The fourth-ranked Buckeyes dodged another bullet against Iowa as they outlasted the Hawkeyes 34-24. Iowa came into the game at 4-2, 1-1 in the Big Ten so this was bound to be a fight to the end.
The strategy of “riding Hyde” continued to work to perfection as he rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Braxton Miller confused Iowa’s defense with his arm and legs. He passed for 222 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 102 yards. The Hawkeye defense was ineffective in containing Miller, particularly in the second half.
The big blow early on was the ejection of cornerback Bradley Roby in the first quarter. He targeted the head of an Iowa player and the referees wasted no time ejecting him from the game.
Iowa drew first blood as quarterback Jake Rudock threw a 2 yard pass to C.J. Fiedorowicz. Ohio State responded with a 27 yard field goal from Drew Basil.
Iowa scored again after a 28 yard field goal by Mike Meyer. Ohio State was determined to stand their ground as Miller threw a 58 yard touchdown to Corey Brown. However, Iowa struck back as Rudock threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to Kevonte Martin- Manley.
Iowa led 17 to 10 at halftime. A blemish was looming as the Buckeyes went into locker room staring in the face of their first loss of the season.
The Buckeyes were in a similar situation two weeks ago at Northwestern and won by a 10 point margin. A brief history was about repeat itself.
Ohio State started the second half with fire and passion. Carlos Hyde scored the game tying one yard touchdown. It was the first time all season that Iowa allowed a rushing touchdown. Receiver Devin Smith followed up with a 14 yard touchdown reception. Iowa was determined to strike back again as Jake Duzey caught an 85 yard touchdown pass from Rudock. The excitement of gaining the lead was gone in the blink of an eye as the Hawkeyes tied the game at 24.
The Hawkeyes excitement was short-lived as Hyde scored on a 19 yard rushing touchdown to put Ohio State back on top 31-24. Drew Basil gave the Buckeyes some insurance with a 25 yard field goal which was enough to hold off the upset minded Hawkeyes.
Ohio State’s win keeps them in the BCS National Championship discussion. It is unlikely that there will be three or more undefeated teams. Therefore, as long as the Buckeyes stay undefeated including a win in the Big Ten Championship, they will be a virtual lock to play in the BCS National Championship.