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Iowa football early opponent preview: Ohio State
Odds are against Hawkeyes for rematch of 2017 Woodshed game
Editor’s note: This is seventh in a 12-part series previewing Iowa football’s 2022 opponents.
The last time Iowa played Ohio State, Iowa City became Woodshed, IA 52242.
Iowa stunned the then-No. 3 Buckeyes, 55-24, in 2017.
Five years later when the Hawkeyes visit Ohio State on Oct. 22, odds will again be against the Hawkeyes.
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Ohio State a 95 percent chance of winning.
The Buckeyes have reached either No. 1 or No. 2 in the Associated Press poll in the last nine seasons. The Hawkeyes haven’t won at Ohio Stadium since 1991.
Many of Iowa’s trips have been unsuccessful, but they’ve at least been competitive.
In Iowa’s last trip to the Horseshoe in 2013, the game was tied at 24-24 going into the fourth quarter before the Buckeyes eventually pulled away. Before that in 2009, Ohio State narrowly won, 27-24, in overtime.
Both teams will be coming off bye weeks, so two of the most respected head coaches in the Big Ten will have plenty of time to prepare for this matchup.
Iowa vs. Ohio State: 3 things to watch
- Who wins the turnover battle? Forcing turnovers has been a key part of defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s philosophy. It’ll be essential for the Hawkeyes against an Ohio State offense with no obvious shortcomings.
- How much can Iowa’s defense slow down C.J. Stroud? Stopping Stroud is a daunting task. Even in Ohio State’s two losses last year, he had 484 and 394 passing yards, respectively. Slowing Stroud is more feasible, and it’s necessary. The Hawkeyes cannot afford to turn this game into an offensive shootout.
- Iowa’s offensive line vs. Ohio State’s defensive line. Iowa needs to have a multidimensional offense against Ohio State. For that to happen, Iowa’s running backs are going to need some space to run. This applies for Iowa against most opponents, but especially against the Buckeyes.
2022 prognosis
Iowa undoubtedly will be in the underdog in Columbus. Sustaining drives and forcing turnovers are musts for the Hawkeyes to keep up with the Big Ten’s standard-bearer.
Comments: (319) 398-8394; john.steppe@thegazette.com
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud drops back to pass against Tulsa during the first half on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
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