Rutgers vs Ohio State Prediction, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
David vs Goliath
The third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) are rolling as they come off the 52-21 thrashing of Wisconsin. Following a 27-10 loss to Iowa, the visiting Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-1) need a courageous effort against the Buckeyes’ high-flying offense.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Rutgers vs Ohio State. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers Scarlet Knights looked better than anticipated after a 3-0 start. However, there was doubt due to the Knights’ weak schedule. Wagner was an FCS opponent, Boston College is one of the ACC’s worst teams and Temple has struggled. The Week 4 loss to Iowa was a reality check. Rutgers still projects as a bottom-tier Big Ten team. Ohio State could be the Scarlet Knights’ toughest game of the season.
Three turnovers led to Rutgers’ first loss. The Knights have a dire QB situation. Noah Vedral has yet to play and his replacement, Gavin Wimsatt, was out against Iowa. This left the Knights with a third-string quarterback, Evan Simon. He was inconsistent with two interceptions. Rutgers desperately needs Vedral or Wimsatt ready for Ohio State.
Rutgers allowed only 3.4 yards per carry and 148 passing yards against the Hawkeyes. Iowa’s two defensive touchdowns made the difference. The defense has not been the problem. It’s the offense that must improve or the Knights will rarely compete in the Big Ten once again.
Ohio State Buckeyes
We’ve all heard it a thousand times, Ohio State’s offense is unbelievable. Since a slow start against Notre Dame, the Buckeyes have put up video game-like numbers. OSU is averaging 8.2 yards per play (first), 48.8 points per game (third) and 558.2 yards per game (second).
Dominating Arkansas State and Toledo proved nothing, but totaling 539 yards against Wisconsin’s defense is impressive. Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonard is one of college football’s brightest defensive minds. Ryan Day put his defense through a blender. Wisconsin’s secondary is thin right now, but defending Ohio State looks nearly impossible.
Behind a dominant offensive line, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams both posted over 100 rushing yards. C.J. Stroud further separated himself as the Heisman Trophy favorite (+125) with 281 passing yards and five touchdowns. After his 118-yard night, wideout Emeka Egbuka has 472 receiving yards. And tight Cade Stover keeps improving.
This is a Cade Stover appreciation post. 🙌#TouchdownTuesday x @cstov8 pic.twitter.com/XlfTwVTVbq
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) September 27, 2022
This unit will be terrifying if Jaxon Smith-Njigba, perhaps the country’s top receiver, can get fully healthy.
Don’t overlook the defense’s improvement. This is what can make the Buckeyes true national title contenders. The run defense was shaky against Wisconsin as Braelon Allen ripped off a 75-yard touchdown carry.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Injury Report
As mentioned, Rutgers’ top quarterbacks, Vedral and Wimsatt, are questionable with undisclosed injuries. In addition, starting safety Desmond Igbinosun and tight end Victor Konopka are questionable.
For Ohio State, top wideout Smith-Njigba (hamstring) and starting cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Cameron Brown are questionable.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Head-to-Head
This matchup is as lopsided as it gets. Ohio State is 8-0 against Rutgers, winning every game by over 20 points.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Game Information
- Game: Rutgers vs Ohio State
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 1, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Rutgers vs Ohio Live Stream: ESPN
Rutgers vs Ohio State Betting Lines
Rutgers vs Ohio State Prediction
Ohio State will score plenty of points against Rutgers. The question is will the Buckeyes’ defense hold Rutgers to only a couple of scores? To cover a spread of over 40 points, Ohio State must have a complete performance. Rutgers’ offense is a mess, especially with multiple quarterbacks out. Even if the Knights get their top QB back, the offensive line will likely struggle against OSU’s talented front seven. Ohio State will keep it rolling with another blowout win against Rutgers.
