- Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Iowa Hawkeyes
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds: Hawkeyes (+13.5)
- Over/Under Total: 45.5
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Kinnick Stadium is set to host the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0) as they face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1) on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Iowa opens the game as 13.5-point underdogs, with the total scoreline projected at 45.5.
The Ohio State Buckeyes enter this contest with a 3-1 record for the season. In their previous outing, they triumphed over the Illinois Fighting Illini, winning with a score of 42-19. Ohio State executed 32 rushing plays, amassing 151 yards, resulting in an average of 4.7 yards per carry. They managed 68 offensive plays totaling 518 yards. Defensively, Ohio State allowed 21 completions on 38 attempts for 263 yards, achieving a completion rate of 55.3%. On the ground defense, they gave up 199 yards on 33 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per rush.
In terms of scoring, the Ohio State Buckeyes average 45.0 points per game. Their ground game contributes an average of 156.8 rushing yards per game, positioning them 76th in college football. This season, they have amassed a total of 2,088 yards. Touchdowns are distributed with 13 through the air and 10 on the ground, while they have garnered 103 first downs and incurred 23 penalties totaling 200 yards. The team has lost possession of the ball 4 times.
Defensively, Ohio State has allowed 641 passing yards, placing them 22nd in college football. They concede 160.3 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 54.1%. Overall, they allow an average of 274.3 yards per game, ranking 27th in the Division 1. To date, they have relinquished 2 touchdowns through the air and 3 on the ground, permitting an average of 3.5 yards per carry and 114.0 rushing yards per game. Collectively, they have surrendered 456 rushing yards over their last 4 games. Ohio State currently holds the 13th position in college football concerning team defense, allowing only 12.3 points per game.
The Hawkeyes are entering this matchup undefeated at 4-0. Their last game resulted in a narrow victory over the Michigan Wolverines, finishing 20-19. Iowa totaled 285 yards, completing 59 plays (averaging 4.8 yards per play). The Hawkeyes managed just 2.4 yards per rushing attempt, amassing 58 yards on 24 attempts. On the defensive end, they faced 40 rushing attempts resulting in 153 yards (3.8 yards per carry). Iowa’s secondary allowed a completion rate of 60.7%, giving away 276 yards on 17 completions out of 28 attempts.
In terms of scoring ability, the Hawkeyes rank 58th nationally, averaging 32.8 points per game. Their offense produces an average of 429.0 yards per contest, placing them 48th in Division 1. This season, Iowa has incurred 202 penalty yards from 23 infractions, ranking 94th in the nation. They have thrown 1 interception and allowed no fumbles recovered by opponents while achieving 87 first downs. For the season, the Hawkeyes have passed for 854 yards, averaging 213.5 passing yards per game, which is 86th nationally. In the ground game, they average 215.5 yards per game and have rushed for a total of 862 yards.
The Iowa defense has allowed 351 rushing yards so far (87.8 yards per game) and no rushing touchdowns. In the air, they have allowed 3 touchdowns and an average of 152.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 12th in Division 1. Overall, they have given up just 32 points this season, with 1 fumble and 4 interceptions. The Hawkeyes defense, involved in 234 plays, ranks 27th nationally and boasts an impressive average of only 8.0 points allowed per game, placing them 1st overall in the country.
Who will come out on top in the Buckeyes vs. Hawkeyes showdown tonight?
Expert Pick: Choose the Hawkeyes +13.5
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