Ryan Day’s Ohio State team has been in cruise control so far in 2024, blowing out its 1st 4 overmatched foes in Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall and Michigan State.

Specifically, the Buckeyes offense has been electrifying. Ohio State has scored 52, 56, 49 and 38 points, respectively, in those 1st 4 games. It’s been free and easy for the 3rd-ranked team in the country — so far. But the Buckeyes finally might be getting a challenge in Week 6 when Iowa visits Ohio Stadium for a Saturday afternoon showdown on national TV.

In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Day was asked if it’s “fun” to go against a defense like Iowa. The 3-1 Hawkeyes have only allowed a combined 55 points in their 1st 4 games, capped by a 31-14 victory at Minnesota in Week 4. Iowa had a bye in Week 5, which might make Saturday’s game a bit more of a challenge for Day’s team.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s going to come down to the players,” explained Day. “We’ve got to do a good job of keeping it simple and letting them play. That’s it. If you start getting into a situation where you try to out-scheme somebody, it’s not going to go well against these guys.

“You’ve got to keep it simple, let these guys play and give them an advantage in terms of putting them in a position to be successful. But to say we’re going to out-scheme Iowa, that’s not going to happen. You’ve got to play harder.”