Iowa @ Ohio State - Thoughts?

I’m a huge Buckeyes fan and avoid betting on my team. Routinely, I’m called a homer. So I’m asking for your help before I take my team. Open my eyes! 

How will Iowa keep up with the Buckeyes offense? The Hawkeyes offense is one dimensional. They didn’t break 100 yards passing in their games against Minnesota and Iowa State. Ohio State has started off games slow and made great adjustments in the second half all season. What adjustments have to be made when you know they will run, run and run some more? 

Facts: 

- Ohio State has Oregon on deck

- Iowa coming off a bye 

- The Buckeyes have a 91-3 scoring advantage after halftime after a combined 104-24 in the first two quarters.

- Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams

- Ohio State has covered the spread in each of its last four games against conference opponents at Ohio Stadium

- Ohio St is 12-6-1 ATS L19 vs Iowa

- Iowa QB 130 yards pg 4 tds to 4 ints

- OSU QB 267 yards pg 10 tds to 2 ints 

- Buckeyes 483-248 yard edge against Michigan State even with pulling starters early 

- Troy made it close at Iowa. 24-21 Iowa after the 3Q and then they pulled away with a pair of long TD runs in the 4Q

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Even from you Xichigan fans! 

I’m leaning over for the game and Buckeyes minus the points. 

I’m a Buckeye alum, so a big homer too that follows them closely. History shows we cover vs Iowa but I do have my concerns with Will Howard just not facing a decent defense yet. Sure OSU has maybe the best dual running backs in the nation but I think Howard will have to make some passes. Even know they’ve been blowing inferior teams out, I still think it doesn’t click all together just yet. With that said, they do make massive big plays from their explosive players. Ebuka and Smith can take it to the house 50+ yards at any time, and they will! I’ll mostly likely pass on a side but may play the total. 

Both these teams are 7-1 combined to the over. Iowa’s defense has taken a step back and they have a better offense than well last year lol. Last week 2H only 14 points were scored, but I don’t think it happens like that again. OSU is too talented and if they do go up big the talented backups have to be dying to get playing time. My main concern is will Iowa be able to score enough to push this over. OSU might be able to force a couple turnovers or a defensive score as well. Haven’t played this yet but I lean over with both teams trending towards the over,   a low total, and good weather. 

I would lean to Iowa 1st half, should be a super physical slug fest with little scoring. In the second half OSU should be able to start scoring once Iowas defense gets worn down from being on the field too long as I dont think their offense will be able to do anything 

i agree with yanasaur...im going to do iowa 1st half pre game...and then wait for a cheaper liveline for ohio state. i think it will be kind of close 1st half...and i can see iowa turning the ball over in the 2nd half and ohio state will pull away. their offense wont be able to go toe to toe with ohio state whole game 

Value on the odds diminished. Not my type of game but in this situation I’d take the Hawkeyes. Huge difference between this season vs last season version of Iowa. 

From my perspective, it’s Ohio State or nothing… OSU has a talent advantage at every position except linebacker.   The afternoon game is at the shoe…Ohio State has been a bit incognito…watching Texas and Alabama share in the glory.  It’s October and I think the Buckeyes want to make a statement.   OSU D is significantly improved as demonstrated by shutting down MSU in East Lansing.    Seems like some late public love for Iowa has come in to push this below 3 touchdowns.   I think the value here is on Ohio State…

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Greatly appreciated 

To the alums of Ohio State. Why is Ohio State afraid to play legitimate teams? The following is their early 2024 schedule.

8/31 Akron

9/7 W Michigan

9/21 Marshall

9/28 at Michigan St 

Total wussy schedule! I would be totally embarrassed if my alma mater played chump change like the Buckeyes! 

@sundance

3 games before conference play

@sundance

 I consider this giving back to the lesser schools. Akron really needs the check! 

Ohio State team total over 31, definitely a winnah!!

Good call most of all you.