Ohio State returned to Kinnick Stadium on Friday with a clear objective: exorcise the demons of their 2017 collapse. In a commanding performance that kept the Buckeyes in control from the opening kickoff, Ohio State silenced the Iowa crowd, leaving no doubt about their superiority in a decisive victory.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the historic performance of wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who solidified his status as the premier player in college football. With a staggering 11-catch, 206-yard, two-touchdown performance, Smith officially secured the program’s “Triple Crown”—leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His production has reached legendary proportions; through his first five games of the season, Smith has hauled in 44 passes for 823 yards and nine scores, a pace that leaves the 2020 campaign of Heisman winner DeVonta Smith in the dust.
Quarterback Julian Sayin once again provided steady leadership, completing 20 of 27 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. While Sayin showed impressive poise, the developing trend of underthrown deep balls remains a point of concern that will need to be addressed before tougher conference battles. The offensive line also struggled to find consistency in the run game, managing only 4.4 yards per carry and allowing four sacks on the night.
Defensively, the Buckeyes offered a much-needed response following last week’s shaky outing against Illinois. While they allowed a late touchdown once the game was firmly in hand, the unit held Iowa to just 238 total yards of offense. The defense set an immediate tone, highlighted by Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s early forced fumble and an interception by Jaylen McClain. Though the run defense still shows room for improvement, the unit proved that it remains “bent, but not broken,” effectively stifling the Hawkeyes for the majority of the contest.
The win marked a significant milestone, as Ohio State became the first opponent to put 30-plus points on the board at Kinnick Stadium since Northwestern in 2016. However, head coach Ryan Day will have plenty of film to critique before the Buckeyes head home to host Maryland. Questions remain regarding personnel usage, particularly the ineffective “Wildcat” package and the lack of involvement for players like Legend Bey and Khary Wilder.
Despite those minor grievances, the narrative remains focused on the individual brilliance of Jeremiah Smith and a Buckeye squad that looks increasingly dangerous. Having successfully navigated the hostile environment of Iowa City, Ohio State continues to look like a team on a mission, with their sights now set firmly on the next challenge in their Big Ten campaign.
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