The best thing about 4-0…. is a chance to improve to 5-0. The Buckeyes will look to do just that as they host Iowa in their Big Ten home opener. As we approach this home test and final tune up ahead of a road showdown at Oregon, let’s highlight three things to watch:

1. The Hawkeye Offense

After an awful 2023 statistically, highlighted by Brian Ferentz’s failure to achieve 25 points per game and subsequent firing, the 2024 Hawkeye offense has shown improvement. Out of 133 FBS teams in 2023, Iowa was 132nd and 133rd in points and yards per game, respectively. Through their four games and 3-1 start, they rank 53rd and 65th in these categories.

This positive trend early in the season has been spearheaded by their rushing attack. They sit at 10th in the country, racking up an average of 250.3 yards per contest. The running back group is led by Cincinnati (Hamilton HS) native Kaleb Johnson. He has amassed 685 yards and 9 touchdowns, maximizing his 82 carries. Jaziun Patterson and Kamari Moulton have also contributed over 125 yards apiece, good for 5.3 and 4.1 yards per carry respectively.

Johnson, speaking to the media yesterday, said “Even if they offered me, I wouldn’t have went. I want to beat them. That’s my goal.”

This early success has not come without its difficulties and failures, as the Iowa passing attack still sits at 124th nationally. Senior QB Cade McNamara hasn’t been able to live up to expectations of improvement in this phase of the offense. His season stats are 588 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, earning himself a 30.8 QBR, which ranks 115th nationally.

Against an Ohio State run defense ranked 3rd in the country, Iowa will need to make some plays in the passing game to see overall success.

2. Ohio State Offense

Although the Iowa offense hasn’t been a thing of beauty this decade, they have feasted on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, the defense carried them to a 10-4 record in 2023, despite the offensive woes. In 2024, things haven’t been much different as they possess the 18th ranked total defense and 4th ranked rushing defense.

Thus, the Ohio State offense will truly face their first “test” offensively. Especially after facing the 40th, 112th, 120th and 121st ranked defenses through their first four games. The Buckeyes need to prove that they can win in the trenches and get push up front, despite facing a high quality opponent. It will be important for the Buckeyes to avoid becoming pass heavy and trying to remain balance on the shoulders of  running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.

Both these RBs have torn it up on the ground through the first four games. Judkins has carried the ball for 390 yards and 5 touchdowns, good for 8.3 yards per carry. While Henderson has 276 yards and 4 touchdowns, good for 8.9 yards per carry. Chip Kelly’s scheming, motions, guard pulling and overall creativity should be on display as the Buckeyes look to eat up yards on the ground and prove they are elite in all phases.

For the passing offense, it should be business as usual, as the only hiccups so far have been two Will Howard interceptions. Howard and company should be able to pick apart the Iowa passing defense, especially the secondary, which has shown lapses in execution. The receiving core is led by star-studded Freshman, Jeremiah Smith, who has burst onto the scene with 364 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 19 catches. Senior leader Emeka Egbuka has been more than respectable with 362 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 grabs. Carnell Tate and Gee Scott Jr. isn’t a bad way to round out your starting pass catching group either.

Overall, the Buckeye offense should see nothing more than a hurdle that they should jump over with ease. However, every week in the Big Ten is a test of grit and execution and this game could easily go awry if they aren’t locked in.

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3. Ohio State Defense

The Buckeyes have the number 2 ranked defense in the country. They have allowed just 196.5 yards per game and three touchdowns, while forcing 6 turnovers.

However, there have been several occasions through the first four games where opposing offenses have had success. Akron, Marshall and Michigan State all had moments where they seemed to be moving the ball with ease. Obviously Knowles and his players don’t want to give away the whole playbook against lesser opponents, however, the linebacker play and players seemingly lost or out of position can still be concerning.

Ultimately, it would be very pleasing to see the Buckeyes clamp down on Iowa. Let’s see if the Buckeyes can remain stout against a prolific rushing attack, forcing the Hawkeyes to take to the air where they have found little success. It should be very exciting to see how Knowles and his staff approach the game and if they find themselves being extra aggressive against a one dimensional offense.

Recap and Final Thoughts:

For the Buckeyes this should be a very passable test ahead of their primetime matchup with Oregon. The offenses and their early season trends, whether they continue or shift and Ohio State’s defensive execution will be the main things to watch for.

Ultimately, the Buckeyes will likely be too much to handle for a Hawkeye team that really shouldn’t score much, if at all. I like the Buckeyes to cover the 20.5 and the over of 44.5, with Ohio State winning handily, 35-10.

 

Featured image: USA Today Network, Samantha Madar