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Iowa Moves up to No. 14 in AP Top 25 and Goes Into Buckeyes Showdown as Possible Playoff Contender
The Hawkeyes climbed after a last-play win over Michigan and open as 14.5-point underdogs against the Buckeyes, ESPN College Football Gameday said.
Iowa climbed to No. 14 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll following Saturday's 20-19 victory over Michigan, positioning the undefeated Hawkeyes to host Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium next week.
The Hawkeyes defeated the Michigan Wolverines 20-19 at Michigan Stadium on the final play, with first-year starting quarterback Hank Brown throwing the winning touchdown pass to receiver Reece Vander Zee.
ESPN College GameDay will return to Iowa City for the first time in 20 years to cover Saturday's matchup, with The Buckeyes opened as 14.5-point favorites for the highly anticipated conference showdown.
Despite remaining undefeated, Iowa ranks only 13th in the 18-team Big Ten in strength of schedule for the final eight games. Players remain focused, saying "Everyone inside the building knows what this team is."
Ohio State enters the contest following its victory over Illinois, positioning The Buckeyes as early Big Ten favorites in a showdown that represents a critical test for Iowa's playoff aspirations.