Ohio State vs. Iowa score, takeaways: No. 3 Buckeyes pull away from Hawkeyes behind monster second half

Ohio State's win sets up a monumental showdown with Oregon next week

No. 3 Ohio State used a monster second half from receiver Jeremiah Smith to pull away for a 35-7 victory against Iowa. On the first drive of the second half, Smith reeled in a 53-yard reception in the red zone to set up a one-on-one end zone fade, part of his 89-yard performance against Iowa's elite defense. 

The Buckeyes took advantage of Iowa in every aspect, clearing 180 yards rushing and 200 yards passing in a balanced effort. Smith and Egbuka each reached 70 yards through the air, while rushers TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins hit 60 yards on the ground. 

Iowa's revamped offense showed some flashes, but ultimately struggled with consistency. Quarterback Cade McNamara mustered only 98 yards passing as receivers failed to gain any separation from Buckeyes defenders. The only scoring drive came on a breakaway run from running back Kaleb Johnson after backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan entered the game. McNamara committed two turnovers, both of which Ohio State ultimately turned into points to pull away. 

• Smith ties Marvin Harrison Jr. (2022) for the most receiving touchdowns through five games in the past 10 seasons. He's quickly closing in on Cris Carter's freshman record of eight receiving touchdowns. 
• Johnson's 86 yards rushing were the most for Iowa against a ranked opponent since the 2021 season, when the Hawkeyes got 98 from Leshon Williams in the Citrus Bowl.
• Howard scored five touchdowns in the win. Three of them went to star receiver Emeka Egbuka, who led the game with 10 targets. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 6:58 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State's WRs are ridiculous

The Buckeyes have consistently put out the best wide receiver rooms in the country, but the 2024 version has a chance to be extra special. Egbuka and Smith combined for 160 yards and four touchdowns through the air, and Brandon Inniss notched another three catches against an elite secondary. It took some time for Ohio State's offense to get going after a so-so first half, but Ohio State's wide receiver room is a ticking time bomb that opponents can't defuse. Even when playing against the nation's top programs, the receivers give Ohio State a floor. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 6:58 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Iowa's offense has some bright spots

The Hawkeyes faced easily their biggest test of the season on offense. While the final score may not be especially favorable, Iowa did prove that there are serious improvements under offensive coordinator Tim Lester. The fourth-quarter touchdown marked the first points that Iowa has scored in the last 18 frames against AP-ranked teams. Additionally, Kaleb Johnson's 86-yard performance was the best by an Iowa rusher against a top-10 opponent since 2019. Iowa does not have the firepower to keep up with teams of Ohio State's caliber, but the improvements should serve them well heading into the meat of its Big Ten schedule. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 7:06 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State needs balance

FINAL: No. 3 Ohio State 35, Iowa 7

While Iowa is a consistent player in the Big Ten race, Ohio State's bigger challenge comes next week against Oregon. The Buckeyes were able to pull away from Iowa in the second half, but the clunky showings in the first half won't cut it against a better opponent. 

Notably, Ohio State rolled over Iowa on the game's first drive by perfectly splitting touches between its quarterback and running backs. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for seven of the 14 touches as the Buckeyes blew 88 yards down the field with ease. It was the first opening-drive touchdown allowed by Iowa since 2022. After that play, Ohio State handed the ball to its running backs only three times across the remainder of the first half and failed to convert any drive into points. 

There's certainly a chance that Ohio State was unwilling to put too much on film in the running game ahead of a monstrous battle against Oregon. Still, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly needs to be in his bag next week in the running game. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 6:26 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Hawkeyes get on board

4Q: No. 3 Ohio State 35, Iowa 7

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson came into the matchup against the Buckeyes as the No. 2 rusher in college football. While Ohio State shut him down for much of the matchup, Johnson finally had a true breakaway play in the fourth quarter. Iowa ran a fake sweep and Johnson took advantage of the space to break through the line and break off a 28-yard touchdown run, the first points of the game for Iowa. Johnson us up to 86 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries, the most by an Iowa rusher against a ranked opponent since the 2022 Citrus Bowl against Kentucky. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 5:59 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Buckeyes pulling away

End 3Q: No. 3 Ohio State 28, Iowa 0

Ohio State has started pouring on against Iowa's defense as the Buckeyes take a three-score lead into the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has come alive in the second half, connecting on a 53-yard reception and fade in the end zone to push the lead out to double-figures. An Iowa turnover in its own red zone ultimately set up another rushing score from Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Emeka Egbuka caught another score fresh off another Iowa interception. Iowa's offense has struggled to keep up, posting only 141 yards and 2.4 yards per carry against a dominant Ohio State defense. Two turnovers by McNamara were both converted into scores. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 5:40 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Danger zone for Iowa

3Q: No. 3 Ohio State 21, Iowa 0

Iowa made its first big mistake of the game and it just may have ended the game. Quarterback Cade McNamara fumbled the ball on a sack, which was recovered by the Ohio State defense in the red zone. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard rushed into the end zone from four yards out as the Buckeyes pushed their lead to three scores. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 5:33 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State comes out hot

3Q: No. 3 Ohio State 14, Iowa 0

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made up for his first half fumble with a pair of big-time receptions to get Ohio State back into the end zone. One play after Will Howard took a loss on the ground, Smith reeled in a 53-yard catch down the field to break into the red zone. One play later, Howard looked to Smith again and found Smith on a 1-on-1 fade, yet another one-handed touchdown for the best freshman in college football. The much-needed score helped Ohio State create some distance against Iowa to start the second half. The Buckeyes scored on their first drives of each half. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 5:01 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Buckeyes lead but points at a premium

Half: No. 3 Ohio State 7, Iowa 0

A fast start by the Buckeyes has come to a halt. After rushing the ball seven times with running backs on their first drive, Ohio State handed the ball to TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins only three times on the next 16 plays. The Buckeyes failed to get points on the board with a turnover on downs, fumble, interception and punt. On their final drive of the first half, Will Howard threw an interception that ended yet another scoring opportunity. 

Iowa's offense has struggled to take advantage of the opportunity, failing to reach 100 yards before halftime. Hawkeyes leading rusher Kaleb Johnson has only 16 yards at the half, but quarterback Cade McNamara has 72 yards, including a pair of big third down conversions. Thanks to a missed 51-yard field goal, Iowa has failed to turn the success into points. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:49 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State abandoning RBs

The Buckeyes leaned heavily on their running backs on the highly efficient opening drive, handing off on seven of 14 carries. Since then, the Buckeyes have largely gone away from them, including a stretch of eight Will Howard passes or runs in nine plays. Ohio State's running backs are averaging 7.4 yards per carry heading into the two-minute warning, but the Buckeyes have failed to get points on the board since abandoning the run. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:40 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Smith is human

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith has been the best freshman in the country, but even the No. 1 recruit can make mistakes. Smith caught his first target for 23 yards, but lost the ball while getting hit. Iowa recovered to make up for its questionable mid-field decision making. Ohio State has yet to pull away. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:32 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Hawkeyes waste stop

2Q: No. 3 Ohio State 7, Iowa 0

Iowa's defense got a key fourth down stop on a Will Howard run, but the Hawkeyes bungled the ensuing opportunity. Cade McNamara connected with Jarrett Buie for a pass to set up fourth down and about half a yard. Kirk Ferentz dialed up a fake punt, but called a timeout before the play, despite the fact that the ball carrier appeared to have a path to the first down. To make matters worse, Rhys Dakin shanked the punt, which went only 28 yards. It was a total collapse for Iowa and now gives Ohio State the ball with a chance to make the game much more difficult. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:17 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Wasted opportunity

2Q: No. 3 Ohio State 7, Iowa 0

Iowa put together one of its best drives against an elite team in a while, converting a pair of third downs to put together a 10-play drive over 5:49. Rather than going for it on fourth-and-three, the Hawkeyes attempted a long 51-yard field goal, which Drew Stevens pulled to give Ohio State great field position. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:08 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State controlling game

End 1Q: No. 3 Ohio State 7, Iowa 0

No. 3 Ohio State is dominating Iowa through one quarter in Columbus. The Buckeyes went 88 yards on 14 plays on their first drive to bleed more than half the quarter and wear down the Iowa defense. Receiver Emeka Egbuka caught three passes, including a 14-yard touchdown. Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara has played well against the Buckeyes' elite defense, hitting Jacob Gill for a pair of third-down conversions, but Iowa is averaging only 4.3 yards per play. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 4:02 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

OSU drags Iowa D

1Q: No. 3 Ohio State 7, Iowa 0

Ohio State wanted to get bigger and tougher this offseason, and the opening drive against Iowa was that plan brought to full fruition. The Buckeyes went 14 plays for 88 yards over the course of 7:36 with a blend of physical running and intermediate passing game to cut through a highly-rated Iowa defense like butter. Quarterback Will Howard connected on all six passes and Ohio State is the first team since 2022 Michigan to score against Iowa on its opening drive. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 3:50 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Cade shows some juice

Iowa's offense ultimately was forced to punt, but quarterback Cade McNamara was close to making some big plays. On a second down play, McNamara found a tight arm angle to tight end Luke Lachey around rusher Jack Sawyer. A few plays later, McNamara did his best Johnny Football impression to nearly connect for a downfield throw on the run. Iowa failed to get much out of the opportunities, but those chances will be there as Ohio State attempts to stop the run. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 3:42 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Hawkeyes get first crack

Iowa will get the ball to start the game and would benefit greatly from a quick start. The Hawkeyes will lean heavily on running back Kaleb Johnson against Ohio State's dominant front. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Game prediction

Ohio State has barely opened the playbook against a Charmin-soft early schedule, but the Buckeyes are well prepared for their close up. Iowa has the ability to muck up the game, but even an improved Hawkeyes offense won't be able to seriously keep up against an OSU defense that ranks among the best in the nation. It may be a backdoor cover, but Ohio State will get there. Pick: Ohio State -19.5

Ohio State vs. Iowa live stream, where to watch, TV channel, prediction, pick, spread, football game odds

Shehan Jeyarajah

Ohio State vs. Iowa prediction, pick, spread, football game odds, where to watch, TV channel, live stream

[Oct 5, 2024 at 2:30 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Battle of rushers

Ohio State vs. Iowa is a battle of arguably the two best rushing offenses in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes and Hawkeyes rank No. 1 and 2 respectively in yards per carry among Big Ten teams. Iowa's Kaleb Johnson is one of the breakout players in college football, leading the conference with 685 yards and nine touchdowns, nearly matching the top Iowa rusher from last season through four games. Ohio State boasts two of the top 12 rushers in the conference with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Both teams are also adept at stopping the run, so staying efficient will be top of mind. 

[Oct 5, 2024 at 1:47 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Jenny Dell talks with star WR Jeremiah Smith

As part of our weekly prep for Big Ten on CBS, Jenny Dell chats with one of the stars of the games ahead of time. This week's interview subject was one of the biggest stars in all of college football -- Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has a touchdown in all four games so far, putting him halfway to Cris Carter's program record for a freshman (Carter had eight in 1984). 

Jeremiah Smith's playmaking ability has everybody talking, including LeBron James: Interview with Buckeye star

Jenny Dell