Iowa (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) at No. 4 Ohio State (6-0, 2-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Ohio State by 17.
Series Record: Ohio State leads, 45-14-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Hawkeyes need a win to remain a player in the Big Ten’s Legends Division. They come in a game back of Michigan State and Nebraska, each at 2-0. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are the top dog in the Leaders Division and must stay perfect to hang on to a shot at staying in the national title picture.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio State RB Carlos Hyde against Iowa’s rushing defense. After sitting out the first three games for an alleged physical conflict with a woman at a Columbus bar this summer, Hyde’s role has progressively grown in Ohio State’s rushing attack (11th in the nation at 281 yards a game). He has gone for 41 yards, 85 yards and 168 yards on 26 carries and three TDs in a 40-30 win over Northwestern before last week’s bye. The Hawkeyes have a stout defense against the run – eighth in the nation, giving up just 89 yards a game – that relies on LBs Anthony Hitchens, James Morris and Christian Kirksey to prevent anyone getting past the line for a big gain. Ohio State has rushed for 17 TDs so far, the Hawkeyes are the only team in the nation that hasn’t given up a TD on the ground.
Continue Reading: Iowa-Ohio State Preview Capsule
