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IOWA CITY, Iowa -- In a pivotal Big Ten showdown, No. 6 Ohio State defeated No. 14 Iowa 31-14 on October 3, ending a three-game skid against ranked opponents and offering a much-needed confidence boost. The Buckeyes had previously fallen to Texas, Indiana, and Miami in marquee matchups, but their triumph over the Hawkeyes marked a turning point as they enter a demanding portion of their schedule.
"It builds confidence, really," wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said. "We didn't get a win back in Austin, so getting our first road win with this team, it means a lot."
The Hawkeyes entered the game undefeated and riding momentum from a win at Michigan, while their stout defense initially stymied Ohio State. After the Buckeyes capitalized on a turnover for an opening-drive touchdown, they were held to a 28-yard field goal by Connor Hawkins and a missed 43-yard attempt that hit the left upright. Ohio State clung to a 10-6 lead for most of the third quarter, but unlike their historic collapse at Texas, they pulled away and protected their advantage.
"This is an opportunity to say we went on the road in a tough environment against a very good team and we won with a certain style," coach Ryan Day said. "That will give this team confidence and something to build on."
Defense Takes a Step Forward
Ohio State's defense, while still prone to giving up big plays, showed significant progress at Iowa by creating havoc. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. opened with a strip sack that led to the Buckeyes' first touchdown, and safety Jaylen McClain intercepted a pass in the third quarter to set up another score. It was the first time in eight Big Ten games that Ohio State forced multiple takeaways. The unit also recorded two sacks and six quarterback hurries, the most in Matt Patricia's two years as defensive coordinator.
"We can do a lot," Jackson said. "If everybody's doing their job, playing as one, flying to the ball, there's no limit to what the defense can do."
Jackson and McClain were among three returning starters, but transfers also made an impact. Defensive end Qua Russaw had a sack, and defensive tackle John Walker had two hurries, including one that led to McClain's interception. Cam Calhoun, who saw an increased role at cornerback as Jermaine Mathews Jr. slid to nickel back for Jay Timmons, also broke up a pass he nearly intercepted.
Running Back Pecking Order Looks Different
JaKobi Jackson has moved up in the Buckeyes' running back rotation, making his first start and receiving the first three carries in the first quarter, gaining 19 yards. Jackson, who transferred from Florida for a seventh season, ran a season-high 14 times for 72 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach. It was the first time this season that Bo Jackson, a 1,000-yard rusher as a freshman last season, did not start. Bo Jackson split carries with JaKobi Jackson and ran for 70 yards on 16 carries, while Isaiah West also saw an extended role with a season-high seven carries for 21 yards.
Two-Minute Offense Is a Weapon
Ohio State has been automatic in the closing moments before halftime this year. When Smith reached the ball out to cross the goal line with 12 seconds left in the second quarter, it was just the latest two-minute drill the Buckeyes had pulled off. They have managed a touchdown within the last 15 seconds of the first half in all five games this season, regardless of field position. At Iowa, they began at their 16-yard line and quarterback Julian Sayin sprinkled passes to wide receivers Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss as well as Smith to move into Iowa territory. Their success in these situations has allowed them to squeeze an extra possession out of the first half and could make a difference in other major matchups.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.