Ohio State is fresh off a victory over Kent State in a game that wasn't close. The Buckeyes dominated that game from start to finish, which is what was expected of them. It was the last non-conference game that they have on the schedule. Now, it's time for Big Ten play.
The first game up for the Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten play is a rivalry game. They take on Illinois in the only trophy game they play. However, the following weekend is a bigger challenge. They head to Iowa City for the first time in nine years. They have avoided the worst-case scenario with the kickoff time.
Ohio State football vs. Iowa kickoff time revealed
Ohio State will be taking on Iowa at 3:30 pm in Week 5. The game will be broadcast on CBS, marking the first game that the Buckeyes are playing on that network this season. It will be the fourth different kickoff time that Ohio State has had. It also keeps them from avoiding the worst-case scenario.
With the kickoff time being at 3:30, that means they will avoid a night game at Kinnick. Kinnick Stadium is not an easy environment to play in, especially at night. In fact, the last game that the Buckeyes played in Kinnick ended in a loss, as that was nine years ago.
In that game, the Buckeyes had a major letdown the week after having a monster comeback against Penn State. J.T. Barrett threw an early pick-six, and the game was pretty much over from that moment on. Ohio State got blown out, and it ended any chance they had of making the College Football Playoff.
A loss in a couple of weeks could put the Buckeyes in a similar fate. That would be their second loss of the season, although both would be on the road. With how tough their schedule is, Ohio State might be able to make the CFP with three losses. They don't want to test that theory, though.
Ohio State still has a tough task to beat Iowa
While this game isn't for a couple of weeks, it won't be an easy game for Ohio State to win. Iowa is one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are currently ranked 17th in the country, so they certainly aren't any slouches. Their offense has become much better.
Ryan Day won't let his team turn its attention towards Iowa City until after this weekend. The Illini will be getting the Buckeyes' full attention, as they should. This is the final semi-easy game that the Buckeyes have for a while. Ohio State is going to need to fix its issues with the ground game this week.
For a 3:30 game, it should still be light for the entire game in Iowa City. That helps Ohio State because the stadium won't be as charged up. It will still be up to Julian Sayin and the rest of the offense to handle the environment in the fourth quarter better than they did at Texas. That was unacceptable.
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