The world-famous Ohio State Buckeyes will hit the road again to take on Kirk Ferentz and the stingy Iowa Hawkeyes in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. Both teams come in with high expectations.
Ohio State currently leads the all-time series 48-15-3.
The Buckeyes are looking to fix some key issues that could derail another national championship run. In contrast, the Iowa Hawkeyes will look to play spoiler after an emotional last-second victory at Michigan last Saturday.
This will lead to the biggest second half of the gauntlet of Ohio State’s 2026 schedule.
Iowa is also trying to keep the streak alive and hopes to return the Big Ten title.
Here are the key things to watch on Saturday
Run Game Must Improve vs Iowa Hawkeyes.
To take the next step in the chase for their 9th national title, the Buckeyes need to be more balanced, especially in the run game. The first four weeks have been inconsistent. The team has shown that it struggles with short yardage, efficiency, and explosive plays. The last two games haven’t gone as planned for the offense, even against teams like Kent State.
The combination of Bo and Jakobi Jackson and Isaiah West is working to become “angry” when carrying the ball.
Not expecting many explosive runs against a Phil Parker-led defensive unit. The biggest key will be that Ohio State doesn’t necessarily have to outrush the Iowa Hawkeyes, but be well-balanced in their approach to moving the chain and converting it into points.
Ohio State is averaging 156 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry so far this season.
Jeremiah Smith (And Friends???)
Ryan Day has spoken this year about getting first-year wide receivers Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. more integrated into the lineups. A huge task awaits in Iowa City.
The Buckeyes are still looking for more from the WR2 spot alongside Jeremiah Smith. Devin McCuin started hot, then fizzled after the season opener, and despite catching a Hail Mary against Kent State, Brandon Inniss should still be the WR3. Brock Boyd, Chris Henry Jr., and Phillip Bell are also worth watching.
While it’s impressive to watch Jeremiah Smith shatter records, the Buckeyes still need outside help.
Iowa’s defensive philosophy will be structured, keeping everything in front of the defense with zone coverages. Can these young wide receivers be patient, sitting in these zone pockets for Julian Sayin to dissect, will be the key.
Setting The Tone For A Defensive Game.
Matt Patricia and his defense will be looking to rebound after Illinois gained 462 total yards of offense, including 199 on the ground and 6.0 yards per carry.
The Iowa Hawkeyes average 215 yards per game on the ground and are ranked 4th in the conference. The Buckeyes will be keyed on slowing down Kamari Moulton on Saturday.
Ohio State will be looking to keep the Hawkeyes one-dimensional and force them to attack in the air, which is currently the team’s strength in the secondary.
However, they also had a rough outing; aside from Tony Diaz, they will not face a dynamic pass catcher for Iowa, but they still need to be prepared for play-action passes and the motion that Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester will run.
Pass-rush consistency has also been an issue Ryan Day has noted and wants to improve, including getting more from Kenyetta Jackson, Qua Russaw, and freshman Khary Wilder.
Playing “4 Quarters”
Words that Buckeyes fans don’t want to hear
The biggest thing to discuss is that Ohio State must finish the game and not let the potential belt slip away against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
This year, of course, we saw Ohio State choke away a lead to the Texas Longhorns in a game that went down to the wire. Ryan Day has to keep his team engaged with what he’s asking of them.
Iowa is the one team you don’t want to sleep on in all four quarters, especially at Kinnick Stadium.
Final Thoughts
This game has the potential to be an old-fashioned Big 10 football game, or it could be a severe blowout based on the talent the Buckeyes had at their disposal. The game will go into 4 quarters, but Julian Sayin and the game make too many plays to pull away from the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Final Score:
OSU: 35
Iowa: 17
