A #1 ranked team enters Kinnick Stadium tonight for the first time since 1992 (Miami). Before that, the last time was Iowa itself, for several weeks during 1985. Iowa has never beaten a #1 ranked team. They are 0-9-1 in their history against such teams (though #1 ranked Iowa did beat #2 ranked Michigan in an instant classic in 1985). Add in the fact that Iowa is also undefeated, has won two of the past four Big Ten Championships, the game is being broadcast nationally on ABC during primetime, and ESPN College Gameday is here, and this is the most hyped game in Iowa City in twenty years. AM radio in Iowa, it seems, has not stopped talking about the game all week. The turnout for ESPN College Gameday's broadcasting in Hubbard Park has been unbelievable.
All of which could lead to a huge letdown. But I'm confident that the letdown won't come.
Ohio State is immensely talented. Iowa cannot match the depth of their talent. Thankfully, only 22 players can be on the field at any one time. And the setup of this game gives Iowa the most favorable conditions they could hope for: A night road game for the Buckeyes.
Here's a preview of what to look for:
Will it be a close game? It should be, but the last two Iowa-Ohio St. games have not been. Two years ago in Iowa City, the Hawks drilled the Buckeyes 33-7, in the middle of an amazing season in which Iowa lost its first four running backs to season-ending injuries and went with walk-on Sam Brownlee (who's now a senior who doesn't play). Troy Smith became the starting quarterback for Ohio State the week after that game. Last year, Ohio St. paid the Hawks' back in a dominating 31-6 win (that could have been worse).
The receivers: Ohio State has at least three receivers (Ginn, Gonzalez, and Robiskie) better than Iowa's best receiver (true freshman Dominique Douglas). Iowa's one true speed receiver -- sophomore Andy Brodell -- isn't polished. Ohio State thus has breakaway ability that Iowa doesn't have. That said, Iowa plays a bend but don't break defense that simply doesn't give up long plays.
The trenches: This is where Ohio State really killed Iowa last year, dominating the lines on both sides of the ball. The Iowa defensive line, still young, but much more expierenced than last year, must be able to stop Antonio Pittman. If Pittman is able to run free, the game could turn into a blowout. On the other side of the ball, Iowa has an experienced and good offensive line, despite starting freshman Rafael Eubanks at center. They've given Drew Tate plenty of time to throw this year. What they haven't been able to do is open up holes for running back Albert Young. Young led the Big Ten in rushing last year counting only in-conference games. This year, he's averaging just 70 yards a game and 4.1 yards per carry (while Damien Sims is also getting some playing time). Iowa's longest run this year is 21 yards. They have to get some big plays, and the offensive line will need to play a big role in getting those plays. Ohio State has allowed a good number of rushing yards in three of their four games this year.
The QB's: Troy Smith and Drew Tate are stars. They're both going to put up good passing numbers and perhaps run for a few first downs. Which one can avoid the interceptions?
The start: Kinnick Stadium will be excited tonight. Iowa has the capability to come back from a 21-0 deficit, but it would be hard after such a deflating start against such a great team. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Musberger: I really wish someone else was ABC's primary play-by-play man.
Anyway, let's do this.
