After getting its first win in Big Ten play, Ohio State will now play its road conference opener against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium, where the Buckeyes have had some trouble in the past.
The last time they went to Iowa City for a game was in 2017, when the Hawkeyes took them down 55-24. The Buckeyes hope to avoid that kind of Kinnick Stadium experience this time around.
Here’s how the Buckeye Sports Bulletin staff sees this game going.
Sam Cipriani: OSU Wins A Slugfest At Kinnick
Following an ugly defensive performance against Illinois, where Ohio State allowed over 450 yards of total offense for the first time since its trip to Oregon in 2024, the Buckeyes are now faced with a largely different challenge in No. 14 Iowa.
Iowa runs a much slower, more methodical attack, led by veteran quarterback Hank Brown. The Hawkeyes will look to establish a ground-and-pound approach, control the clock and limit possessions as they try to turn Saturday’s matchup into a low-scoring, field-position battle.
However, with Ohio State sending out the more talented roster, I expect the Buckeyes’ offense, particularly its passing attack, to generate enough momentum to pull away.
For that to happen, though, Ohio State will need production from receivers beyond Jeremiah Smith. Iowa will be well aware of where Smith is on the field, so other playmakers like wide receiver Devin McCuin will need to step up.
I have questions about Ohio State’s defense and whether it can consistently pressure Brown. With Kirk Ferentz’ emphasis on discipline, I also wouldn’t be surprised if special teams play a factor.
Still, I don’t think Iowa has enough offensive firepower to hang with the Buckeyes. Ohio State could have some trouble moving the ball, though, against an Iowa defense that entered the matchup allowing just eight points per game through four games, ranking first nationally in scoring defense.
With that in mind, Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins could once again play a significant role, and I project Hawkins to record his second three-field-goal game of the season.
While Ohio State will be looking to find the end zone, Hawkins’ leg should provide enough of an advantage for the Buckeyes to grind out a gritty win at Kinnick Stadium. Ohio State 23, Iowa 10
Bobby Gorbett: Buckeyes Survive Kinnick
There are tough road environments in the Big Ten, and then there’s the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kinnick Stadium. As evidenced by Ohio State’s 55-24 loss to the Hawkeyes in 2017, there are very few venues that give the home team as much of an advantage as Kinnick Stadium.
On paper, Ohio State has the better, more talented team. Despite defeating Michigan 20-19, Iowa showed several vulnerabilities on both ends of the field. The Hawkeyes allowed 276 passing yards. One would think Ohio State should have no problem moving the ball at will against this opposition.
However, Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is one of the best in the country. I think he’ll have a plan to slow down the loaded Ohio State offense as much as possible.
I think the Hawkeyes will limit the Buckeyes’ rushing attack enough to get some stops and stay in the game.
I believe the Buckeyes’ defense will bounce back after a poor performance against Illinois last week. Even though Iowa had its moments offensively against Michigan last week, I think it will struggle to move the ball against the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes may string together a couple of drives, but it won’t be enough to complete the upset.
In a slower-paced game, Ohio State will pull away in the second half to come up with its best win of the season so far. Ohio State 24, Iowa 14
Greg Wilson: Pass Attack Leads Ohio State To Victory
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith were inevitable in the Illinois game, and while Iowa normally has a very strong defense — and seems to again this season, allowing 8.0 points per game through four games — I don’t think it will have an answer for Smith.
In every game, Smith stands out far above the competition and he can not only hang with the best defensive backs in the country, but beat them all. Iowa DC Phil Parker isn’t simply going to let Smith walk all over his unit, though, and there could be a major focus on stopping the Heisman favorite, and that could still work to some extent.
But Devin McCuin has shown that he could be just what Sayin needs on the opposite side of the field when Smith is being shadowed and covered by multiple defenders. Sayin showed the ability to use multiple pass catchers in the game against the Illini, even when Smith dominated the way he did.
The OSU defense, after giving up 462 total yards of offense to Illinois, needs an Iowa offense to try to get back into the swing of things. Kamari Moulton could provide a bit of a challenge if OSU can’t plug up the middle again, but quarterback Hank Brown may have issues if the Buckeyes are able to pressure him on passing downs.
Whenever you go to Kinnick Stadium, there are a million ways the game could end up, and none of them would be much of a surprise. Ohio State 30, Iowa 20
