Ohio State Pulls Away From Iowa 31-14 at Kinnick Stadium

Julian Sayin threw for 324 yards and Jeremiah Smith racked up 206 receiving yards as Ohio State handed Iowa a 31-14 defeat in Iowa City.

Ohio State defeated Iowa 31-14 on Oct. 3 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, a result that left the Hawkeyes 1-1 to open a season that began with three straight Big Ten opponents.

The game tilted Ohio State's way immediately. On Iowa's opening series, quarterback Brown was sacked deep in his own territory and lost the football, with the Buckeyes recovering at the Hawkeyes' 14-yard line. Ohio State needed little time to turn the turnover into a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Playing from behind, Iowa leaned on its passing game, attempting 32 throws against 21 runs. The approach generated 199 yards through the air, but it was not enough to move the ball consistently, score points or win the possession battle that might have kept Ohio State's offense on the sideline. Brown was regularly under pressure and was sacked multiple times.

The ground game was even less effective. Iowa finished with 39 rushing yards against an Ohio State run defense that had appeared more vulnerable than in recent seasons, a discouraging sign for a team that opened the year with a deep group of running backs and an offensive line expected to carry over last season's form. Whether the Hawkeyes can establish a running game against a strong defensive front remains an open question.

Ohio State's passing attack proved overwhelming. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 20 of 27 passes, a 74 percent rate, for 324 yards. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith accounted for 206 of those yards as his record-setting season continued, and as a third-year player who has now broken most of the records within reach, Smith has likely faced Iowa for the final time.

Iowa also came away with health concerns. Zach Lutmer exited in the third quarter and was taken to the locker room, and Deshaun Lee also came out in the third quarter, later standing on the sideline without his helmet. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said in his postgame comments that some of the players who left the game were cramping, and the Hawkeyes have a short week to determine their availability.

Special teams were one of Iowa's steadier units. Punter Boston Everitt placed two punts inside the 20-yard line, including at least one downed at the 3, and kicker Caden Buhr made both of his field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards. The unit's only self-inflicted mistake was a second-half kickoff that went out of bounds and allowed Ohio State to start a possession at the 35.

Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski entered in the fourth quarter and provided a late spark, going 5 for 5 for 67 yards on a drive that ended in a touchdown. His successful two-point conversion brought Iowa to its final total of 14 points, and the added game reps keep the backup prepared for when he is called upon.

Iowa's early schedule was always going to be demanding, and many viewed a 1-2 record through the first three Big Ten games, with a 4-2 mark after six, as a realistic outcome. The next test is a trip west to Washington, a team that has not looked as daunting as once expected, and a victory there would put the Hawkeyes at 5-1 heading into their bye week.