Oct 33 min read

Ohio State Set to Collide With Iowa in Huge Big Ten Battle

Ohio State|Will Howard — © Nick King/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0) will face the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1, 1-0) at home in Columbus, Ohio. The Big Ten Conference matchup will be the toughest of the season so far for both teams when they face off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 5.

What's at Stake?

The Buckeyes will look to stay undefeated as they continue their quest for a national championship. Head coach Ryan Day is well aware of the nation-wide expectations for his team. He has been laser focused this year. He seems to have his staff and roster on the same page as they climb toward their goal one game at a time.

The Iowa Hawkeyes dropped an early heartbreaking loss to rival No. 16 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0 Big 12 Conference) on Sept. 7. Their College Football Playoff hopes are still alive as they look to avoid taking a second loss. Pulling off a huge upset in Columbus would be monumental for their playoff hopes.

Key Players: Ohio State

Offense: Will Howard, Quarterback

The transfer QB will battle the best defense he's faced so far this season. The Hawkeyes' defense has a great front seven and an impressive defensive backfield. Howard will have to play a clean game after throwing an inexcusable interception last week against Michigan State (3-2, 1-1). His decision making was a question heading into this year as he was turnover-prone at times in his four years at Kansas State. He can't give Iowa any extra possessions in what should be a physical 60 minutes of play.

Defense: Sonny Styles, Linebacker

Styles is playing just his fifth game ever at his new position this weekend. His role as the "Will" linebacker could be the most important one on the field. Michigan State found some early success when isolating and attacking Styles in the run game and play action attack. He is a phenomenal athlete who is clearly still adjusting after the move from safety. His athleticism helps him make up for some mistakes, but those errors become much more detrimental as the competition ramps up. Styles will be put in positions to make or break plays all afternoon.

Key Players: Iowa

Offense: Kaleb Johnson, Running Back

The Iowa superstar has been one of the best running backs in the NCAA this year. Johnson has 685 yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging 8.4 yards per carry. The Hawkeyes are going to look to get him in the open field where he is nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one. The Iowa offense struggles to move the ball in the passing game, meaning they will likely look to keep Johnson involved early and often. He will also have some extra motivation as he is a Columbus native who was not heavily recruited by the Buckeyes.

Defense: Jay Higgins, Linebacker

Higgins is easily the leader of the Hawkeyes' defense. He leads them in tackles with 34 on the year. Higgins also has 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this season. He will attempt to help slow down the methodical Ohio State rushing offense. He could also cause another turnover as Howard has shown the ability to make an occasional poor decision. Higgins will be around the ball all game and could make an enormous impact.

Trends to Watch

Ohio State experimented with a three-linebacker defense in their 4-3 formation last week. They went to it nearly every time Michigan State put two tight ends on the field. Iowa almost always has multiple tight ends in their offensive formations under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The conclusion was that Ohio State used last week as a live-game preparation before facing this physical run-focused offense. Iowa will also surely utilize the play-action pass as the Ohio State linebackers were caught out of position against a similar scheme from the Spartans. The chess match on that side of the ball will be an extremely fun one to watch.