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On Saturday, Nov. 14 at 3:30 pm ET, the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-1, 5-1) will be in Columbus, Ohio to take on the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 5-1).
The winner of this game clinches the Big Ten Title and a trip to the Rose Bowl, while the loser will pretty much have all its BCS bowl hopes smashed.
Iowa comes into this game after its first loss of the season, last week to Northwestern, 17-10.
The Hawkeyes didn't just lose the game, they lost their starting quarterback as well, when Ricky Stanzi went down with a high ankle sprain. Although Stanzi has been inconsistent throughout the season, he has been extremely clutch and has led Iowa to victory countless times.
Without him, Iowa wouldn't have had a 9-0 start.
Ohio State comes in after dominating Penn State 24-7, barely allowing over 200 yards of offense.
They are led by sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor, who started off a little slow but has vastly improved ever since Ohio State's stunning loss to Purdue.
Ohio State is currently favored by 16.5 points in the matchup.
TEAM UNITS
Offensive Backfield: Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor has improved a lot since that Purdue game, while Iowa's backfield has been plagued by injuries. The Buckeyes come into this game with an all-freshman backfield that is talented, but just not there yet (especially when they're at the 'Shoe).
Wide Receivers: Iowa
This is very close, but I'm giving the edge to Iowa. DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher have been studs for Ohio State, combining for 1154 yards and 13 TDs, but unlike Iowa, the Buckeyes don't have much else. Derrell Johnson-Koulianous, Marvin McNutt, Trey Stross and Tony Moeaki have combined for 1742 yards and 12 TDs, giving Iowa more depth at that position.
Offensive Line: Ohio State
You could argue that Iowa should win here, but Iowa's line hasn't been healthy this season and has underperformed. Ohio State is 23rd nationally in rushing offense and 44th in sacks allowed, while Iowa is 94th in rushing and 52nd in sacks.
Defensive Line: Ohio State
Adrian Clayborn has been a monster on Iowa's defensive line, but overall I have to give this to Ohio State. They rank 23rd nationally in sacks, 50th in tackles for loss, and 3rd in rushing defense, while Iowa ranks 52nd, 76th and 38th in those categories, respectively.
Linebackers: Iowa
It's not that Ohio State's linebackers aren't good—they're stacked like the rest of their defense—but Iowa's backers have been one of its best units this year. Pat Angerer is fourth in the nation in total tackles and A.J. Edds has three interceptions, but Ohio State isn't far behind here. Another very close category.
Secondary: Even
This is too close to call. Iowa is fourth in the nation in pass efficiency defense, while Ohio State is 6th in that category. Ohio State is 11th in the nation in pass defense, while Iowa is 16th. Iowa is tied for first in the nation in interceptions, while Ohio State is 3rd. Both units are just outstanding.
Punting: Iowa
There's not a lot to look at in this category. Iowa is 19th in the nation in net punting, while Ohio State is 37th. That's really all there is to look at.
Kicking: Iowa
There's more to look at in this category. Iowa leads Ohio State in percentage of FGs made, percentage of PATs made and kickoff return defense.
Returning: Ohio State
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