Ohio State Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Iowa in Week 10
Ohio State football will travel to Iowa to face a tough Hawkeyes team in Week 10 and here’s everything you need to know for the Big Ten battle.
Ohio State vaulted them self back into the playoff discussion following their come from behind win against previously No. 2 Penn State, 39-38. J.T. Barrett was spectacular in the game finishing with 328 yards passing and four touchdowns, with three of those touchdowns coming in the fourth quarter alone. The Buckeye offense has continued to stay hot through the Big Ten slate, but Saturday could prove another challenge
Iowa comes into Saturday off a much-needed win over rival Minnesota in a low scoring affair, 17-10. Quarterback Nate Stanley was efficient, completing 15-of-27 passes for 190 yards and a long touchdown to tight end Noah Fant. It was nice way to wash out the bad taste in the mouth of Hawkeye fans following their loss to Northwestern a week ago, coincidentally losing by a score of 17-10. Iowa is 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten.
Despite Stanley’s efficient game on Saturday, the Hawkeyes currently rank 103rd in the country in total offense and rank 99th in rushing offense. A big reason for this is season-ending injuries to offensive tackles Ike Boettger and Boone Meyers, which has forced freshmen tackles Alaric Jackson and Tristan Wirfs into the starting lineup. These two will face their biggest challenge yet going up against studs such as Nick Bosa and Sam Hubbard for Ohio State.
The Iowa defense will face a huge challenge to slow down the explosive Ohio State offense. Buckeye running back J.K. Dobbins has been sensational in his freshman year, rushing for 863 yards and five touchdowns.
The trio of Parris Campbell, Johnnie Dixon, and K.J. Hill have led the Ohio State passing attack, with the three receivers combing for 1,107 yards and 11 touchdowns. Iowa cornerback Joshua Jackson will face his big challenge in slowing down the explosive trio.
Here’s where to find the Ohio State vs. Iowa game Saturday:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Venue: Kinnick Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Ohio State comes into the game with J.T. Barrett playing some of the best football in his career over the past few games. In his past five games, Barrett has thrown an astonishing 22 touchdowns and zero interceptions. That, coupled with his ability to make plays with his feet, will be a big key for Ohio State getting out of Iowa City with a win.
The Hawkeyes will have to rely on their bend, don’t break-defense once again to keep them competitive against a top-five opponent. Linebacker Josey Jewell is the heart and soul of this team and his play will help dictate an Iowa defense that is ranked 12th in the nation in total defense and is only allowing 17.4 points per contest.
Prediction
Whenever top-five teams come into Kinnick Stadium, fans of that team are always a little more on edge. Ohio State, however, seems to be immune to this “voodoo” that comes about when top-five teams come to play Iowa as the Buckeyes haven’t lost in Kinnick Stadium since 2004.
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There is no question Kirk Ferentz and company will have his crew ready for the mighty Buckeyes. Iowa will give it their all, but J.T. Barrett and the Ohio State offense will just make a couple more plays than the Hawkeyes in the end.
Final Score: Ohio State 24, Iowa 20