Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith by have another all-time game against the Hawkeyes.
Last weekend, Smith caught four touchdown passes and had over 200 yards receiving in the Buckeyes' blowout victory over the Illini. It was the best performance he has had in his collegiate career. It was a performance that proved no one can truly cover him.
The Ohio State Buckeyes take on Iowa this weekend in their first road test since losing to Texas. Tyler Brown, who is seen as Iowa's best defensive back, was someone they were hoping to deploy against Smith in their attempts to cover him. They will not have that option.
DB Tyler Brown is ruled out against Ohio State
In the first availability report sent out by the Hawkeyes, they ruled out Brown against the Buckeyes. That's a big blow for an Iowa team that relies heavily on the defense to get wins. Last season, Brown had 80 tackles, a sack, six passes knocked down, and an interception.
Iowa has the best scoring defense in the country, only allowing teams to score about eight points per game. However, not having Brown for this game might put Iowa in a bind. Smith is the best player in college football, and that game against Illinois made him the favorite to win the Heisman.
Ohio State thrives on throwing the football, as they have struggled to get explosive runs from their running backs. Smith is also the only reliable option they have, so having fewer players to defend him is great news for the Buckeyes. Of course, Iowa has some really good other players.
However, they are also going to be without DB Kyler Gerady. He isn't a big piece of Iowa's defense, but any downgrade in their depth is good for the Buckeyes. Freshman Darion Jones is also listed as questionable, so the depth remains a concern for the Hawkeyes.
Ohio State has injury problems of its own vs. Iowa
The Buckeyes do not have a clean injury sheet themselves. They might be without stud freshman corner Jay Timmons, who has been one of their best playmakers so far this season. He has proven to be a fantastic nickel corner, and losing him would be a big blow. He's currently listed as questionable.
Phillip Daniels is listed as questionable, as he was last week against Illinois. Daniels was injured against Texas and has not played since. Without him, the right side of the offensive line has relied on Gabe VanSickle at right guard and Austin Siereveld at right tackle. That has worked out well so far.
However, Zion Grady is not on the availability report. That means that the starting defensive end should be good to go after missing the last two games. He was also hurt in the Texas game. Getting him back means they will play Qua Russaw less, and that's a good thing.
This injury report will be something to monitor in the coming days. Ohio State is hoping to have both Daniels and Grady back in the starting lineup, but that might not come to fruition. At least Smith could be licking his chops over an injured Iowa secondary.
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