A fingertip away from stunning #2 Penn State was all it was that kept the Iowa Hawkeyes from beating a loaded Nittany Lions team. An up and down Iowa team has been what fans have seen every since.
In order for Iowa to beat one of #6 Ohio State (per the College Football Playoff) above all they will need to play their best game of the season. In doing so, they can beat Ohio State was the second time in Kirk Ferentz’ tenure, and the first time since 2004. They can also make Urban Meyer 0-1 in his career in trips to Iowa City.
Again, it will take a multitude of factors to come together to overcome the more talented Buckeyes, but three key things must happen for Iowa to prevail.
Limit The Success of JT Barrett
One of the most illustrious quarterbacks in the great history of Ohio State Football, JT Barrett is entering the Heisman conversation. Much like Saquon Barkley had a legendary performance against the Hawkeyes in September, last weekend in the comeback JT Barrett left a legendary impact.
Barrett in his senior season is running away with the Griese-Brees conference quarterback of the year award, and very well could win the offensive player of the year awards, if it wasn’t for Mr Barkley. Barrett cannot take over the game in Iowa City like Terrelle Pryor (2010) and Troy Smith (2006) have done before him.
The Hawkeyes have looked strong against much-hyped quarterbacks this season in Josh Allen and Trace McSorley. The likes of Josey Jewell and Anthony Nelson have limited their successes in those games. They will need to do it again this weekend.
The Other QB Has A Day To Remember
The spotlight hasn’t seemed to bright when its mattered most for first year starter Nate Stanley. He rose to the occasion in the overtime win against the sizzlingly hot Iowa State Cyclones, and has been mostly steady ever since.
One of the critiques one might find with Stanley’s play would be that he was regularly missing the deep ball. Last week he was able to connect on the touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant. Getting some impact plays going against a vaunted Buckeye defense will be critical. Also, avoiding the chaos-creating Nick Bosa will be of top priority for the Iowa offensive line.
Make The Buckeyes Play Iowa’s Type Of Game
Iowa isn’t going to win in a shootout with the Buckeyes.
The Hawkeyes need to make sure the game is ‘bowling shoe ugly’, and is mostly a battle between punters for much of the contest. Iowa has to rely on the Kinnick-faithful to make things difficult for Ohio State’s offense, and hope the weather helps contribute to some turnovers that go in their favor.
Predictions
Patrick Mooney (Dear Old Gold) 50-13
Devin Keller (Dear Old Gold) 50-13
Joe Favia (Dear Old Gold) 47-16
Brendan Stiles (Hawkeye Expert) 47-16
Derrick Mitchell (Former Iowa RB/RB Incarnate Word) 46-17
Bryan Dietzler (Dear Old Gold) 8-4
Luke Maiers (Dear Old Gold) 5-2
Wisconsin Badgers @ Indiana Hoosiers
Everyone- Wisconsin
Penn State @ Michigan State
Everyone- Penn State
Illinois Fighting Illini @ Purdue Boilermakers
Everyone- Purdue
Maryland Terrapins @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Joe, Luke, Derrick- Rutgers
Devin, Patrick, Bryan, Brendan- Maryland
Ohio State Buckeyes @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Joe, Luke- Iowa
Devin, Patrick, Bryan, Derrick, Brendan- Ohio State
Northwestern Wildcats @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Everyone- Northwestern
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Michigan Wolverines