Lima residents will be watching this Saturday as the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) travel to Iowa City to face the undefeated No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten).
For Iowa, a victory would mark the first time the team has started 5-0 since the 2021 season, which saw them begin 6-0. For Ohio State, a second loss before the halfway point of the season would likely necessitate an undefeated run through the rest of their schedule to qualify for the College Football Playoff.
The highly anticipated matchup will largely depend on which team excels at its core strengths, particularly the battle between Ohio State's potent offense and Iowa's top-ranked defense. Ohio State currently boasts impressive national rankings, standing No. 2 in passing yards per game with 365.2, No. 6 in points scored per game at 45.0, and No. 8 in total offense per game with 522.0. In contrast, Iowa's offense ranks significantly lower in these same categories, at No. 86 in passing yards, No. 58 in points scored, and No. 48 in total offense per game. However, Iowa's defense is a national leader, ranking No. 1 nationally in points allowed per game, conceding just 8.0 points. The Hawkeyes have also not given up a rushing touchdown in their first four games of the season.
Special teams play could also be a critical factor in Saturday’s contest. Iowa has already demonstrated its strength in this area, returning two kicks for touchdowns this season. Braeden Jackson returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown last week against Michigan, and Evan James returned a punt 77 yards for a score against Northern Iowa. For Ohio State, the team brought Connor Hawkins in specifically for pressure-filled field goal situations late in games, suggesting an emphasis on reliable kicking when it matters most.
Ohio State's defensive line faces the dual challenge of pressuring Iowa quarterback Hank Brown and improving its run defense. Last week, Illinois ran for 199 yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry in Ohio State's 42-19 victory. Furthermore, in the final 19 minutes of Texas’ 24-23 win over the Buckeyes, the Longhorns had eight running plays between 5 and 12 yards, which contributed to them overcoming a 20-point deficit. Last week, Michigan held Iowa to 58 yards rushing, providing a benchmark for Ohio State's defense.
Controlling the game's tempo will be another key for Ohio State. Early deep passes from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith could help set the pace. However, if these throws fall incomplete, it could provide momentum for Iowa. In Iowa’s dramatic 20-19 win over Michigan last week, the Wolverines had more yards, more first downs, more possession time, and more red zone chances—a type of game sometimes described as "getting Iowa'd."
The matchup between Ohio State’s cornerbacks and Iowa quarterback Hank Brown also presents an interesting dynamic. Brown, in his first year as a starter, has not thrown an interception this season. Conversely, none of Ohio State’s cornerbacks have recorded an interception so far this season, setting up a potential test for both sides.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day previously described the Buckeyes’ football schedule as a "monster," given challenging road trips to locations including Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, and Nebraska, alongside home games against Oregon and Michigan. This formidable schedule is considered one of the toughest in college football this season. Iowa has consistently been a strong program in recent years, achieving eight or more wins in eight of the last ten non-Covid seasons, underscoring the challenge Ohio State faces on the road.
