The Ohio State Buckeyes host the Iowa Hawkeyes ahead of a Top 10 showdown against Oregon. Are the Buckeyes on upset alert?

Trap games have been an issues with the Buckeyes in the past. Whether they were upset losses like 49-20 loss to Purdue in 2018 or the “Holy Buckeye” 10-6 game to Purdue in 2002.

Usually those so called trap games happen a game before a top 10 matchup or “The Game.” Could the Buckeyes be in that scenario this week when they strap up with Hawkeyes this Saturday? Kirk Ferentz teams have been that ultimate trap team in the during his tenure with Iowa. In 2016 Hawkeyes upset then No. 1 Michigan 14-13.

Also a forgetful memory for Buckeye fans was the 55-24 loss to Iowa in 2017. With Ohio State heading to Eugene next week, this could be the ultimate trap game and things could be uncomfortable and dicey for Buckeye Nation.

The Hawkeyes will test the Silver Bullets, particularly the linebackers as RB Kaleb Johnson has had a phenomenal start to the season. Iowa averages 6.0 yard per carry, so expect the Ohio State to sell out to stop the run and force the Iowa receivers to win down the field.

On the flip side, this is Chip Kelly’s first matchup scheming against Iowa DC Phil Parker. Expect a simple plan with effective run concepts and working the Iowa secondary in space. Day and Kelly should allow Ohio State’s athleticism to win the game, rather than trying to out-scheme the talented Hawkeyes.

This matchup is a precursor to the Penn State and Michigan games, so there is a lot to learn about the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes over the next month, but especially on Saturday in a look-ahead-spot with Oregon looming.

I do, however, think the Buckeyes take care of business this Saturday but could be too close for comfort.