Ohio State football comes off an emphatic 59-3win over Kent State in Week 3, and its next two opponents fared equally well in their matchups.
Next week's opponent, the Fighting Illini, rebounded from their rough Week 2 loss to the Duke Blue Devils with a dominant performance against Southern Illinois in Champaign. Quarterback Katin Houser continued his efficient season by completing 23-of-29 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to wide receiver Collin Dixon, who continues his red-hot start this season and now has a nation-leading 7 touchdowns through three games.
The Iowa Hawkeyes were even more impressive on Saturday, shutting out Northern Iowa 55-0 at Kinnick Stadium. The No. 18 Hawkeyes ran for 422 yards and amassed
640 total yards in the game. Iowa had three running backs amass over 100 yards: Xavier Williams had 151 yards and three touchdowns on only 6 six carries; Nathan McNeil added 111 yards and two scores; and Braeden Jackson rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown while also catching a 24-yard pass.
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For Ohio State, the matchups in the next two weeks will be a good test for the Buckeyes' defense. They completed their nonconference portion of their schedule at 2-1 and now begin their journey to a potential Big Ten championship.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football's road ahead: Illinois and Iowa shine in Week 3
