The score is 35-7, there is 3 mins remaining in the game, you’ve got 4th and 7 and…..

So dumb. Even if they don't pick up the 1st down, OSU will pick up one 1st down and then take knees.
 
Not to justify, but I think in this era of running up scores to impact national ranking -- especially now that rankings will determine your opponent in the 12-team playoff -- I think Iowa coaches quite probably were concerned if they didn't make the 1st down, the Buckeyes would continue to run their offense and score again.
 
Exactly. The game was over. If you want one team to call off the dogs and pull its starters and not try to score beyond "normal plays", the other team needs to play along.

If Iowa goes for it on 4th down at a time when it would punt during a normal time of the game, then you just gave the other team permission to try to score.
 
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