes dominated the game early and built a 23-3 lead through three quarters.
They have the athletic ability, talent and experience to not fall victim to a late rally for the second time this season. It starts with quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Both are Heisman Trophy candidates and that could actually hurt either player when it comes to winning the award because they could take votes away from each other.
That's of little concern as they prepare for this game. Sayin is having an excellent year as he has completed 83 of 115 passes for 1,206 yards with 10 TDs and 1 interception. Smith is the best receiver in the nation and he ranks with the top receivers that have ever played at Ohio State. He has caught 33 passes for 617 yards with 7 touchdowns, including a 72-yard TD reception against Illinois last Saturday.
The Buckeyes have a number of studs on the offensive line, and the running game includes Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jones. Jackson has rushed for 283 yards while averaging 5.7 yards per carry and Jones has 206 yards and is averaging an eye-opening 6.6 yards per carry.
The Hawkeyes will come into this game with plenty of momentum after their 20-19 triumph over Michigan. Quarterback Hank Brown threw a perfect pass to Reece Vander Zee in the end zone on the final play of the game. They quieted a thunderous crowd at Michigan Stadium and handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season.
The Hawkeyes are one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten as has are allowing just 239.8 yards per game. Head coach Kirk Ferentz knows his defense can't shut Smith down completely, but they will try to limit his big plays.
Iowa's offense came to life in the late stages of the win over the Wolverines, and Brown will try to get the best of Ohio State's defense. Brown has completed 66 of 97 passes for 700 yards with 5 TDs and no interceptions. RB Kamari Moulton has rushed 284 yards and he has a shocking 7.3 yards per carry average on his 39 rushing attempts.
Ohio State vs. Iowa Prediction and Pick
Ohio State has the same goals as it always does. Win the Big Ten title, beat Michigan and win the national championship. In order to accomplish those goals, they can't let a tough game on the road stand in their way. The loss to Texas means there is very little margin for error and a loss in this game would be disastrous since they have a huge game against defending national champion Indiana in two weeks. Iowa will come at Ohio State with an improving offense, but Ohio State will win the game. However, Iowa rewards its backers with the cover.
Final Ohio State vs. Iowa Prediction and Pick: Iowa +14.5 (-110) and Under 45.5 (-110)