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For the first time this season, Ohio State will not have to exaggerate a challenge against an upcoming opponent.
The Buckeyes’ nonconference games were glorified preseason games. Last week’s game at Michigan State was notable mainly because it was the first Big Ten game and OSU’s first on the road.
Sep 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly speaks during a press conference at Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
But none of those games presented anything like the challenge that Iowa (3-1) and its stingy defense will when the Hawkeyes come to Columbus to play the No. 3 Buckeyes (4-0).
Iowa’s offense has shown improvement with a new coordinator, aided by the emergence of Kaleb Johnson as one of the top running backs in the country.
More: Leistikow: Iowa football’s Luke Lachey returns to Ohio State, and his family is all-in
But it’s Iowa’s defense that gets everyone’s attention. The Hawkeyes again have a top-20 defense nationally in points (13.75) and yardage (272.8) allowed per game. According to ESPN’s SP+ advanced statistics, Iowa has the top defense in the country.
“It doesn’t matter what year you watch them,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “They play with great technique. They’re well-coached. They understand how they fit into the defense. Their pad level is low. Their hands are low. They play physical. They run to the football.”
From 2018-23, Iowa held opponents to 4.4 yards per play. That’s the fewest of any major-college program.
Iowa State Cyclones’ wide receiver Aidan Bitter (85) gets tackle by Iowa Hawkeyes’ defensive end Joe Evans (13) after making a catch during the third quarter in the Cy-Hawk football game at the Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa has had the benefit of continuity. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, who…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-football-iowas-defense-193337138.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2024-10-01 19:33:37
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