Ohio State is heading to Iowa City next weekend, and apparently the oddsmakers are not expecting a nail-biter.
The Buckeyes are favored by 14.5 points against the Iowa Hawkeyes, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The game total is set at 44.5 points.
So, yes, Ohio State is expected to win by two touchdowns.
OSU failed to beat the spread for this first time this season in Saturday’s 42-19 win over Illinois, where the spread closed at 27.5 points. The victory did hit the over, as all three of the Buckeyes’ wins this season have.
Iowa entered its game with Michigan as 5.5-point underdogs before it won 20-19 on a last-second touchdown. The Hawkeyes are also 3-1 against the spread this year.
Ohio State’s most recent matchup with Iowa was a 35-7 win in 2024, where the Buckeyes easily covered the 18.5-point spread.
OSU and Iowa will face off at 3:30 p.m. on CBS next Saturday.
The Hawkeyes will have something to say about those 14.5 points.
Quarterback Julian Sayin is coming off a strong performance against Illinois. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith also had a career game. If those two keep clicking, Iowa’s defense could have a very long afternoon.
But being favored by 14.5 points comes with pressure.
Ohio State is not just expected to win. It is expected to win comfortably.
That distinction matters. A 31-28 victory might be enough for the scoreboard, but it would leave bettors staring at that 14.5-point line like it personally offended them.
For Ohio State, the real goal is simpler. Win the game!
The Buckeyes are trying to build momentum in Big Ten play and prove they can handle business away from home. Iowa represents another chance to show that the Texas loss was a setback, not a permanent problem.
The oddsmakers have already made their prediction with the spread. Now Ohio State gets to make its own statement on the field.
No pressure, right?
