Iowa vs Ohio State Odds - Buckeyes en route to another Big Ten title
A week ago, the Iowa vs Ohio State odds looked like it might be a very interesting contest. But now that Iowa has one loss on the books and starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi is expected to miss the contest, the scales have heavily tipped into Ohio State’s favor. As tough a season as the Buckeyes have had – by their standards – Iowa’s loss has helped them get back to the BCS. With a win on Saturday, online betting fans should see the Buckeyes win the Big Ten and get back to a BCS game.
Iowa vs Ohio State odds: Ohio State -15
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Iowa vs Ohio State odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Just a week ago, the Hawkeyes (9-1, 5-1) were atop the Big Ten and looking very comfortable. They had Northwestern at home and a two game lead in the conference. Now with one loss and without their starting quarterback - and a trip to the Horseshoe on tap - the Hawkeyes look completely lost. This could be as downtrodden a nine-win team as you will find. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes (8-2, 5-1), who were under fire in the media after a loss to Purdue, now have been rejuvenated. The Buckeyes went to Happy Valley and came away with a win, and they can now take control of the Big Ten with a win over Iowa. The momentum is on their side and they should be in line for another BCS berth. Betting Edge: Ohio State
Iowa vs Ohio State odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Iowa offense wasn’t exactly stellar to begin with, but there are now tons of question marks without Stanzi in the lineup. The backfield is also beat up. The Hawkeyes will start freshman James Vandeberg, who really struggled against Northwestern last week. He made some nervous throws and wasn’t able to do much against the Wildcats. NCAA football betting fans know that this is one tall order for him in the Horseshoe. For Ohio State, their offense has turned it around quite a bit. The Buckeyes – and quarterback Terrelle Pryor – were heavily scrutinized after the Purdue loss, but they’ve bounced back big time. The Buckeyes just trounced Penn State with a 24-7 win and all is once again good for the sweater vests. Betting Edge: Ohio State
Iowa vs Ohio State odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Iowa defense is still smash mouth and stingy, but their challenge now changes this season. They are still a good defense, but they should expect to spend more time on the field and be faced with worse field position. They should also have to deal with less points on the board. At this point, it now becomes a question of how much they can bend and when they will break. For Ohio State, the Buckeyes defense has been steady all year long, and their plight has been almost the opposite of Iowa. Their offense struggled early on and the defense was hung out to dry. Now that the offense is back in business, the ripple effect has been felt on the defensive side as well. The Buckeyes have given up just 14 points in their last three contests. Betting Edge: Even
Iowa vs Ohio State odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Hawkeyes are very beat-up for this game. Already without starting tailback Jewel Hampton since the beginning of the year, and also without backup Adam Robinson, the Hawkeyes now have to deal without their leader on offense, Ricky Stanzi. This is a big blow for Iowa, who genuinely had a shot to win the Big Ten. Now their hopes hang by a thread. Betting Edge: Ohio State
Iowa vs Ohio State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Sportsbook odds makers have made the Buckeyes a big favorite in this contest, and rightfully so. With a chance to redeem themselves and get back into the BCS, they won’t mess this one up. Look for a huge win at home over Iowa. DJ’S PICK: Buckeyes -15
For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit us in the BetOnline.com Betting Edge every day. For more on the Iowa vs Ohio State matchup, check out our stats center. D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.
