How bad and unlikely was Ohio State’s blowout loss to Iowa?

Ohio State losses, period, are relatively rare, especially under Urban Meyer. And Ohio State losses to Iowa are even more rare. After all, the Hawkeyes have only beaten the Buckeyes once since 1997.

But, they won again today, and they left little doubt, absolutely demolishing Ohio State, 55-24. It was a thrashing on every level.

How unlikely, crazy, and plain ol’ historic was this loss? Let’s consider a few quick points here.

• Iowa has been playing Ohio State since 1922. Headed into today, the Hawkeyes had scored more than 30 points against the Buckeyes just twice (33 in 2004, 35 in 1960). They had never scored 40 points. Today was easily the most points Iowa had ever scored against the Buckeyes.
• Not only that, but this was pretty easily the biggest margin of victory in the series for the Hawkeyes, surpassing the 26-point margin of victory in 2004 (33-7).
• This was the most points Urban Meyer has ever given up in his head coaching career, period. Meyer gave up 47 points in a loss to New Mexico at Utah.
• Iowa’s 54 points was the fifth most points ever scored against Ohio State, and the most since Penn State hung up 63 back in 1994. They finally knocked Western Reserve (before they merged with Case) off this list. Daaaaang.
• OHIO STATE WAS A DOUBLE DIGIT FAVORITE LEADING UP TO THIS GAME.
• Heading into the game, Iowa’s offense was ranked 99th in offensive S&P+. THEY SCORED OVER 50 POINTS.

Everybody has bad days, even teams as talented as Ohio State. We’ve seen some bad losses by the Buckeyes under Urban Meyer (sup, 2014 Virginia Tech), and also some blowouts (sup, Clemson), but a true, out-and-out asskicking by any conference team, let alone one of Iowa’s caliber is really rare.

Given the context of the season, expectations, the talent level of both opponents...off of the top of my head, I think this is one of the most disappointing Ohio State games I can remember in my lifetime as a fan. Probably the worst since the 2007 national title game, or maybe the 1994 thrashing by Penn State (63-17). But at least both of those teams were really good. Iowa, even if they finish with eight or so wins, isn’t at that level.

It’s small consolation that games like these are very rare. But, after watching what we all did, that’s small consolation indeed.