The Ohio State football team came into Iowa City looking for a statement win. The Buckeyes had a shot to get a statement win in Austin, but they blew it in the fourth quarter. Iowa came into this game undefeated and with a lot of momentum. Ohio State flat-out embarrassed them.
Ohio State won the game 31-14 in a game that was not close in the second half. Jeremiah Smith was a big reason why the Buckeyes won this game. He became the greatest Ohio State receiver of all time in this game, setting two more records after setting one last week.
Jeremiah Smith sets two records in Ohio State win over Iowa
In the victory over the Hawkeyes, Smith became the all-time leader in both receptions and touchdown catches. He passed Emeka Egbuka and Chris Olave, respectively, to get those records. He finished the game with 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only did Smith prove that he is the greatest Ohio State receiver of all time, but he is also the best player in the country. When asked about his goals at the end of the game, Smith simply mentioned a national championship.
"Bring the team a national championship, and that's all I've been chasing since the season started. Since Fall camp. That's a goal of mine before I leave, and I'm very committed to that."
When asked if a Heisman is on his mind after he struck the Heisman pose after one of his touchdowns, Smith admitted that's something he's thinking about, as well.
"Definitely. That's on my mind. I have to get to New York this year. I have to."
Smith will almost certainly be in New York. He might be taking that trophy home by the time it's all said and done. With Smith on the roster, the Buckeyes have the chance to do almost anything they want offensively, even if other players don't end up stepping up.
Ohio State does something to Iowa that hasn't happened in a decade
For the first time since 2016, the Hawkeyes allowed a team to score 30+ points on them at home. That hadn't happened since Northwestern accomplished that feat. Coming into this game, Iowa allowed just eight points per game on defense. That shows how dominant Ohio State was, especially in the second half.
This game wasn't perfect. Ohio State missed another field goal and had a 31-yard punt. The Buckeyes also didn't convert on a short-yardage run on fourth down. There are certainly things that Ryan Day will want to improve for the rest of the year. However, this team is clearly good enough to win a national title.
That much was certain after embarrassing a very good team at home in a tough environment. The longer the season continues, the more it looks like the collapse in Austin was an aberration. It looks more like this is the team that everyone thought it was.
Of course, the schedule does not lighten up for the Buckyes. They play three more ranked teams in the next four weeks. They need to keep the pedal to the metal.
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