For the second week in a row, a dynamic QB threatened the Buckeyes early, but the defense clamped down for a suffocating second half and the offense couldn't be stopped. I don't think many expected much from Iowa's offense, but Ohio State's 5th-ranked offense averaging 49 points per game would get to test themselves against Iowa's 4th-ranked rush defense and 15th ranked scoring defense.  

Going into Week 6

• 11W Game Preview - With a new offensive coordinator in charge, Iowa's offense ascended from dead last or next to it in both scoring and yards per game to 53rd and 65th. Progress! Ranked 10th in rush ypg and 11th in ypc, respectively, behind star RB, Kaleb Johnson, who had the 2nd most rush yards in the country even with a bye week. Thankfully, we got Tyleik back this week. Iowa's passing game was still poopy, though, ranked 124th in passing yards per game. 

  On the other side, Iowa has allowed just 62 rushing yards per game. There are a lot more stats here but the point is that their rush defense is really good. 

• Presser Bullets - Praise for the safeties, still figuring out the RG situation with Tshabola and Siereveld. Styles is adjusting well, but still adjusting. Praise for the team-first effort in Egbuka's block on JJ Smith's 19-yard TD last week. Gotta think that mentality was a silent hero for this team last year. On Iowa, much praise for the defensive front, as expected. Chip Kelly sounds pleased with the offense's strides thus far and implies that this team has more in the bag. Can't wait to see it. Knowles is always looking for areas of improvement and sees many each week. Just keep watching Sonny Styles; he'll get there.  
• Kaleb Johnson says he wouldn't have picked OSU even if he was offered because he wants to beat us. Well, you weren't offered, so...
• There was excitement among us about the offense. Many noticed that the offense, while always capable under Day, felt more dynamic as of late. The Chip Kelly infusion seems to be paying off, the playmakers are making plays, and look out, this OL is taking care of business. Could we be seeing opinions of Justin Frye changing before our very eyes? I recommend reading through this thread. Feels good. 
• Will Howard has been earning fans out here. Honestly, his whole demeanor, his enthusiasm, his hunger to win, his embracing being a Buckeye, it's easy to see why he won many over so quickly. You love guys like that. 
• Trailer Vol. 5 - Threaded Tradition
• Last Call - Many of the same topics discussed: Iowa's defense, stopping Iowa's run game. 

There was a lot of positivity in the forum threads this week. Hope that remains the case!

Week 6 vs Iowa in 40 Minutes

Open Threads: Q1 | Q2 | Halftime | Q3 | Q4  

Coming out of Week 6

• Game Summary - Iowa showed why their defense is always respected by forcing two turnovers and holding Ohio State to 7 points in the first half. Ohio State showed why they are even respecteder by eventually cracking Iowa's defense with a balanced attack and opening the second half with four consecutive touchdown drives and ending three of Iowa's second half drives with 5 total yards gained between them.
• Somebody test Jeremiah Smith's blood. Not for PEDs, to check if he's even actually human. 
• Emeka was the one with THREE touchdowns in this game, though; the first hat trick of his college career.
• Presser Bullets - Day praised Ohio State's handling of the run game on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Had to make sure to single out Emeka on his terrific performance. Noted that the locker room at halftime had to confront the adversity in front of them. I'm sure this experience helped develop the players' ability to steel themselves moving forward.
• Top 5 Players - A lot of praise for Sonny Styles. Soldierdad even wrote an ode! Plenty of praise heaped upon others as well. 
• Care/Don't Care - Both sides winning the line of scrimmage can bring an Ohio State fan back from the dead. The crazy part is that the best is yet to come. 

 Up Next: @ #3 Oregon!