Since losing to Oklahoma 31-16 in Week 2, the Ohio State Buckeyes have played like champions.
The rest of the non-conference schedule? Dispatched by 30+ points each. Then the Buckeyes got down to business, scoring almost 60 points per game and giving up only 4 insignificant touchdowns to 3 conference opponents.
When Penn State looked to kill the momentum by going up 35-20 on OSU after 3 quarters last week, J.T. Barrett played the 4th quarter of his life as Urban Meyer’s team came back and won 39-38. That’s major clutch-gene.
But does the excitement of the moment have an effect on bookies? Iowa stands at 5-3 and is a legitimate Big Ten opponent, having lost only once at home in 2017…21-19 to Penn State. Yet the point spread opened at (+17) for the hard-nosed Hawkeyes, who may enter this Saturday’s contest looking to earn respect.
Who: Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes
When: Saturday, November 4th, 3:30 PM EST
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Lines: OSU (-17.5) at Iowa (+17.5) / O/U Total: (52)
The Iowa Hawkeyes have not allowed more than 21 points in a game all season, except for a 44-41 OT win over state-rival Iowa State in early September. The Hawkeye defense held Minnesota QB Demry Croft to a rock-bottom 9 completions on 29 attempts last week, and intercepted a pass.
Look back at the Penn State game, and the team looks even more underrated. Iowa gave up a lot of yards against the Nittany Lions, but grabbed turnovers and made clutch drives in the 4th quarter.
Is J.T. Barrett so good right now that the Buckeyes would blow out almost anybody? Barrett is a wunderkind, so accurate with the ball and such a smart runner than no defense is safe on 3rd down. But the defense is inconsistent enough to give Iowa chances to control the ball and play field-position, shortening the game.
We’re liking the Iowa Hawkeyes against the point spread, especially on a (+17.5) line. The hosts will be buoyed on the edge-rush by a big home crowd, and will bang and crash with enough discipline to keep it close.