Iowa vs. Ohio State: Week 5 Betting Odds, Lines, and Picks for the Hawkeyes' Biggest Test

The undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes face their toughest challenge of the season this Saturday when they host No. 5 Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium. The Buckeyes enter as 13.5-point road favorites in a game that could define Iowa's playoff hopes and reshape the Big Ten title race.

Iowa (4-0) is coming off a dramatic last-second touchdown to beat Michigan, while Ohio State (3-1) features one of the most explosive receivers in the country in Jeremiah Smith. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and the over/under is set at 45.5 points, according to the latest Week 5 college football odds.

What are the odds for Iowa vs. Ohio State?

Sportsbooks have installed Ohio State as a 13.5-point favorite over Iowa, with a total of 45.5 points. The Buckeyes have covered the spread in three of their first four games, while the Hawkeyes are 2-2 against the spread this season.

Smith was unstoppable in Ohio State's win over Illinois, hauling in 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Iowa's defense, traditionally one of the nation's best, will need to find an answer for the Buckeyes' passing attack to keep this game close.

Full Week 5 college football odds and schedule

Here are the complete betting lines for Saturday's action, with all times Eastern:

Saturday, Oct. 3 early games

• Navy at Air Force (-3.5, 46.5), 12 p.m.
• No. 3 Notre Dame at North Carolina (+21, 47.5), 12 p.m.
• No. 7 Alabama at No. 16 Mississippi State (+6, 60.5), 12 p.m.
• West Virginia at Iowa State (-3, 52.5), 12 p.m.
• Michigan at Minnesota (+5.5, 43.5), 12 p.m.
• No. 2 Georgia at Vanderbilt (+24.5, 50.5), 12:45 p.m.

Saturday afternoon games

• No. 5 Ohio State at No. 14 Iowa (+14, 45.5), 3:30 p.m.
• No. 8 Florida at No. 25 Missouri (+5.5, 56.5), 3:30 p.m.
• Auburn at No. 17 Tennessee (-7, 54.5), 3:30 p.m.
• Maryland at Nebraska (-14.5, 52.5), 4 p.m.
• Purdue at Illinois (-10, 61.5), 4:15 p.m.

Saturday night games

• No. 12 Texas Tech at Colorado (+13.5, 50.5), 7:30 p.m.
• No. 4 Miami at Clemson (+16.5, 48.5), 7:30 p.m.
• Washington at No. 18 USC (-9.5, 57.5), 7:30 p.m.
• Cincinnati at Arizona (-7, 55.5), 11 p.m.

How to watch Iowa vs. Ohio State

The game will be broadcast on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+. This is the marquee Big Ten matchup of the week and a critical test for Kirk Ferentz's squad.

Iowa's defense has been stingy all season, but Ohio State presents a different level of athleticism. The Hawkeyes will need to control the clock with their rushing attack and win the turnover battle to pull off the upset at Kinnick Stadium.

Other notable Week 5 matchups for Iowa fans

Iowa State hosts West Virginia at noon, with the Cyclones listed as 3-point favorites. The in-state rival Cyclones are looking to bounce back after a tough start to Big 12 play.

For those looking at the national picture, Alabama travels to Mississippi State, Georgia hosts Vanderbilt, and Florida faces a tricky road test at Missouri. The late window features Miami at Clemson and Texas Tech at Colorado, which should provide plenty of entertainment for college football fans.

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