Iowa vs Ohio St. Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Strength Against Strength
The Iowa Hawkeyes’ perilous schedule continues in Week 8 as they will play their third consecutive Top-25 opponent. This will be the toughest challenge yet. Iowa will travel to The Horseshoe to take on No. 2 Ohio State. This matchup will be strength against strength. Iowa (3-3, 1-2) has one of the nation’s best defenses, while Ohio State (6-0, 3-0) boasts college football’s top offense.
Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports and college football lines for Iowa vs Ohio St.We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The same issue has hindered Iowa all season. The offense has been horrendous, ranking 120th in points per game and 127th in yards per game. The Hawkeyes’ poor quarterback play has come to the forefront due to the run game’s struggles (120th in yards per carry).
Despite quarterback Spencer Petras’ play, Offensive Coordinator Brian Ferentz has refused to address the idea of naming a new starting QB. When asked about giving Alex Padilla a chance to start, Ferentz responded with, “What would be the upside?” With Ferentz’s ignorance, the Hawkeyes’ offense will get no better anytime soon. Petras is completing 54% of his passes while averaging only 5.8 yards per attempt. That gives an insight into just how bad the senior QB has been.
The defense is keeping Iowa in games. It ranks third in allowed points per game and 10th in allowed yards per game. Against Ohio State’s high-powered offense, Iowa’s offense must put up points to stay close.
Ohio State Buckeyes
During Ohio State’s bye week, two potential playoff contenders, Alabama and USC, lost, increasing the Buckeyes’ playoff chances. OSU enters Week 8 as the national title favorite (+175). In addition, quarterback C.J. Stroud (Ev) has competition for the Heisman Trophy as Tennesee’s quarterback Hendon Hooker (+500) comes off a huge win.
Against Iowa, the Buckeyes hope superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will return from his hamstring injury. The Hawkeyes will tout the best defense OSU has seen. Being at full strength on offense would be a big help. Even without Smith-Njigba, Ohio State’s offense should have success. Iowa State (44th in passing yards per game) is the best passing offense Iowa has played. The Buckeyes rank 16th in passing yards per game and third in passing yards per attempt with the Heisman front-runner, Stroud, and the nation’s best receiving corps.
Still thinking about this CJ Stroud throw pic.twitter.com/ciJw4n5qDX
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 11, 2022
This should be another easy game for Ohio State’s defense. If Iowa’s terrible offense finds success, the Buckeyes will have big concerns.
Iowa vs Ohio St. Game Injuries
Iowa vs Ohio St. Head-to-Head
While Ohio State has dominated the Big Ten for nearly 20 years, Iowa has found success against the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 in the last seven matchups. Iowa dominated the last battle in 2017, defeating Ohio State 55-24.
Iowa vs Ohio St. Game Information
- Game: Iowa vs Ohio State
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 12 p.m. ET
- Iowa vs Ohio St. Live Stream: ESPN
Iowa vs Ohio St. Betting Lines
Iowa vs Ohio St. Prediction
The Buckeyes will be highly motivated after 2017’s embarrassing 55-24 loss against the Hawkeyes. Ohio State will win comfortably, but Iowa’s defense will be a good challenge. Wisconsin or Notre Dame is the best defense OSU has played, and we know how much both teams have struggled. Don’t be surprised if the Buckeyes’ offense starts slow against a great defense. Iowa will cover on the road.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
