Top 5 matchups for Week 6 of the 2024 college football season

4. Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State – Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS

Iowa and Ohio State have played each other just 10 times since 2000 but maintain a historic rivalry that dates back to 1922. The Buckeyes have gone 47-15-3 overall against the Hawkeyes, losing just twice to Iowa in the past three decades. The Hawkeyes had greater success when the two teams used to play annually several decades ago, but have not won in Columbus since 1991.

The oddsmakers believe that will remain the case on Saturday as Ohio State is favored by over 20 points, but Iowa might have what it takes to keep things close. Iowa has looked relatively dominant in its wins over Illinois State, Troy and Minnesota and suffered its lone loss to rival Iowa State on a last-second field goal. While there have still been some struggles, the Hawkeyes’ offense has been better under Tim Lester, thanks in part to running back Kaleb Johnson who already has 685 yards and nine touchdowns. Kirk Ferentz’s defense has also been good, ranking No. 18 in the country behind talented linebacker Jay Higgins.

However, Ohio State’s defense has been better, ranking No. 2 in the country while giving up just 196.5 yards per game and three total touchdowns all season behind a talented secondary and another elite edge rusher, Jack Sawyer. Meanwhile, Ryan Day’s offense has also been strong, putting up 38 points or more in all four wins thanks to quarterback Will Howard, freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and a running back tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. The knock on Ohio State is a lack of quality competition to this point, but the Buckeyes can change that narrative in the coming weeks beginning with a victory over Iowa.