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Iowa Hawkeyes Face Tough Test Against No.1 Ranked Ohio State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Iowa Hawkeyes will face one of the most anticipated matchups in Iowa City in years on Saturday night as they take on the No.1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledges being a skeptic of Ohio State's preseason rankings, but after watching film, he believes the Buckeyes are deserving of their top spot. Ferentz's team is looking to break a nine-game losing streak against top-ranked teams, including a 31-6 loss last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa Hawkeyes are struggling to find consistency in their offense, with coach Kirk Ferentz expressing concern about the team's inability to get in sync.
  • The Hawkeyes are expected to face a tough test against Ohio State's defense, which is giving up only eight points and 282 total yards per game.
  • The Hawkeyes defense will have to contain Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, a Heisman Trophy candidate who is capable of making plays with both his arm and legs.
  • The game is a huge opportunity for the Hawkeyes to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the country.
  • Iowa's defense received a confidence boost three weeks ago after keeping Syracuse from scoring on seven consecutive plays from the 2-yard-line or closer in the second overtime.
  • The Hawkeyes are looking to break a streak of nine losses against top-ranked teams, including last year's 31-6 loss to Ohio State.

Statistics:

  • Ohio State's defense is giving up only 282 total yards per game.
  • The Hawkeyes offense is struggling to find consistency, with coach Ferentz expressing concern about the team's inability to get in sync.
  • Iowa's defense is giving up an average of 11 points and 265.5 yards per game.
  • Troy Smith, Ohio State's starting quarterback, is a Heisman Trophy candidate who has been making plays with both his arm and legs.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Jack Carey Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledges being a bit of a skeptic when he heard that Ohio State was being picked No.1 nationally in preseason polls and prognostications." (Source: The Gazette)
  • "The Hawkeyes don't want a repeat Saturday of last year's matchup. The Buckeyes clubbed Iowa 31-6 in Columbus, Ohio, and outgained the Hawkeyes 530-137." (Source: ESPN)
  • "Iowa is 0-10-1 all-time against teams ranked No.1 in the coaches poll or AP poll." (Source: KCRG-TV9)

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