Ohio State football has dominated early in the season. But, considering who it has played, that’s not too shocking. Even against a Big Ten foe like Michigan State, the Buckeyes were still more than three-score favorites.
While they will undoubtedly be expected to win by double figures against the Iowa Hawkeyes in their Week 6 battle, there are going to be a few areas to keep an eye on.
The main question to watch for is how dedicated will Chip Kelly be to the run game.
The Hawkeyes beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers last week 31-14, and they were able to be taken advantage of through the air; however, Minnesota ended the game with 21 carries for just 79 yards.
Iowa has the size in the trenches to stop the run, something Ohio State has tried to do early and often this season. Let’s just say Kelly is focusing on his humor going into the matchup as well as the Hawkeyes.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Chip Kelly on the biggest difference between being an offensive coordinator vs head coach:
“You can go to the bathroom between series”
😂
(h/t @AdamKing10TV)
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 2, 2024
Nonetheless, Iowa ranks 10th in the country in opponents yards per rush attempt, a category the Buckeyes rank 4th in. Ohio State sits 11th in rushing yards per game. There’s going to be a clash Saturday in Columbus.
Something has to give as Ohio State faces its first real test Surday.