Fresh off a bye week, Iowa (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) hits the road for its biggest challenge to date. The Hawkeyes travel to No. 2 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten).
As expected during the offseason, the Buckeyes look like one of the Big Ten and nation’s best. Statistically, Ohio State has been terrific. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is firmly in the Heisman Trophy race, already having thrown for 24 touchdown passes and 1,737 yards.
Ohio State boasts the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 48.8 points per game. Iowa counters with the country’s third-stingiest scoring defense, surrendering just 9.83 points per game.
Offense has been tough to come by all season long for the Hawkeyes. Iowa ranks dead last nationally in total offense, averaging just 238.8 yards per game. The Hawkeyes rank No. 126 in scoring offense, putting up just 14.7 points per game.
Naturally, Iowa starting quarterback Spencer Petras needs his finest game. He’s thrown just two touchdown passes thus far this season and is yet to crack 1,000 passing yards. Maybe the Hawkeyes’ two top running backs, Leshon Williams and Kaleb Johnson, can find something explosive in the ground game.
That will be hard to find against a Buckeyes defense that looks retooled and imposing under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After finishing last season ranked 38th nationally in scoring defense, Ohio State currently ranks No. 10 in scoring defense, surrendering just 15.67 points per game. The Buckeyes allow opponents on average just 253.5 yards of total offense per game.
On paper, it looks like the mismatch that the oddsmakers at Tipico Sportsbook have it set at. What do those final numbers look like on game day from Tipico and what are several intriguing bets today for the Hawkeyes at the Buckeyes?