Ten Things People Will Be Saying After The Iowa Game

Welcome to the biggest game day of the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes so far this year. A disciplined Iowa team comes to Columbus and if the Buckeyes are going to continue on toward their destined undefeated path to Eugene, Oregon next week, they’ll need to handle that customary Hawkeye discipline and toughness.

Ohio State doesn’t need to play its best game in order to win, but they better not play a bad game or else this one could last long into the fourth quarter. That being said, I’m expecting things to work out well enough, and I’m expecting this is what people will be saying afterwards.

“The pass protection continues to hold up.”

Iowa is a middle-of-the-pack pass-rush team in the Big Ten, but only two of their 10 sacks on the season have come against Power 4 teams. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s offensive line — and running backs — have given quarterback Will Howard — and Devin Brown — time to throw the ball this year. That should continue, especially if Iowa holds back on the blitzing. The Hawkeyes have allowed three pass plays of 60 yards this season. The rest of the Big Ten has allowed that same number total. If Will Howard has time — which he will — he should be able to grab good chunks of yardage.

“Is this the best safety duo we’ve ever had?”

Ohio State starting safeties Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs will be active in this one, helping out in the running game and creating chaos in other ways as well. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said that Downs was “activated” last week and will remain that way. Together, their respective performances will have you asking what former OSU safety duo even compares to this one. Damon Moore and Rob Kelly? Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey? Malik Hooker and Damon Webb? Jordan Fuller and Shaun Wade?

“I’m still not happy about the run defense.”

The Ohio State defense allowed a 19-yard rush on the first play of the game last week and just 28 yards rushing the rest of the way out. And yet after the game there were murmurs from the fan base and media about the run defense. The Buckeyes are No. 3 nationally against the run, but it only takes a run or two to make things seem much worse than they are. Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson is not going to be entirely denied in this game. He’s going to get some yards. Make friends with it. And then get even more concerned when you superimpose those successes on the ground with an Oregon offensive attack.

“Will Howard needs to calm down with the turnovers.”

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has thrown an interception in back-to-back games — and he’s lucky that he’s only thrown one in each of those games. I’m not trying to put this out into the world, but he’s also due for a fumble. This is going to be the best defense Howard has faced this season. Expect some difficulties. But let’s also see how he overcomes them.

“The tougher team won today.”

The Buckeyes are going to need some tough yards today, and they’re not going to shy away from getting them. Ohio State isn’t going to move the ball just by throwing wide receiver screens and tossing it deep. They are also going to have to stop an Iowa running game that is second in the Big Ten in rushing right now (250.3 ypg). Hawkeye running back Kaleb Johnson is second nationally in rushing (171.3 ypg) and leads the Big Ten by 24 yards per game. The Iowa offense is going to try to shorten this game and win on first down. The Buckeyes won’t let that happen.

“How did this guy beat us in 2021?”

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara was Michigan’s starting quarterback. So far against Power 5 opponents this season, McNamara is completing just 50% of his passes and has yet to throw for 100 yards in a game. So, yeah, you’ll be asking yourself how McNamara beat Ohio State back in 2021. But you’ll also know the answer.

“This is the best we’ve seen Sonny play.”

Junior linebacker Sonny Styles has been a topic of conversation this season for Buckeye fans, media, and coaches. He is leading the Ohio State defense with 23 tackles and leads the linebackers in snaps. There have been some missed tackles, however, which has been a cause for concern. (Not that Styles is the only linebacker who has had those issues this season.) Leverage is going to be key today, but so is eliminating those missed tackles. This is a game where Sonny Styles can eliminate some of his doubters.

“We’re still not getting much from the special teams.”

Since sophomore receiver Brandon Inniss had a 36-yard punt return in the season opener, the most exciting thing to happen to the Ohio State special teams is three-consecutive kickoffs out of bounds. Iowa likes to play field-position battles. One of the ways to win that kind of game is to have a good day in special teams.

“I’m really gonna enjoy TreVeyon and Quinshon this year.”

One of the good things with the Ohio State running game this year is that there will never be any tired legs. They can just keep churning no matter how late the game gets or how long the drive has been. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins will just keep driving, and any carry has the potential to go the distance. This is not something that happens every year for a team, and it needs to be appreciated.