Bulletpoints: Iowa

• This didn't feel like the typical "Ohio State messes around in the first half, but talent takes over in the second" kind of win we've seen plenty of times under Ryan Day. They fought through some of their early mistakes, and came out with a dominant win. Will Howard didn't play well in the first half, but turned it around in the second, and made the kind of throws that showcase what this offense can be when it's at it's best. The defense? Everything you could have asked for. They turned Iowa over three times, completely neutralized their run game, and made Cade McNamara's life hell whenever he dropped back. I feel good about where they're at heading into Oregon next week.
• I usually start these with thoughts on the offense, but I want to show the defense some love. It was against Iowa's offense, but they absolutely smothered the Hawkeyes, and basically made star running back Kaleb Johnson a non-factor:

• The big difference to me between this defense and Jim Knowles' first two is the aggression they play with. The defensive line – Jack Sawyer and Ty Hamilton, in particular– is full of maulers, while the secondary attacks without being overly grabby in coverage. Granted, they still haven't played a legit offense yet, but this has all the makings of a classic Ohio State defense.
• I was super harsh on Jack Sawyer for most of three seasons, and never thought he'd be playing at the level he is right now. It feels like he's laid at least one monster hit on every QB they've played this year.
• If there's something that worries me, it's the linebackers. It's not like they're terrible, but I don't enjoy seeing them in coverage (Sonny Styles).

Let's get my gripes about the offense in the first half out of the way real quick:

• Here's a play from Ohio State's first drive when Quinshon Judkins converted the type of third-and-short the offense would've only dreamed of the last three seasons: