Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Iowa City, IA — The Buckeyes bounced back from their first defeat with a convincing 38-10 win over Iowa in Iowa City.

Unveiling a spread offense of their own, the Buckeyes rolled up 446 yards in total offense, including what would turn out to be a season-high 338 yards passing.

Quarterback Steve Bellisari led the aerial onslaught by completing 17 of 29 passes for a career-high 315 yards and three touchdowns. All three of Bellisari’s scoring tosses came in the first half as the run-and-shoot Buckeyes jumped out to a commanding 31-10 lead at intermission.

Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo combined for 11 receptions and 210 yards in the first half, each catching scoring passes. Chad Cacchio was on the receiving end of Bellisari’s other TD pass.

Derek Combs, back after missing the Minnesota game with a sprained ankle, scored the Buckeyes’ first touchdown, capping off a three-play, 30-yard drive with a 14-yard run off left tackle. His score came with 12:36 left to play in the first quarter and followed an Iowa fumble, caused by Rodney Bailey and recovered by Courtland Bullard. The Hawkeyes also turned the ball over on their second possession, setting up a Dan Stultz field goal that gave the Buckeyes a quick 10-0 advantage.

Safely in front at the break, the Buckeyes buttoned up in the second half and played it much closer to the vest. Jerry Westbrooks‘ 1-yard run in the third quarter was the only score by either team in the final 30 minutes.

Nose guard Mike Collins led the Buckeyes with a career-high nine tackles. The OSU defense recorded 12 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks.