What's next for Ohio State football? An early glance at the Iowa Hawkeyes
Ohio State is facing Iowa on Saturday for the first time since its 55-24 loss to the Hawkeyes in 2017, an upset that kept it from reaching the College Football Playoff.
The gap in the series is owed to the coronavirus pandemic. The teams were scheduled to meet in 2020 for a divisional crossover matchup, but the game fell victim to the Big Ten’s postponement of the season.
The chances of a repeat of five years ago don’t seem high, at least on paper. While Iowa won the West Division last season and features one of the best defenses in the nation, it is hamstrung by a woeful offense that is on the opposite end of the rankings.
The Hawkeyes' nine touchdowns are tied with Colorado State and Massachusetts for the fewest among the 131 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Week 8: Ohio State (6-0) vs. Iowa (3-3)
Saturday, noon, FOX, 97.1 FM
Poll position
The Buckeyes are No. 2 in both the Associated Press and coaches polls this week, remaining behind only top-ranked Georgia. Iowa has been unranked all season.
Ohio State vs. Iowa point spread
Ohio State opened as a 29.5-point favorite over the Hawkeyes, the second-largest line for the Buckeyes in a Big Ten game this fall.
Iowa's last game
The Hawkeyes suffered a 9-6 loss at Illinois on Oct. 8 and their offense was held without a touchdown for the second time in six games. It was also their second straight defeat. They were idle this past weekend.
Iowa's strength
One of the traits that makes Iowa’s defense among the nation’s best is its ability to limit big plays. It’s the only FBS team that has not allowed a play from scrimmage longer than 40 yards, and it surrenders only 3.83 yards per play, the second-fewest by any defense.
Iowa's weakness
Even in better years, the Hawkeyes are rarely mistaken for an offensive juggernaut. What is most striking about their struggles on the offensive side of the ball through six games is how much their offensive line has regressed without center Tyler Linderbaum, a unanimous All-American and Rimington Trophy winner, as its anchor. The 18 sacks allowed are the 23rd most in the FBS. Iowa also ranks 127th in rush offense. Much of the criticism has been directed toward offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, the son of longtime coach Kirk Ferentz.
Iowa’s player to watch
Linebacker Jack Campbell is on pace to be the Big Ten’s leading tackler for a second straight season and swarms to the ball, making him someone for the Buckeyes’ offensive line to keep an eye on when opening up holes for the running backs.
Iowa's X-factor
A lot of passes were picked off last season. Iowa’s 25 interceptions led the FBS a year ago, and Western Kentucky was the only other team with more than 20. But the Hawkeyes haven’t been as prolific generating turnovers this year. It has picked off six passes, ranking 44th. The trend is evident with cornerback Riley Moss, who had four interceptions in 2021, including a pair of pick-sixes, but has none this fall.
Ohio State-Iowa series history
Before Ohio State was upset by the Hawkeyes in 2017, it had won five games in a row in the series with the previous defeat coming in 2004. The Buckeyes’ last loss to Iowa in Columbus came in 1991.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football early glance at Week 8 opponent Iowa
