Iowa Hawkeyes vs
Ohio St. BuckeyesPredictions & Preview

Ohio State Favored to Win by 19.5 Points Against Iowa in Big Matchup

On Saturday afternoon, Iowa will face off against Ohio State, the third-ranked team in the country, in Columbus. The Hawkeyes recently secured a 34-14 win in their Big Ten opener against Minnesota, while the Buckeyes defeated Michigan State 38-7 on the road. Ohio State is favored to win by 19.5 points, with the game set to kick off at 3:30 EST at Ohio Stadium.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hawkeyes +800 | Buckeyes -1400
• Spread: Hawkeyes +19.5 (-110) | Buckeyes -19.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 45.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Ohio St. will win straight-up is 93%.

Iowa vs Ohio St. Stats

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes have had a strong start to the season, with their only loss being a narrow one-point defeat to Iowa State. They have since rebounded with back-to-back wins, showcasing a dominant ground attack led by junior RB Kaleb Johnson. Johnson has been a key contributor, ranking second in the nation in rushing yards and tied for third in rushing touchdowns. The defense has also been impressive, holding opponents to low scoring and yardage totals and excelling on third down conversions. With a power ranking of 71, Iowa is ranked 54th in offense and 23rd in defense. They currently hold a 3-1 record for the season.

Ohio St. Buckeyes Analysis

The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a 31-point victory over Michigan State in their first Big Ten matchup of the season. Although they scored their fewest points of the season in this game, they continue to have one of the highest scoring offenses in the country, averaging 48.8 points per game. Their total yards per game and rushing yards per game also rank among the top in the nation. The defense has been solid, allowing only 7 points in their most recent game and ranking third in the country for fewest first downs allowed. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles emphasized the importance of tightening up coverage to improve defensive performance. The Buckeyes currently have a power ranking of 5 and are ranked 3rd in offense, scoring an average of 52.33 points per game. Against Iowa, they have had a successful record in recent matchups.

Ohio State vs Iowa: Buckeyes favored, but Hawkeyes poised to cover spread

The Ohio State Buckeyes have historically dominated the head-to-head series against the Iowa Hawkeyes, boasting a 45-15-3 straight up record. Both teams enter this matchup with 2-2 against the spread records for the year. This game will serve as a significant test for Ohio State's defense, as they face a formidable Iowa rushing attack led by Johnson, who is considered one of the best backs they will face all season. Although Ohio State will undoubtedly look to contain Johnson, his recent performances suggest otherwise. While a victory for Iowa may be unlikely, I anticipate a closer game than anticipated. My recommendation is to take Iowa to cover the spread in this matchup.

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