Kirk Ferentz shares how 2013 Ohio State matchup helps Iowa

In 2013, Iowa made the trip to Columbus to take on Braxton Miller and Ohio State. That was the last time the Hawkeyes played in The Horseshoe — a 34-24 Buckeyes victory — and they’re gearing up for their return this week in a key Big Ten matchup.

Kirk Ferentz remembers that 2013 matchup quite well, and he thinks there are lessons his team can take from that game.

In that game, Miller threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns to help the Buckeyes to victory. Now, Ohio State is led by Heisman Trophy contender C.J. Stroud and have a revamped defense. Ferentz said it’s not unfamiliar territory for his group, though, because of that last game in Columbus.

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“’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.”

Kirk Ferentz shares what ‘jumps out’ about Ohio State

Kirk Ferentz’s team will face its toughest challenge this season when they head to Columbus to face No. 2 Ohio State. The 3-3 Hawkeyes will have to dot their i’s and cross their t’s when it comes to attempting to slow the Buckeye offense. It’s a lot to ask, especially because Ferentz sees some challenges that Iowa will really have to focus on this weekend.

Ferentz broke down this weekend’s matchup against Ohio State during media on Tuesday. He said the biggest problem from the film he’s watched is getting the Buckeyes behind the sticks. Opposing defenses have yet to find a consistent way to keep the Buckeyes behind the chains and the count, which makes it even more challenging to get them off the field.

“The thing that jumps out at you is it’s tough to knock them off the tracks. It’s tough to get them behind in the count,” Ferentz said. “Good defenses try to do that to offenses. Make them have to go the (length) of the field or on third and long. Those kinds of things. It’s not easy to do with this football team because they’re just really adept at what they do.”