Ohio State Dominates Iowa in a 35-7 Victory

Ohio State University secured a decisive 35-7 victory over the University of Iowa in a Big Ten Conference clash held at Ohio Stadium. Entering the game as 19-point underdogs, the Hawkeyes struggled against the Buckeyes, who were ranked third nationally at the time. The defeat left Iowa with a 3-2 record, adding to their streak of challenging games against ranked opponents.

The match drew a crowd of 105,135 spectators and showcased Ohio State’s prowess, particularly in the third quarter, where they scored 21 points, effectively sealing the win. “Momentum is a big thing in football,” said Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara. “And once you lose momentum, it’s very difficult, especially against a team with a good offense and a good defense like that.”

Iowa’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities was evident throughout the game. Star running back Kaleb Johnson was limited in effectiveness, amassing just 86 yards on 15 carries. Despite forcing two turnovers in the first half, the Hawkeyes failed to convert these chances into points. Special teams also fell short, with Drew Stevens missing a 51-yard field goal attempt.

Brendan Sullivan replaced McNamara in the fourth quarter, adding a spark with a drive capped by Johnson’s 28-yard touchdown run. However, by this point, Ohio State’s lead was insurmountable. “Field position was what I was thinking,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz explained regarding some of the team’s decisions. “Maybe that’s too conservative. But at that point, our thought was to pin them in.”

Ohio State’s offense proved challenging for Iowa’s defense, with Emeka Egbuka catching three touchdown passes. freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith made a standout one-handed touchdown grab, adding to the Buckeyes’ total of five touchdowns in the game. Iowa’s defense, which had held opponents to under 400 yards for 32 consecutive games, saw the streak end with Ohio State amassing 412 yards.

Defensive highlights for Iowa included plays by Yahya Black, Jay Higgins, and Sebastian Castro, providing brief moments of resistance. However, these efforts were insufficient against Ohio State’s aggressive and well-rounded offensive display.

Reflecting on the outcome, Iowa’s frustrated efforts against high-ranked teams continue a troubling trend, with standout performances rare amid challenging competitive matchups. The Hawkeyes next face Washington, with their sights set on improving their standing and performance in the remaining schedule.