Grumpy Old Buckeye: Nitpicking Ohio State’s 31-14 win over Iowa

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In the classic battle of eyes (both Buck and Hawk), it was the Buckeyes of Ohio State that came away with the victory Saturday in Big Ten play.

It may not be the most difficult game on the schedule in 2026 (then again, it may be), but in the end, a 31-14 win in Iowa City is something you’ll take anytime.

Although things largely went according to plan, it just wouldn’t be in this column’s nature not to point out the things that happened that made me roll my Buckeyes.

More False Starts

Ohio State showed some improvement in multiple areas, but one of those was not in reducing pre-snap penalties on the offense.

The defense got an early takeaway and on the second offensive snap, Gabe VanSickle jumped early, committing one of his two false starts on the day. It turned a second-and-6 into a second-and-11, and even though Julian Sayin hit Devin McCuin for a touchdown on the next play, that’s not the kind of thing that typically helps the team in the red zone.

VanSickle did it again on the second OSU drive, turning a second-and-87 into second-and-13 after the Buckeyes drove to the 12-yard line. This time, Ohio State had to settle for a field goal.

It wasn’t just VanSickle. Austin Siereveld also committed a false start penalty on the second OSU drive, turning first-and-10 into first-and-15 at the Iowa 29. The Buckeyes converted, only to be thwarted after VanSickle’s second pre-snap infraction.

Siereveld committed his second false start of the game in the third quarter following Jaylen McClain’s interception, moving the ball back from the OSU 30 to the 25.

These are the kinds of plays that can (and did, at least once) stall drives. The Buckeyes must become more disciplined.

It’s one thing to do it in a hostile environment, but they’ve been doing it at home as well.

Call It Both Ways

Devin Sanchez committed two pass interference penalties, bringing his total over the last two games to four.

While that needs to be addressed, as those can’t continue if Ohio State is going to get where it wants to go, the infractions seemed tame, considering the way the game was called the other way — especially the second, on which Iowa receiver Reece Vander Zee was holding Sanchez off with a fistful of the cornerback’s pristine white jersey.

Going the other way, Brandon Inniss had his arm held down while trying to catch a pass on the play after Gabe VanSickle’s second false start. Had he been allowed to raise his arm, that drive may have ended in a touchdown instead of a field goal.

I’m of the opinion that wide receivers should be allowed to raise their arms as the ball approaches them, which would better enable them to catch it. By not allowing it, it should be a pass interference penalty.

Iowa did the same thing to Jeremiah Smith on a third-and-1 play on the second OSU drive of the third quarter. Terrible play call notwithstanding, that’s still a penalty, as Smith’s arm was held down as he tried to haul in the pass.

Ohio State then tried an odd wide run on fourth-and-1 and turned it over on downs. Two downs with a yard to make and no quarterback sneak or quick handoff to one of the Jacksons? Get that out of here, Arthur Smith. And get out of here with not calling pass interference the same both ways, B1G refs.

Either allow the contact or don’t, but keep it consistent.

DOINK! (and Other Not-So-Special Teams Plays)

I watched all or parts of 11 college football games on Saturday. I saw only two missed field goals all day (on numerous attempts!), and multiple makes were from beyond 50 yards.

One of the two misses I saw was Connor Hawkins hitting the upright as he tried to extend Ohio State’s lead over Iowa. With the resources the Buckeyes have, and the fact that they typically compete for championships, it is mindboggling how long it’s been since Ohio State had a kicker who was clutch.

No kicker makes every kick, but Hawkins’ miss against Texas was a costly one and in big games and environments, like playing against a ranked Iowa at Kinnick Stadium, you’d like to see your kicker come up big.

It won’t be any easier at Indiana, against Oregon, or in the postseason, if Ohio State should make the College Football Playoff. How confident are you, as a fan, in Hawkins?

Punting also continues to be problematic. Joe McGuire had a chance to pin Iowa deep and booted his kick only 31 yards, with Iowa fair catching it outside the 20-yard line.

The Hawkeyes, on the other hand, had no issues pinning the Buckeyes back on Saturday with their punting game. It’s frustrating to watch this week after week, even during victories, because it’s a cause for concern in bigger moments on bigger stages.

Will Ohio State ever get serious about special teams? The Buckeyes would probably tell you they take that phase of the game seriously. It isn’t being shown. Ohio State was even offside on a kickoff on Saturday.

It’s a phase of the game that’s already cost the team an undefeated season (with the miss by Hawkins at Texas), and it’s every bit as important as offense and defense.

Reading, Writing, and… Nah, We’re Good

Ohio State seems to have forgotten the arithmetic part of the book learnin’.

The Buckeyes stopped an Iowa two-point conversion late in the game, but the Hawkeyes got a second crack at it because Ohio State had 12 men on the field. How does this happen?

You can see the other team has its offense on the field. You send in your defensive personnel. Who wasn’t supposed to be out there? Why were they?

These are questions that wake me up at night.

That’s enough for this week. I could talk about giving up sacks or play calling in certain situations, but all things considered, the Buckeyes comfortably won a game I had serious concerns about.

Of course, there were lots of positives. Sayin and Smith continue to excel. The running game wasn’t explosive, but it was efficient, with both Jacksons gaining 70+ yards and Isaiah West chipping in some critical runs.

The defense got to the quarterback a few times when Hank Brown wasn’t getting it out quickly, and the secondary was solid when it wasn’t interfering on a few plays, helping the defensive line get home.

What stood out to you in the Iowa game? Let us know in the comments below.

Next up for Ohio State is a visit from the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday afternoon.

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