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Iowa Aims to Neutralize No. 3 Ohio State’s High-Powered Offense

The conference rival Iowa and Ohio State are set to renew hostilities when they meet at Ohio Stadium.

(Photo by Getty Images) Will Howard

Iowa (3-1-0) at Ohio State (4-0-0)

  • When: Oct 5 2024, 3:30 PM
  • Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
  • Where to watch: CBS

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Iowa @ Ohio State (#3)
Moneyline

Iowa   +725
Ohio State (#3)   -1300

Iowa @ Ohio State (#3)
Point Spread

Iowa   17.5 (-110)
Ohio State (#3)   -17.5 (-110)

Iowa @ Ohio State (#3)
Total

Over   46.0 (-110)
Under   46.0 (-110)

Passing Team Leaders:
Iowa: Cade McNamara 588 Yds
Ohio State: Will Howard 1039 Yds

Team Stats

Iowa   Ohio State
3-1 Record 4-0
1-0 Away & Home 3-0
2-2-0 ATS 2-2-0
4-0-0 O/U 3-1-0

Last Matchup:
Ohio State 54-10, October 22nd, 2022

Game Preview

Here’s a paraphrased version:

To pull off an upset against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon in Columbus, Iowa needs to start strong.

The Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have dominated their opponents with an average scoring margin of 42 points (48.8 to 6.8), yet they show vulnerability in the first half before making necessary defensive adjustments. Their second-half scoring advantage is striking, with a 91-3 margin compared to a combined 104-24 in the first two quarters.

Ohio State has also allowed significant yardage in the first half, conceding 186 yards to Marshall and 203 to Michigan State in their last two games, only to limit those totals to 61 and 60 yards in the second half.

“We need to make stops and force three-and-outs,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day stated. “Iowa has improved offensively and presents another challenge for our defense.”

Iowa (3-1, 1-0) may not match the Buckeyes’ explosive offense, but they aim to control the ball and quiet the crowd.

A key player for the Hawkeyes will be Kaleb Johnson, a native of Hamilton, Ohio. In a 31-14 victory against Minnesota, he rushed for a career-high 206 yards, averaging 9.8 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns, marking his fourth consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards. He currently ranks second nationally with 685 rushing yards.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz recognizes the challenge Johnson will face against Ohio State’s defense. “It’s going to be tough; the gaps will close quickly,” he said.

Johnson has made 12 runs of 20 or more yards this season, including a notable 64-yarder, which will likely draw the Buckeyes’ attention. However, they’ll need to contend with a stout Ohio State defense that ranks second nationally, allowing only 196.5 yards per game, compared to Iowa’s 272.8.

Iowa must also manage a versatile Ohio State offense that features running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who together have accumulated 666 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, along with a talented receiving corps led by freshman Jeremiah Smith (19 receptions for 364 yards and five touchdowns).

“They’re well-balanced and talented at every position,” Ferentz commented. “They’ve shown great production and are deserving of their ranking. They excel in all phases and are well-coached.”

Meanwhile, Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara, while relying heavily on the running game, has been efficient. He completed 11 of 19 passes for just 62 yards against Minnesota but managed to avoid turnovers for the second consecutive game.

McNamara drew a comparison to Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, who achieved an 18-for-18 passing performance against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

“There will always be ups and downs in games,” McNamara remarked. “Other than Jared Goff, you can’t play a perfect game.”

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NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Ohio State 35-13
The Pick: Ohio State -17½ & Over 46
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364

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