Big Ten Showdown: Can Iowa Shock Ohio State at Kinnick?
Iowa football fans have a massive test ahead as the Hawkeyes host No. 4 Ohio State in a primetime Big Ten clash. After a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback win over Michigan, Iowa now faces its toughest opponent of the season. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has weighed in with his picks, and he sees trouble ahead for the Hawkeyes despite the legendary home-field advantage at Kinnick Stadium.
Ohio State vs. Iowa: The Matchup That Worries Klatt
The betting line has Ohio State as a 14.5-point favorite, with the moneyline sitting at Ohio State -625 and Iowa +455. Klatt acknowledges the magic of Kinnick Stadium but believes this particular matchup favors the Buckeyes in a big way.
“Kinnick Stadium is a dangerous place for top-five teams to go. It has been historic, no doubt. Ask Oregon and ask Indiana last season. Here comes Ohio State,” Klatt said. “I think there are a lot of people expecting a similar style of game, in particular after that win for Iowa over Michigan.”
Klatt points to Ohio State’s deep-threat ability, especially wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, as the key difference. In their last two meetings, Iowa has surrendered 54 and 35 points to the Buckeyes.
“While Iowa plays these other teams very tightly, they don’t play Ohio State very tightly because of the deep-threat ability of Ohio State through the years,” Klatt explained. “This is where the game is won or lost for Ohio State. They’re going to need to run the ball effectively. If Iowa helps on Smith and can still stop the run, Ohio State is in trouble.”
Klatt’s pick: Ohio State straight up and against the spread (-14.5).
Alabama Faces Tough Road Test at Mississippi State
Alabama hits the road to face Mississippi State as a 5.5-point favorite. Klatt is high on Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell but warns that Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor presents a serious challenge.
“Alabama can flat throw the ball. Keelon Russell has been dynamic,” Klatt said. “Having that road start in your pocket is huge for a young quarterback. He played at Kentucky and went through some lumps early. Now he’s going to have a wealth of knowledge from that start.”
Klatt expects a competitive game but believes Alabama’s defense will be the difference.
“Kamario Taylor, gosh he’s good. This is the best defense he will have seen by a wide margin. I don’t think Alabama is going to go in there and blow the doors off Mississippi State, but this is a better team than Missouri. I think Alabama wins this one 35-28.”
Klatt’s pick: Alabama straight up and against the spread (-5.5).
Florida vs. Missouri: Klatt Calls Out the Tigers
Klatt did not hold back when discussing Missouri, which remains ranked despite a poor record against quality SEC competition. Florida is a 5.5-point road favorite.
“What a joke that Missouri is still ranked. Since Eliah Drinkwitz took over, Missouri is 0-16 versus SEC teams that finished with a winning record in SEC play,” Klatt said. “Does Missouri win games like this? The answer’s no. Those are just the facts, that’s not me being a hater.”
Klatt likes Florida’s ground game, featuring Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark, and predicts a 42-32 Gators victory.
Klatt’s pick: Florida straight up and against the spread (-5.5).
Miami Ready to Announce Itself as National Title Contender
Miami travels to Clemson as a 16.5-point favorite, and Klatt believes this is the game where the Hurricanes prove they are among the nation’s elite.
“I actually think this is going to be Miami’s announcement to the rest of the country,” Klatt said. “I don’t know if there’s enough guts in a bring your own guts-style environment for Dabo Swinney to go out there and beat a Miami team that’s that talented.”
Klatt highlighted Miami’s offensive weapons, including quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney, whom he called the second-best receiver in college football behind only Jeremiah Smith.
“I’ve got Miami winning 42-17 on the road, and they cover 16.5.”
Klatt’s pick: Miami straight up and against the spread (-16.5).
USC Looks to Bounce Back Against Washington
USC hosts Washington as a 9.5-point favorite after a disappointing home loss to Oregon. Klatt believes the Trojans will respond well despite the mounting pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley.
“Everyone is writing that program’s and coach’s obituary right now. That’s the talk of the town. But that wasn’t an atrocious performance against Oregon,” Klatt said. “The problem with Washington is they don’t protect the quarterback. Minnesota sacked Demond Williams Jr. seven times. Guess what USC can do? They can get after the quarterback.”
Klatt predicts a 35-21 USC victory, with the Trojans covering the spread.
Klatt’s pick: USC straight up and against the spread (-9.5).
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa supporters, Saturday night represents a chance to prove the doubters wrong. Kinnick Stadium has been a graveyard for top-five teams before, and the Hawkeyes’ defense thrives on creating chaos. But Klatt’s analysis highlights a real concern: Ohio State’s ability to stretch the field vertically has historically been Iowa’s kryptonite.
If Iowa can contain Jeremiah Smith and force the Buckeyes into a ground-and-pound game, the Hawkeyes have a fighting chance. If not, it could be a long night in Iowa City. Either way, this is must-watch football for any Big Ten fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Iowa vs. Ohio State game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium. Check local listings for the exact kickoff time in your area.
How can Iowa beat Ohio State?
Iowa needs to win the turnover battle, control the clock with its running game, and find a way to limit explosive plays from Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes’ passing attack.
Is Ohio State favored to win?
Yes, Ohio State is a 14.5-point favorite according to the latest betting lines, with a moneyline of -625.