Ohio State vs. Iowa live stream, where to watch, TV channel, prediction, picks, spread, football game odds

No. 3 Ohio State faces a big test Saturday as it hosts Iowa in an important Big Ten matchup. The Buckeyes have exploded to a 4-0 start in which each win came by more than 30 points, including a 38-7 win over Michigan State in the Big Ten's opening game. Ohio State is No. 3 nationally in scoring offense.

Iowa lost its annual Cy-Hawk Trophy rivalry game to Iowa State but otherwise dominated its schedule for four weeks. Outside of the Cyclones game, the Hawkeyes are averaging 36.3 points per game and are coming off an impressive 31-14 win over Minnesota in their last game.

Because Ohio State and Iowa played in separate divisions, the two teams only played twice in the last decade. Iowa won in 2017, a shocking 55-24 victory that kept the Buckeyes out of the College Football Playoff. However, in 2022, its final game, Ohio State dominated Iowa again, 54-10.

Follow along here LIVE updates from Ohio State vs. Iowa

How to watch Ohio State vs. Iowa live

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium – Columbus, Ohio

TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Keep streaming Paramount+ with Showtime (try for free)

Ohio State vs. Iowa: What you need to know

WR-U: Ohio State lost Marvin Harrison Jr. in the NFL Draft, but highly touted rookie Jeremiah Smith quickly filled the void. In four career games, the freshman has rushed for 364 yards and six all-purpose touchdowns. Against Michigan State, he had five catches for 83 yards while scoring both through the air and on the ground. Iowa will present its first real challenge in the secondary, but Smith can really break onto the national scene with a dominant performance on CBS.

Real improvement?: Expectations for Iowa's offense were low after the Hawkeyes hired former Western Michigan coach Tim Lester as offensive coordinator. While the production didn't reach Ohio State's level, it was a huge improvement. A year after finishing last, Iowa ranks 65th nationally in total offense and 53rd in total offense. Running back Kaleb Johnson has been a bright spot with 685 yards and nine touchdowns, and the offense is middle of the pack when it comes to converting red zone trips into touchdowns.

The best of the best: Ohio State coach Ryan Day is known for his passing ability, but the Buckeyes rank No. 1 nationally in expected points added per rush behind dominant two-headed monster Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Iowa will be up to the challenge after holding its first four opponents to an average rushing distance of 62 yards. Linebacker Jay Higgins is the spearhead of Iowa's rush defense, but the Hawkeyes will need the entire unit to perform at their best as Ohio State is prepared to attack every inch of the field in the running game.

Ohio State vs. Iowa Prediction, Tips

Ohio State has barely opened the playbook against a Charmin-soft early schedule, but the Buckeyes are well prepared for their close matchup. Iowa has the ability to blow the game, but even an improved Hawkeyes offense won't be able to seriously compete with OSU's defense, which is one of the best in the country. It may be a loophole, but Ohio State will get there. Pick: Ohio State -19.5

What college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 6? Visit SportsLine to see which teams are winning and covering the spread – all with a proven computer model that has brought in well over $2,000 in profits since its launch – and find out.