Iowa vs Ohio State Odds & Picks Week 6: Hawkeyes Not Enough To Compete Against Buckeyes

Ohio State and Ryan Day will aim to start the season 5-0 for the third consecutive year. The Buckeyes continue conference play by hosting the Iowa Hawkeyes as 19.5-point favorites, their lowest spread of the year thus far. 

Iowa's unexpected offensive turnaround is one-dimensional, resting on the shoulders of Kaleb Johnson. Meanwhile, Ohio State has success firing from every direction, all demonstrating the same degree of talent scattered throughout its lineup. 

iowa vs ohio state Odds

Matchup Page: Iowa vs Ohio State, 3:30 pm ET

Odds as of October 1 at FanDuel

iowa vs ohio state Picks – Week 6

Like I mentioned, the Hawkeyes are no longer resting on the laurels of kicking all their points. That's right Drew Stevens, you can take a night off. Instead, Johnson has ignited a ground attack solely led by him and his 685 yards and nine touchdowns. 

But man, can you really rely on your leading rusher to get through the fourth-best rushing defense in the country on his own? Probably not. The Buckeyes are giving up just 63 rushing yards per game. 

However, Iowa is also snubbing running backs by giving up just 64 YPG. Though, the talented backfield duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are unlike anything the Hawkeyes have gone up against this year. Even so, Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka will have an easier task working around Iowa's non-threatening passing defense (236.7 YPG). 

The Hawkeye's reputation is built off their defense. Yet, after coughing up 55 points over their last three appearances, even that seems untrustworthy now. 

At 19.5 points, this spread is doable for the Buckeyes, who have covered five of their last seven lines when favored by 20 points or fewer.

Iowa vs Ohio State Week 6 Pick: Ohio State -19.5 (-110)

*picks made as of Tuesday, October 1 at 2:00 pm ET

iowa vs ohio state News

In last week's campaign against Michigan State, Will Howard took a hit late in the second quarter that had trainers tending to him on the field. Eventually, the senior was sidelined briefly as backup Devin Brown took over, pocketing a 17-yard touchdown before halftime. Howard returned under center to start the second half. Following the game, Ryan Day told the media, "Will's good to go, just took a shot there."

iowa vs ohio state Prop Bet: jeremiah smith anytime TD (+100)

Like I hinted at before, I suspect the Buckeyes will be leaning a tad more on their wide receiver room when calling the plays on Saturday night. Allowing 236.7 YPG, Iowa's passing defense is much easier to conquer. Leading Ohio State with five receiving touchdowns, Jeremiah Smith will see some extra action in this Big Ten clash. It's only a bonus that this sits at plus-money too.

iowa vs ohio state Betting Trends