No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Predictions
The Buckeyes and Scarlet Knights are going to enjoy this one.
Ohio State has a 9-0 record against Rutgers since the latter has joined the conference. Though both teams will likely remain in the Big Ten East with the four Pac-12 teams joining, they will not face off next season.
The Knights could certainly be locked in a defensive game with the Buckeyes, as they have had first-half struggles all season. That said, Ohio State could also pull away with a top overall offense in the country.
Here are the BuckeyesNow staff's score predictions for Ohio State's matchup with Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor
I think this is going to be a tougher matchup than people think for the Buckeyes. Rutgers has a very good defense and should cause the Ohio State offense some problems.
That said, I don't see how Rutgers scores very much, if at all, against this Buckeyes defense.
Ohio State - 24, Rutgers - 6
Gaurav Law, Staff Writer
This is a battle of two top defensive teams — I think it comes down to who takes advantage on the other end. Of course, Ohio State ranks among the top-scoring offenses in the Big Ten, led by the junior three-headed beast of quarterback Kyle McCord, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Especially with Henderson returning and putting up 200 all-purpose yards, the Knights will try to do as best as they can to stop the run, but McCord will look to his receivers then. If Rutgers locks up the secondary, Henderson will play a much larger role.
Ohio State - 31, Rutgers - 14
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer
You've heard the term "trap game" right? Meet Ohio State's. The Scarlet Knights are 6-2 and seem to be on a warpath to fourth place in the Big Ten East. Did you know Rutgers ranks ninth nationally in total yards allowed and second in pass defense?
With the return of a healthy Trayveon Henderson, Ohio State must trust the ground game to push forward. Rutgers is allowing nearly 5.0 yards per play and 3.2 yards after contact. The Buckeyes win, but only after a surging third quarter.
Ohio State - 30, Rutgers - 13
Caleb Spinner, Staff Writer
There has been talks all season about which weekend could be a possible "trap game" (a contest which Ohio State is heavily favored to win, but ends up being closer than expected). With the way Rutgers played against No. 2 Michigan, the trap could very well come Saturday in Piscataway.
The chances of the Buckeyes falling to the Scarlet Knights are beyond slim, however. Ohio State's offense has gotten better almost every weekend, and the defense seems to be the best it's ever been in recent memory.
Look for Rutgers to shoot out of its corner and throw some jabs early, but a barrage of second-half haymakers from Ohio State will eventually put the Scarlet Knights face-down on the canvas.
Ohio State - 35, Rutgers - 13
