Kirk Ferentz compares 2022 matchup with Ohio State to 2013 game in Columbus
Kirk Ferentz has seen it all in Iowa’s matchups against Ohio State. Blowouts and big upsets have occurred throughout the years, and he sees some similarities of the two teams in 2022 when compared to the past.
Heading into Week 8, Ferentz compared the Week 8 matchup to what the two teams were facing in 2013. Back then, Ohio State was a top-5 team led by Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde offensively.
Iowa — entering that game at 4-2 on the season — gave its best shot but couldn’t close the deal. After a 17-10 lead at halftime, the Hawkeyes were outscored 24-7 in the second half.
Ferentz said the formula for this season’s matchup will be very similar as Iowa tries to slow down the game and maximize possessions (Via On3 Sports).
“’13 was hell of a football game,” Ferentz said. “I remember it felt like they had 12 guys on the field. Braxton Miller and their first-round running back, it was really tough. Same thing. You’ve got good receivers, got a good back in I think it was Carlos Hyde and a really good quarterback. So they put the pressure on you like we talked about a couple weeks ago.
“It was a really good game. Tough game, competitive game and we tried to hold the ball. Tried to keep it out of their hands a little bit. Had some success with that. Hit a big play with [Jake] Duzey down the right sideline. That’s kind of what it takes. You have to keep the score close and try to find a way maybe to create something and see what we can do. It’s going to be a big challenge.”
Some of the keys in that game for Iowa were QB Jake Rudock throwing for 3 touchdowns and a rushing game that averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Unfortunately, those numbers are all well-below anything the Hawkeyes are producing so far in 2022.