College Football2 hours ago2 minute read

Iowa Defense Faces Massive Test Against Ohio State Offense

Iowa hosts Ohio State in a massive Week 5 matchup featuring the nation's best scoring defense against the Buckeyes' high-powered attack.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

The Big Matchup in Iowa City

Week 5 of the college football season is here, bringing ranked matchups in the SEC and Big Ten. College Football Playoff contenders are facing their first real tests of the year. One of the biggest games features Iowa hosting Ohio State.

Iowa is coming off a last-second win over Michigan. Now, they face a powerhouse. The Buckeyes have not played in Iowa City since 2017. In that game, the Hawkeyes routed Ohio State 55-24. Both teams will have that historic game on their minds as they prepare for this matchup.

Offense Meets Defense

It is no surprise that Iowa has a stout defense. The Hawkeyes are currently leading the FBS by allowing just eight points per game. They have surrendered only three offensive touchdowns all season long.

They will face another loaded Ohio State offense. The Buckeyes are scoring 45 points per game. Receiver Jeremiah Smith is also coming off a stellar performance where he scored four touchdowns.

Other games this week feature playoff contenders trying to prove themselves. Michigan is trying to bounce back against Minnesota, a team that beat Washington in Week 4. Also, the Kamario Taylor Show gets another tough challenge as Mississippi State hosts Alabama.

A Battle of Strengths

This game will show whether Iowa's defense can truly stop the best offenses in the country. Allowing just three offensive touchdowns is an incredible stat, but Ohio State's 45 points per game average is just as impressive.

With Jeremiah Smith playing at a high level, the Hawkeyes will need to play a perfect game. It is a classic Big Ten matchup that could shake up the playoff race.

What it means for the next game

Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes (College Football, Sat, 03 Oct): Iowa Hawkeyes win 17%, Ohio State Buckeyes win 83%; projected score Iowa Hawkeyes 15, Ohio State Buckeyes 30. Our safest pick: Under 55.5 points.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Washington Huskies (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Washington Huskies win 49%, Iowa Hawkeyes win 51%; projected score Washington Huskies 22, Iowa Hawkeyes 20. Our safest pick: Over 31.5 points.