“It’s got a strong tradition,” Meyer said Wednesday, “and we’re anticipating a big Big Ten crowd.”
OHIO STATE COVERAGE: Robert Landers; playoff ranking; standouts in latest win
Here are five things to know about Ohio State’s ninth opponent:
1. Strong defense: The Hawkeyes rank third in the Big Ten and 12th in the nation in scoring defense (17.4 points per game). Seven of their eight opponents have scored lower than their average.
“The biggest thing is production in the red zone,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “That’s always been important for us. That’s kind of how we’re built. Being able to keep them out of the end zone, however you do it, is really important, and the guys have really done a good job of that.”
2. Star linebacker: Josey Jewell ranks fourth in the nation with 11.6 tackles per game. He's second in the Big Ten with 9 ½ tackles for loss.
“He’s one of the best middle linebackers we’ve seen in a while,” Meyer said. “I don’t want to stereotype a player, but he’s an Iowa linebacker.”
3. Ohio connection:Fifth-year senior Sean Welsh, a Springboro High School grad, will serve as one of Iowa's captains in this game. He started the last game at right guard but has also started at right tackle.
4. Solid quarterback: Nate Stanley ranks second in the Big Ten with 17 touchdown passes. He threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant in a 17-10 victory Saturday against Minnesota.
SPORTS TODAY: Does Ohio State need help to reach playoff?
The long pass is important for Iowa. Stanley is tied for 34th in the country in yards per completion (13.0).
“We’re going to have to throw the ball,” Ferentz said. “I don’t know how many deep balls we’re going to be able to throw because that means you’ve got to hold the ball for a while, and these guys get back there pretty quick.”
5. Impressive victory: Iowa beat Iowa State 44-41 in overtime on the road Sept. 9. The No. 15 Cyclones started the season 2-2 but have since won four games in a row. They're the only team to beat No. 5 Oklahoma.
After starting 3-0, Iowa lost 21-19 at home to Penn State and then 17-10 at Michigan State. The Hawkeyes also lost 17-10 in overtime at Northwestern. Ferentz knows this game will rank as one of the toughest for his team.
“(Ohio State is) a tremendous football team,” Ferentz said. “For us to play well, we’re going to have to play with a great defensive effort out there, find a rhythm offensively and then just take care of the basic things such as ball security, eliminating the penalties that are drive stoppers, and obviously play well on special teams.”
About the Author
