TSB Staff Picks: Iowa will test Ohio State on Saturday as the Buckeyes take on the Hawkeyes at home ahead of a showdown with Oregon. 

David: This will be a hard-fought game, the Buckeyes cover and win. Ohio State 34 Iowa 13

Blake: We will learn a lot about this year’s Ohio State team starting Saturday. I expect the defense to show up and play fast and physically, focusing on Iowa’s talented RB, Kaleb Johnson. Offensively, Ohio State comes in with a simple scheme. Chip Kelly will want to run the football but will open it up with the pass attack. Ohio State 38 Iowa 10

Cass: This will ultimately be the biggest test for the Buckeyes. Iowa probably should be ranked as its only loss is from a last-minute field goal against top 15 rival Iowa St. I think Kaleb Johnson could give the Buckeyes fits however I expect Caleb Downs to have an ultimate game and will remind everyone why he is the best Safety in the country. Offensively the ink Will Howard will have the best game as a Buckeye with how good Tate, Smith, and Egbuka can be against a pretty uncharacteristically secondary of the Hawkeyes, I think Howard will be able to air it out which will open up the run game. Special teams I stand on my prediction there will be a Special Teams Touchdown. Ohio State 37 Iowa 10 

Dan: Iowa comes to town this weekend in what looks to be one of the top games of the weekend slate. I expect this game to be close early. Iowa’s elite defense will truly test Ohio State’s offense. I expect the Buckeyes to utilize Carnell Tate big-time in this contest. On defense, the Buckeyes should have no issue focusing on Kaleb Johnson. The Buckeyes win an ugly one. Ohio State 42 Iowa 7

Carson H: A fast start by the offense and the veteran playmakers will be vital to this game not being stressful down the stretch. I see the running game continuing its success with the passing game hitting on another big play or two. The defense shouldn’t have too much trouble with an offense that’s ultimately one-dimensional with minimal big-play ability. Ohio State has won six of the last seven against Iowa, with their last matchup being a 54-10 explosion in 2022. The Buckeyes win comfortably and, assuming they win as well, set up a huge undefeated matchup with the Oregon Ducks. Read Carson’s full thoughts here. Ohio State 38 Iowa 10