The Iowa Hawkeyes and Kirk Ferentz look to upset the Ohio State Buckeyes as the program gains real national momentum.
The Ryan Day-led No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes are heading to Iowa City in what will be a roaring environment to face off against the No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes.
This week’s Roundtable College Football Game of the Week looks at a Buckeyes team with their explosive threat in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith coming to a Hawkeyes program who just pulled off one upset and is primed to give Ohio State all they’ve got.
Kinnick Stadium is set to be electric as ESPN’s College Football GameDay will be in town for the first time in 20 years. The Buckeyes (3-1) are looking to halt Iowa’s (4-0) momentum as they look to make a real stand for the College Football Playoff.
The Big Ten battle is one of the most intriguing games on the slate for Week 5.
We reached out to our Buckeyes Roundtable publisher Brendan Gulick and Hawkeyes Roundtable publisher Brad Schultz to answer five key questions ahead of the Big Ten showdown.
1. What is the biggest story for your team heading into the matchup?
Ohio State RTB: What did they learn from the Texas game? This is Ohio State's first opportunity to face a top-ranked opponent on the road since the meltdown in Austin. Learning how they will approach this one differently and seeing if Ryan Day is going to try to end the football game when he has the opportunity to is the biggest storyline in this game.
Iowa RTB: The biggest storyline for Iowa entering this game isn't even related to the actual game - it's the national attention the Hawkeyes are suddenly receiving. Iowa City RARELY gets home games like this anymore, and College GameDay being present for the first time in 20 years is all you need to know. Iowa is an instant College Football Playoff contender if it pulls this one out.
2. What is the most important matchup in this game?
Ohio State RTB: It is Ohio State's offensive line against the Iowa defensive line. This is now the third week that the Buckeyes might be without their starting right tackle, Phillip Daniels, and this once patchwork group is now becoming a mainstay. Can they hold up in a tough environment against a really good defense when the chips are down? That matchup will determine the football game.
Iowa RTB: The most important matchup in this game has to be Iowa's secondary against Jeremiah Smith. We know he's going to get a big play or two in this one, but the Hawkeyes have to find a way to limit those explosive plays. Massive challenge for the secondary.
3. Which player from your team isn’t talked about enough but could play a huge role?
Ohio State RTB: Ohio State tight end Nate Roberts is one of the most important members of the Buckeyes' offense. He only has eight catches this year, but that is the fourth most on the Buckeyes behind Jeremiah Smith. When Smith is covered, he is Sayin's security blanket, and when he catches the football, it turns into a first down nearly every time. It will be critical for the Buckeyes to move the chains against Iowa, and he will play a major role in that.
Iowa RTB: Tony Diaz and Reece Vander Zee are the clear No. 1 receivers, but it feels like Evan James has slipped under the radar, too. The punt return touchdown in the season opener was impressive, and his speed and agility may be needed to create chunk plays.
4. What is your team’s biggest Achilles heel?
Ohio State RTB: It is by far and away Ohio State's run defense. It hasn't even been average; it has simply been bad through four weeks. As their opponents continue to get better, their inability to own the line of scrimmage on defense is going to come back to bite them. They gave up 200 yards on the ground to Illinois, and they can't afford to do that again against Iowa.
Iowa RTB: This young Iowa defensive line is easily the weakest part of this Iowa team. There's a lot of talent there, but I just haven't seen enough pressure against Power Four competition. Bryce Underwood was able to have a career passing day last weekend, and that's because he faced little to no pressure.
5. What is your final score prediction?
Ohio State RTB: Buckeyes 38, Iowa 10. Everyone believes this game is going to be close; I do not. The Buckeyes are in a completely different tier than the Iowa Hawkeyes, and they will show it on Saturday.
Iowa RTB: Ohio State 27, Iowa 17. The Hawkeyes are absolutely capable of winning this game, but I think the Buckeye offense gets going at the right time to pull away for a victory. Iowa does cover the spread, though.
