Iowa got a real taste of trench football against Michigan, and that should matter again this week when the Hawkeyes line up against Ohio State.
The Wolverines made last week’s game a physical grind, and Iowa met that challenge head-on. That kind of outing, Kirk Ferentz said, gives his team something useful to carry into another heavyweight matchup. Ohio State brings its own version of physical football, but Ferentz pointed out that the Buckeyes are built a little differently than Michigan.
“At least we know what it's like. They're different, but they're the same.
They're very similar teams in that they're really talented. They've got good size.
They're built differently, if that makes any sense. Like, you can tell what Ohio State's goal is.
“They're just a really big -- they're big on both lines. Their guys are all -- on the defensive front, basically they're all 300-pound-plus guys. It's a little different, whereas they're a little bit different builds and abilities last week, all those guys inside were 300-plus easily,” Ferentz said of the game against Michigan helping Iowa this week.
That’s the reality Iowa lives in every season in the Big Ten: if you can’t handle physical football, you’re in trouble. Ferentz said the challenge isn’t just knowing what’s coming. It’s being ready to absorb it, snap after snap, week after week.
“They're both talented. They both have good size.
You play a game like that last week where it was really pretty intensity physical, and you turn around, and you've got one more like it, the same way. I imagine a week from now won't be much different either.
“That's kind of Big Ten play, if you will. You're either learning, or you're not. But I think at least we've been there once, and now here we go, another test,” added Ferentz.
In Other News...
Iowa Got One Encouraging Development After A Brutal Night At Ohio State
Iowa left Columbus with the kind of loss that can linger, falling 31-14 to Ohio State after a rough night on both sides of the ball. The Hawkeyes had to navigate more than just the scoreboard, too, as three starters went down during the game, adding another layer of concern to an already difficult trip.
Kirk Ferentz offered at least a bit of relief afterward, saying the injuries to Hank Brown, Deshaun Lee and Zach Lutmer are not expected to be serious. Iowa also got a small lift from backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, who came in and guided the teams only touchdown drive, a modest bright spot on a night that otherwise belonged to the Buckeyes. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Just Got A Frustrating Reality Check Before Washington
Iowas trip to Ohio State turned into a sobering reminder of how thin the margin can be against the sports elite. The No. 14 Hawkeyes came away with a loss after struggling to get much going on offense, with quarterback Hank Brown throwing an interception before leaving the game with a mild sprain, while the defense had a hard time slowing down a Buckeyes attack that kept finding answers.
Jeremiah Smith was at the center of it, piling up 206 receiving yards and two touchdowns while also moving into Ohio States all-time lead in receptions and tying the program career touchdown record. For Iowa, the more immediate concern is what the performance and the injuries mean heading into Washington, where the Hawkeyes will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid carrying this frustration into another big matchup. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Let Ohio State Hang Around Until One Problem Took Over
Iowa had Ohio State in a game for long stretches at Kinnick Stadium, even as the Buckeyes left with a 31-14 win. The Hawkeyes did a respectable job slowing the ground game, holding Ohio State to 3.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts, and for stretches the defense gave the home crowd reason to think the upset was within reach.
Jeremiah Smith changed the feel of the night. The Ohio State receiver repeatedly found space downfield, finishing with 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns, and Iowa never found a clean answer once the Buckeyes decided to lean on him. The Hawkeyes also had chances to tighten things up, but penalties and mistakes kept them from turning those openings into real pressure on the No. 1 team. [Read more 🡒]