Ohio
Iowa football early opponent preview: Ohio State
Odds are in opposition to Hawkeyes for rematch of 2017 Woodshed sport
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud drops again to move in opposition to Tulsa in the course of the first half on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photograph/Jay LaPrete, File)
Editor’s notice: That is seventh in a 12-part sequence previewing Iowa soccer’s 2022 opponents.
The final time Iowa performed Ohio State, Iowa City became Woodshed, IA 52242.
Iowa surprised the then-No. 3 Buckeyes, 55-24, in 2017.
5 years later when the Hawkeyes to Ohio State on Oct. 22, odds will once more be in opposition to the Hawkeyes.
ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index provides Ohio State a 95 p.c likelihood of profitable.
The Buckeyes have reached both No. 1 or No. 2 within the Related Press Ballot within the final 9 seasons. The Hawkeyes haven’t received at Ohio Stadium since 1991.
A lot of Iowa’s journeys have been unsuccessful, however they’ve not less than been aggressive.
In Iowa’s final journey to the Horseshoe in 2013, the sport was tied at 24-24 going into the fourth quarter earlier than the Buckeyes finally pulled away. Earlier than that in 2009, Ohio State narrowly received, 27-24, in additional time.
Each groups are coming off bye weeks, so two of probably the most revered head coaches within the Huge Ten may have loads of time to organize for this matchup.
Iowa vs. Ohio State: 3 issues to observe
- Who wins the turnover battle? Forcing turnovers has been a key a part of defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s philosophy. It’ll be important for the Hawkeyes in opposition to an Ohio State offense with no apparent shortcomings.
- How a lot can Iowa’s protection decelerate C.J. Stroud? Stopping Stroud is a frightening process. Even in Ohio State’s two losses final 12 months, he had 484 and 394 passing yards, respectively. Slowing Stroud is extra possible, and it’s obligatory. The Hawkeyes can not afford to show this sport into an offensive shootout.
- Iowa’s offensive line vs. Ohio State’s line of defense. Iowa must have a multidimensional offense in opposition to Ohio State. For that to occur, Iowa’s working backs are going to wish some area to run. This is applicable for Iowa in opposition to most opponents, however particularly in opposition to the Buckeyes.
2022 prognosis
Iowa undoubtedly will likely be within the underdog in Columbus. Sustaining drives and forcing turnovers are musts for the Hawkeyes to maintain up with the Huge Ten’s standard-bearer.
Feedback: (319) 398-8394; john.steppe@thegazette.com