Iowa Vs Ohio State: A One Game Season

     Ohio State has finally given some proof that they are an offensive threat and the Hawkeyes have finally lost. What does this tell us? Ohio State is no pansy and Iowa is no National Championship team. Terrelle Pryor showed us he can win a big game in a tough environment. "Boom" is finally back to full health, or at least he was until he hurt his foot again. Bottom line: the Ohio State offense is something you can actually be proud of!

     As for Iowa, their risky playing has finally caught up to them. Not only that, Rikki Stanzi is hurt and is out for this game. Although Stanzi gave up a lot of turn overs, he was Iowa's major offensive threat. With back up QB Vandenberg not playing very well, this brings up a lot more concerns for this Iowa offense. And with them playing a much better defense than Northwestern's, this will be hard for them to get many first downs.

     Although Iowa's defense is good, Ohio State is entering this game with a lot of confidence coming off of a big win AT Penn State. They played well on offense against a pretty good Penn State defense.

     Special teams? Although Penn State hasn't been all that good on special teams, Ray Small broke out last week with two big punt returns of 41 and 45 yards, both setting up touch downs. Ray Small has some crazy speed and seems like he can break one every time he touches the ball. Iowa has been just average on special teams. Although Ohio State kicker Barklay isn't very experienced, this 26 year old walk on from the Columbus Crew played pretty well against Penn State. OSU's trust in him is still iffy. Ohio State passed on a field goal opportunity at the 37 yard line and punted it. Even so, I like Barklay and think after a couple of weeks of starting, he will be great.

     So, with Ohio State having an apparently better offense, defense, AND  better special teams as Iowa, it seems like a no brainer, right? Everyone is now thinking Ohio State will win. Well, everyone thought Penn State would beat Ohio State last week and look what happened! Everyone thought Iowa would beat Northwestern and look what happened!

     I like Ohio State in this game but I still think it could be close. Iowa is still Iowa and has a very stingy defense. Upsets still occur and Ohio State is still Ohio State; they could easily blow a win. Terrelle Pryor is ready and this is at The Shoe.

     My projected score: Ohio State wins 17-6.

     Terrelle Pryor will go 11 for 22 for 197 yards and 85 yards off of seven carries and a rushing touch down. Yes, this is a little specific, but I like specifics.