Sitting at a perfect 6-0 and coming off an open week, Ryan Day's Ohio State Buckeyes host Iowa at high noon in what should be a sun-splashed Ohio Stadium.
For some programs, a weekend off can contribute to a slow start once things rev back up but Day's been pretty damn good in this scenario as Ohio State's coach, beating both Northwestern in 2019 and Indiana in 2021 by more than 45 points.
For Day personally, he's probably also looking forward to avenging Ohio State's stunning 55-24 loss at Iowa the last time these two programs hooked up, back in 2017 when he was an offensive assistant.
someone told us its in the pic.twitter.com/mIDzoVLKQm
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 22, 2022
With kickoff drawing near, let's get on with the show as 11W's cadre of staffers submit their picks for this afternoon's tilt alongside notes on today's lines and of course, a handful of house prop bets.
Eleven Warriors Staff Score Predictions
Ramzy Nasrallah: Ohio State 41, Iowa 13. "The only pretty thing about this game will be the blimp shots of a Scarlet stadium."
George Eisner: Ohio State 38, Iowa 10. "Iowa’s going to give up a handful of big plays through the air. However, I expect Ohio State’s rushing attack to have more consistent success behind the return of Miyan Williams as the Buckeyes grind out the clock over four quarters. Knowles’ defense ideally will keep the Hawkeyes out of the end zone until garbage time."
Johnny Ginter: Ohio State 42, Iowa 10. "I'm not still salty about 2017 but part of me wishes I was to fully appreciate the ass kicking the Buckeyes will hand out on Saturday."
Chris Lauderback: Ohio State 38, Iowa 10. "To be clear, I have Iowa's touchdown coming in the last few minutes when the Hawkeyes are being a try-hard and Ohio State is just focused on getting another stomping over with."
"The only pretty thing about this game will be the blimp shots of a scarlet stadium" – Ramzy Nasrallah
Chase Brown: Ohio State 38, Iowa 10. "There's an old saying that good offense beats good defense. That may not always be true, but I think it will be on Saturday for the Buckeyes."
Griffin Strom: Ohio State 34, Iowa 10. "I’ll give a rested Ohio State offense at least one more touchdown than Michigan managed against a rock solid Iowa defense, and despite the Hawkeyes’ offensive struggles, I think they’ll stumble into a score or two to avoid a straight up shutout."
Andy Vance: Ohio State 42, Iowa 10. "This matchup is unstoppable force meets immovable object and my money’s on the Buckeye offense getting the job done. Iowa’s offense will put on a three-and-out clinic, so the Hawkeye defense will be run off their feet long before halftime."
Garrick Hodge: Ohio State 41, Iowa 3. "I feel like I’m being generous giving Iowa three. Man that offense stinks, guys."
Kyle Jones: Ohio State 35, Iowa 3.
Jason Priestas: Ohio State 38, Iowa 10.
Check out this week's Eleven Warriors Roundtable for scoring predictions from Dan Hope, Matt Gutridge and Josh Poloha.
Will Ohio State Cover?
After the line opened with Ohio State favored by 27, the margin swelled to 30 as the week wore on. The Buckeyes are 3-2-1 ATS this season, covering the spread in three of the last four with the lone miss coming in a push against Rutgers.
Of our 13 staffers submitting picks, including those from Dan, Matt and Josh in the 11W Roundtable, seven have the Buckeyes covering. Garrick is most-bullish, calling for a 38-point OSU victory. Chase apparently hates Ohio State and sees it ending in a 24-point Buckeye win.
What About the Over?
Considering Iowa's offense is all kinds of stanky and the defense is highly-rated, it's not a shock the over/under is low, clocking in at 50 points. That total is easily the lowest of any OSU game this season. The next closest is the Wisconsin matchup which had an over/under set at 56.5 at kickoff. For what it's worth, the over has hit in each of Ohio State's last four games.
Eight staffers have the total going under 50 with five taking the under. Matt's calling for 59 total points (45-14) while Kyle's 38 total points stand as the lowest project point total (35-3).
Eleven Warriors House Prop Bets
If you're a complete degenerate and need more than game point spreads and over/unders to tickle your fancy, here's a few house prop bets for your perusal. Share your predictions in the comments and compete for bragging rights.
-
How many passing yards will C.J. Stroud finish with?
- 250 or more (-105)
- Less than 250 (-110)
-
How many times will Iowa punt?
- 7 or more (-125)
- 6 or less (-140)
-
How many total yards of offense will Iowa finish with?
- 220 or more (+100)
- Less than 220 (-110)
-
Will Ohio State cover the halftime spread of 18.5 points?
- Yes (-110)
- No (-110)
No time like the present to get your gear for The Game from Eleven Warriors Dry Goods. BEAT XICHIGAN.
