The Ohio State Buckeyes offense is looking like a generational group with Jeremiah Smith getting Heisman Trophy hype. The Buckeyes offense got respect from Kirk Ferentz ahead of a showdown with the stout Iowa Hawkeyes defense.
Seven-time national title winning coach Nick Saban also praised the Buckeyes ahead of Week 5's game in Iowa City in comments made on The Pat McAfee Show.
“Well I think Ohio State's one of the most complete teams in the country,” Saban said. “I know they got tired in the fourth quarter and Texas came back and beat them but I still think, offense, defense, special teams, roster, they are one of the best teams in the country, and I think it's going to be very difficult for Iowa to be able to defend the explosive plays.”
Iowa will enter the game ranked No. 1 in scoring defense, top ten in total yards allowed and No. 2 in rush defense. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker is as seasoned as they come, but there are questions about his personnel's overall talent compared to Ohio State's offense. Saban seems to think Ohio State's defense is overlooked, judging by additional comments.
Article Continues Below“I think they probably need to continue to improve on defense, you know, down the road, but I think (OSU defensive coordinator) Matt Patricia's probably the best guy to do that.”
Saban has been all-in on the Buckeyes so far this season, recently comparing Smith to an Alabama and NFL legend. Smith has taken the accolades in stride and continues to impress as arguably the best receiver in college football.
Iowa beat Michigan football in Week 4, but the Buckeyes are a whole different animal. If Ohio State can get QB Julian Sayin untracked early and Smith follows suit, a blowout could be the final result of Week 5's showdown with the Hawkeyes.