Emeka Egbuka shined with three touchdown receptions as No. 3 Ohio State overcame a slow start to defeat Iowa 35-7 on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Quarterback Will Howard completed 21 of 25 passes for 209 yards and four touchdowns, also rushing for 28 yards and a score. After leading 7-0 at halftime, Ohio State dominated the third quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points.
The Buckeyes opened the second half strongly with Howard connecting on a long pass to Jeremiah Smith, who was tackled just short of the end zone. Smith then made a spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown on the following play. Iowa’s next possession ended in a fumble recovered by Cody Simon, setting up Howard’s rushing touchdown that extended the lead to 21-0.
Ohio State capitalized on an interception thrown by Iowa’s quarterback Cade McNamara, with Egbuka scoring on a 15-yard catch, followed by another touchdown catch from Egbuka after another Iowa fumble deep in their territory. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expressed satisfaction with the team’s response after a rough first half, noting the momentum shift resulting in a stretch of 28 consecutive points.
The Buckeyes amassed 203 yards on the ground, led by Quinshon Judkins with 78 yards and TreVeyon Henderson contributing 61.
The first half was marred by mistakes on both sides, with Ohio State struggling on offense despite Egbuka’s early touchdown. The Buckeyes had multiple turnovers, including a fumble by Smith and an interception by Howard, while Iowa missed opportunities with four punts and a missed field goal.
Iowa’s standout running back Kaleb Johnson, who previously had impressive performances, was limited to just 19 yards on eight carries in the first half, finishing the game with 86 yards and a late touchdown.
Ohio State’s defense delivered its best performance of the season, restricting Iowa to 226 total yards, recording three sacks, and forcing two fumbles along with one interception.
Next, Iowa will host Washington, while Ohio State travels to face No. 6 Oregon next Saturday.