After a slow start, CJ Stroud and the Ohio State Buckeyes pull off the expected win, as they demolish the Iowa Hawkeyes to climb to 7-0 on the season! I was definitely concerned early. Even well into the game, I was often left scratching my head and wondering why it was taking so long for the Buckeye offense to show up. But I honestly think the Iowa defense was just that good. If Kirk Ferentz's bunch actually had a good or great offense? They'd be National Championship contenders! Good thing for Ohio State that's not the case.
Thankfully for the Buckeyes, they were able to lean on their defense, which forced SIX turnovers, and played solid all day long. How did they outlast Hawkeyes? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Take what the Hawkeyes give you
The Hawkeyes completely shut down Ohio State's running game, holding Ohio State to 66 rushing yards on 30 carries. So it was up to CJ Stroud and the passing game to get untracked and rolling. And roll they did, as Stroud went 20-30 for 286 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Iowa did play solid defense, but it was impossible for them to completely shut the Buckeyes down. Ryan Day and Co. took what the Hawkeyes gave them, which was getting the passing game into a rhythm and lighting things up!
Home Cookin'!
28 straight! That's another win at the 'Shoe for Ohio State! Some games are definitely easier than others, but it definitely says something about the culture, leadership, and the expectations of a program when it's been over five years since they've lost at home. And the energy of the crowd definitely sustained the Buckeyes through their slow start. Football is an emotional game, and a team feeds off whatever energy the crowd gives them. The Buckeye faithful has always been one of the loudest, and most passionate fanbases in all of college football, and they've undoubtedly played a big part in not only today's win, but in this massive home winning streak overall!
Break out the Buffet Busters!
Even though the Buckeyes were forced into a pair of turnovers, the offensive line again shows why they're one of the best units in the country, as they only gave up, drumroll please... One sack. That was it. Stroud only went down once this game. If Stroud was behind any other offensive line, the entire unit might never have gotten into a rhythm and figured things out, which allowed them to light things up. The defense did their job and stayed solid, and the offense weathered the slow start and took everything the Hawkeyes could throw at them defensively. But the turnaround in this game all started with the offensive line. Gotta tip the hat to the Buffet Busters!
Next up for Ohio State? A trip to Happy Valley to take on a tough Penn State team. The Big Ten East is the toughest division in college football, and it's still a three-team race between the Buckeyes, Nittany Lions and Wolverines. But this game will eliminate one of those teams from that race as the season rolls on. Penn State always plays the Buckeyes tough, and this likely will be no exception. But for now, Ohio State sits at 7-0, and is still one of the best teams in the country. And sometimes that's all you can ask. GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
CJ Stroud: 20-30, 286 yards, 4 TDs, INT
TreVeyon Henderson: 11 carries, 38 yards
Julian Fleming: 2 receptions, 105 yards, touchdown
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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