After that wild last-second win over Michigan in Week 4, Iowa earned something special: ESPN’s “College GameDay” is rolling into town for the first time in two decades. That huge upset wasn’t just good for the hype, it also shot the Hawkeyes up three spots in the AP Top 25, setting up the only matchup between top 15 teams this entire weekend. This isn’t just a game, it’s a statement, and everyone’s watching to see if Iowa can pull off another shocker.
Ohio State’s Offense Is a Monster, No Way Around It
Let’s be real, the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes are an absolute offensive machine right now. They’re averaging a jaw-dropping 45 points per game and ripping off 7.8 yards a play. That’s not just good, that’s video game numbers. Their wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is basically uncoverable, a real problem for any secondary. And good luck stopping their run game, with Bo and Ja’Kobi Jackson combining for over 6 yards a carry. This offense is miles better than Michigan’s, which means Iowa’s defense is about to get tested in ways it hasn’t seen all season.
The Big Question: Can Iowa’s Defense Hold, And Will Ferentz Let Them?
Iowa’s defense is no joke, though. We’re talking about the best scoring defense in the entire country, only allowing eight points per game, and they’re shutting down opposing offenses to just 4.1 yards per play. That’s elite. But here’s the kicker: the defense can’t win this game by itself. We all saw what happened against Michigan when coach Kirk Ferentz made some conservative decisions that nearly cost them the game, needing a last-second touchdown to eke out the win. Will he be more aggressive against an Ohio State team that’s just flat-out better? Iowa QB Hank Brown needs to step up big time because this is where the Hawkeyes sink or swim.
This is a massive game for No. 14 Iowa, with No. 5 Ohio State coming to town Saturday, October 1, at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Ohio State is a 14.5-point favorite, with an over/under set at 45.5 points. Get ready, because this one’s gonna be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply