Iowa vs. Ohio State Pre-Game

No. 10/13/15 Iowa (9-1, 5-1) vs. no. 11/8/10 Ohio State (8-2, 5-1)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m.
TV/Radio: ABC (regionally), AM 800 KXIC
Line: Ohio State, +17 (espn.com)

What to watch for
James Vandenberg makes his first career start under center for the Hawkeyes. A lot of people in Iowa City seem to think Vandenberg will be the reason the Hawks lose this game, but I'm not buying it. All dude has to do is make a few plays and be consistent. He does NOT have to be a hero.

Key Stats
Ohio State quarterback Terrell Pryor turned the ball over four times (two fumbles, two interceptions) in the Buckeyes' loss against mighty (haha) Purdue earlier this season. Iowa leads the Big Ten in takeaways. This won't be a cake walk for the Bucks.

Prediction
Iowa's defense keeps them in the game, like always. Pryor and the Bucks get some things going offensively in the first quarter, but settle for a pair of field goals rather than punching in two touchdowns. Vandenberg struggles to find his rhythm in the first half, but shows signs of life close to half time. The Hawks cash in on an Ohio State turnover towards the end of the first half and make it close at half time.

In the second half, the third quarter moves by fast because both teams attempt to establish the running game. But in the fourth quarter, Adrian Clayborn drops Pryor, forcing a fumble which he gobbles up and rumbles with it into the endzone. The Bucks scrap for a late touchdown and force Iowa into a three-and-out on the next possession. But the Iowa D stands strong and holds off Ohio State to seal the deal.

Iowa 17, Ohio State 13