After passing its first real test in week four, the Hawkeyes have an even bigger one in week five.
The No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes host the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes at home in week five in a matchup of epic proportions. The Buckeyes own the all-time series, but found out the hard way that top-five teams don't come into Kinnick Stadium and walk away with a win. The last time the Buckeyes came to Iowa City in 2017, the Hawkeyes trounced them 55-24. These are two drastically different teams, and the stakes are even higher.
Final spread, moneyline, and total before Iowa and Ohio State's week-five matchup
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +14.5 (-115)
- Ohio State: -14.5 (-105)
Moneyline
- Iowa: +500
- Ohio State: -720
Total
- Over: 46.5 (-104)
- Under: 46.5 (-118)
The lines remained similar to the early projections, which don't give Iowa a chance in this game. Ohio State's offense has been lethal in three of the first four weeks, led by quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Iowa's secondary will be tested early and often, and oddsmakers believe Ohio State will win this game by two touchdowns or more.
A few final predictions for an important week-five matchup
Iowa is entering as an underdog for the second straight week, and that's just fine with us. The Hawkeyes love embracing the underdog role and will use that fire and the crowd's energy to make this game closer than most people think. The spotlight will be on Deshaun Lee and the Iowa secondary as they attempt to slow down Smith, which is easier said than done. Smith torched the Illinois defense for 217 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in week four, and Iowa can't let that happen again. Ohio State knows that Iowa is solid in all areas on defense, but will try to exploit the passing game early.
Limiting Smith and the passing attack's big play is paramount, and if the secondary can slow it down even a little bit, the Hawkeyes will be in this game. Ohio State has a well-rounded offense, but they have hit multiple big passing plays through the first four weeks. Texas shared the blueprint for beating Ohio State in week two when the defense made life difficult for Sayin. Smith got his (164 receiving yards, one touchdown), but the Longhorns' defense didn't let anyone else beat them. They held Sayin to 8.7 yards per pass and a 53 percent completion rate. If Iowa does the same, they'll succeed.
The Hawkeyes struggled to get pressure on Bryce Underwood in week four, but Underwood is more of a dual-threat than Sayin. The Hawkeyes must contain Sayin in the pocket and force him into some off-time throws. Although the defense is the focus, Iowa's offense is important too. Iowa must re-establish the running game after back-to-back poor performances. Otherwise, it could be a long game. Hank Brown and the passing attack woke up late against the Wolverines in week four, and they must carry that momentum into this week.
Iowa is improving each week, and they will surprise the Buckeyes in a close one in week five.
Final score prediction: Iowa 27, Ohio State 24
Add us as a preferred source on Google