Coming off a 38-7 beating of Michigan State in East Lansing last Saturday, Ryan Day met with the media on Tuesday to discuss this weekend's matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After the Spartans were a step up from Ohio State's non-conference slate, the same is expected this week as the Hawkeyes present a more formidable challenge than Michigan State, particularly as you think about pure physicality.
Iowa's identity for decades has been to feature a stout, physical defense and an equally physical rushing attack that in combination, attempts to wear down opponents and largely play the game in a phone booth.
Recognizing the task at hand, even with the Buckeyes favored by 21 points, Day knows what Iowa brings to the table as told to Dom Tiberi when asked about the matchup.
Huge challenge.. They play physical. You guys know who they are. They have not changed their identity in a long time. they have very, very good coaches and physical players, a veteran team. They're well-coached. They're fundamental and they have an identity.– -Ryan Day on Iowa
Day didn't single out Iowa's run game or its defense in his comment because he didn't have to. Iowa defense ranks No. 15 nationally in scoring, allowing just 13.8 points per contest and No. 4 in rushing, giving up just 62 yards per game.
On the other side of the ball, the game within the game will be how well Ohio State's defense is able to bottle up Iowa's star running back, Kaleb Johnson.
The Hamilton, Ohio product has been dynamite for the Hawkeyes through the first four games of the 2024 slate.
| ATTEMPTS | NATL RANK | RUSH YDS | NATL RANK | YPC | NATL RANK | RUSH YDS/G | NATL RANK | RUSH TD | NATL RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 14 | 685 | 2 | 8.35 | 15 | 171.3 | 2 | 9 | 3 |
Johnson lit up Illinois State in the season opener for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 10.8 yards per carry. In game two against Iowa State, he racked up 187 rushing yards on 7.5 per try with a pair of touchdowns while accounting for 92% of Iowa's ground yardage on the day. He then posted 173 rushing yards on 6.9 per try with three scores against Troy.
Two weeks ago, in Iowa's conference opener, he shredded Minnesota running for 206 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa's 31-14 victory. Now he's had a week off and made it clear yesterday he's ready for the challenge Ohio State's defense expects to present.
“Even if they offered me, I wouldn’t have went. I want to beat them. That’s my goal.”– - Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson on Ohio State
I'm guessing Johnson's comments will rattle throughout the Woody this week as Ohio State's defense, ranked No. 3 nationally in yards per carry allowed (1.84), might stack the box in an effort to swarm the run knowing Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara hasn't been a threat this season.
Through four games, Iowa's ground game ranks No. 10 nationally averaging 250 yards per contest on 5.96 yards per attempt (12th). Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes slot 124th nationally in passing yards per game (147.5) and yards per attempt (5.7).
As per usual against the Hawkeyes, winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and controlling Iowa's run game led by Johnson will go a long way in determining Saturday's final score.
