Ohio State Iowa Betting – Pryor, Buckeyes Outlast Hawkeyes In Physical Matchup
- What: NCAA football betting
- When: Saturday, November 20th, 3:30 PM ET
- Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Pick: Ohio State -3
Online betting players always figure they’re going to watch a physical matchup in the Big Ten, and they’ll give their wish on Saturday afternoon when the Ohio State Buckeyes head to Iowa with an opportunity to stay in the conference race, while the Iowa Hawkeyes will be looking to hold on to their slim chances. Ohio State’s star quarterback hasn’t played that well in big games throughout his career, but look for him to be the difference this week.
What’s On The Line
The No.9 Buckeyes (9-1, 5-1) won their third straight game with a 38-14 thumping of the Penn State Nittany Lions at home to pull into a three-way tie atop the Big Ten with the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers, while the Hawkeyes (7-3, 4-2) probably fell out of the race with a 21-17 upset loss at the Northwestern Wildcats. The Hawkeyes can still make some noise in the conference race by beating the Buckeyes, but they’re going to have their hands full with nine losses in their last 10 meetings with Ohio State.
Offensive Matchups: Ohio State Iowa Betting
Terrelle Pryor didn’t have to do much against the Nittany Lions, throwing for 139 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and then running for another 49 yards. Dan Herron ran for 190 yards and a score for the No.13-ranked rushing offense in the nation, but he may have a tough time going up against the Hawkeyes. Therefore, Pryor may throw a bit more than he is used to, but the Buckeyes should be confident in him as he is fifth in the country in passer rating. The key is the playcalling: coach Jim Tressel can’t afford to be conservative.
Iowa’s struggles at Northwestern were due to their inability to move the chains as the Hawkeyes were 2-of-14 on third down, because they put up some numbers. Ricky Stanzi passed for 270 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, while the Hawkeyes ran for 101 yards. But when you can’t move the chains, you’re not going to go very far, and Iowa couldn’t do it on Saturday. Running back Adam Robinson had 108 yards in his return from a foot injury, which should be encouraging.
Betting Edge: Ohio State
Defensive Matchups: Ohio State Iowa Betting
The Buckeyes shut the Nittany Lions down, holding them to 272 yards and forcing a couple of turnovers, and now Ohio State is behind only the TCU Horned Frogs in terms of total defense. It was in the second half that Ohio State really stepped up, holding the Nittany Lions to 60 yards. Linebacker Ross Homan came back and played a big role, while Devon Torrence and Travis Howard returned both of their picks for scores for the Buckeyes, who will have to again lean on their defense in what will surely be a physical game.
On the other hand, Iowa’s defense collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing two touchdowns in the last 6:21. Overall, the Hawkeyes gave up 419 yards and 26 first downs, and they allowed the Wildcats to convert nine of their 16 third-down chances. They did do a good job of keeping Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa from running wild with his legs, but then he passed for 318 yards and two touchdowns. They’ll need a much better effort this week, and it’ll probably come at home.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Ohio State Iowa Betting
Keep an eye on the injury report as the week goes by, but defensive backs Corey Brown (knee) and Christian Bryant (foot) are out for the rest of the year for the Buckeyes. Bryant may be able to come back for a bowl game.
Receiver Colin Sandeman (foot) and guard Adam Gettis (ankle) missed the Northwestern game, while linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (stinger) had to leave the game for the Hawkeyes.
Betting Edge: Ohio State
Outlook and Pick: Ohio State Iowa Betting
NCAA football betting odds have the Buckeyes as an early 3-point favorite in this massive Big Ten showdown, and for good reason: Ohio State is 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings with Iowa, and they’re 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five trips to Kinnick Stadium. The Buckeyes look to have the edge in this game, even though the Hawkeyes are 5-1 at home this year. If Herron can run like he did against Penn State, it will open up the offense for Pryor, who is far more accurate than people give him credit for. Pryor didn’t play all that well in the Buckeyes’ loss at Wisconsin, and he’ll be eager to show that he can win a big game on the road. Iowa is tough, and it’s going to be close, but look for the Buckeyes to pull away for a sports betting victory.
Blake’s Pick: Ohio State
