In this article, we will formulate an Ohio State vs Iowa prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 5th at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 6 matchup.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-0 (1-0) this year after they defeated Michigan State by a score of 38-7 last week. Ohio State’s lead was cut to 10-7 in the second quarter, but they scored the last 28 points in the game for the win. The Buckeyes outgained MSU by a total of 483-246, won the turnover battle 3-1, and went 8-17 on third down in the game. Will Howard threw for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Emeka Egbuka caught seven passes for 96 yards and one score.
Ohio State also has wins over Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall to open up the season. The OSU offense has scored 48.8 points per game with 307.8 passing yards and 227 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 6.8 points per game this season. The Buckeyes have gone 49% on third down and 6-8 on fourth down so far this season. Will Howard has completed 68.6% of his passes for 1,039 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Quinshon Judkins has rushed for 390 yards and five scores.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 3-1 (1-0) this season after they defeated Minnesota by a score of 31-14 in their last game. Iowa trailed 14-7 at halftime, but they outscored Minnesota 24-0 in the second half for the win. The Hawkeyes outgained Minnesota by a total of 334-288, won the turnover battle 2-0, and went 7-15 on third down in the game. Cade McNamara threw for 62 yards on 11 completions, while Kaleb Johnson rushed for 206 yards and three scores.
Iowa also defeated Illinois State and Troy earlier this season, but they did lose to Iowa State by a score of 20-19. The Iowa offense has scored 32 points per game with 147.5 passing yards and 250.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 13.8 points per game this season. The Hawkeyes have gone 45% on third down and 0-3 on fourth down through four games. Cade McNamara has completed 62.7% of his passes for 588 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 685 yards and nine scores.
Why Ohio State will cover
- Ohio State has won each of its last 51 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has lost each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games against AP-ranked teams.
- Ohio State has covered the spread in each of its last four home games against conference opponents.
- Ohio State has won the first quarter in 23 of its last 27 games against conference opponents at Ohio Stadium.
- Ohio State has won the first half in 20 of its last 21 games against conference opponents at Ohio Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Iowa’s last eight games as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Ohio State’s last four home games against conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio State ranks 1st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (6.8).
- Ohio State ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (15.8).
- Iowa ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Iowa ranks T4th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (23.0).
Ohio State vs Iowa Prediction
Ohio State rolls into this matchup after winning their first four games very easily and they will be back at home for this game. The Buckeyes have been one of the best teams in the country to start the season, but this will be their toughest test yet. Iowa isn’t a great team, but they play strong defense and are very physical. If the Hawkeyes can get pressure on Will Howard, they may be able to slow down the OSU offense, but I think Iowa is going to struggle to score. The Hawkeyes will hang around for a little bit with their running game, but I am taking Ohio State to pull away once again.