On Saturday, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in what promises to be their most significant challenge of the season. With a victory, Rutgers could secure an invitation to a bowl game, but the odds appear stacked against them. Historically, the Buckeyes have dominated this matchup, winning all ten previous encounters, and they are poised for a playoff run this year.
One of the primary concerns for Rutgers will be facing Ohio State”s high-powered offense, which averages 441.3 yards per game, ranking second in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes boast an impressive 279.5 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, who has an exceptional completion rate of 80.1%. His primary target, 6-foot-3 sophomore Jeremiah Smith, poses a significant threat with his ability to change the game single-handedly. Head coach Greg Schiano praised Smith”s talent, stating, “He is a fantastic talent. Big, strong, fast, detailed. Runs great routes, great catch radius.”
However, there is uncertainty surrounding Smith”s availability, as he left the last game against UCLA with an apparent limp. Regardless of his status, Ohio State”s offense remains formidable.
Rutgers also faces challenges on the defensive side of the ball. Currently ranked last in the Big Ten for pass defense, the Scarlet Knights must find a way to limit explosive plays that have plagued them throughout the season. The Buckeyes” defense is equally daunting, allowing just 211.6 total yards and a mere 7.2 points per game, both leading statistics in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Under the direction of first-year coordinator Matt Patricia, Ohio State has developed a unit with few weaknesses, ranking first nationally in yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed.
For Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who ranks second in the Big Ten with 2,705 passing yards, this game will be his toughest challenge to date. The Scarlet Knights average 29 points per game but struggle defensively, ranking 106th nationally in scoring defense. Sustaining offensive drives against Ohio State”s depth and execution will be a monumental task.
As Schiano noted, while both teams are talented, Ohio State consistently demonstrates superior execution. The Buckeyes have recorded over 90 wins in Big Ten play since 2014, with only a handful of losses. Their depth across all positions is remarkable.
To have a chance, Rutgers” defense needs to perform flawlessly, while the offense must achieve nearly perfect efficiency. Even with Smith and fellow player Tate being questionable after their recent injuries, the Scarlet Knights face an uphill battle in this crucial matchup against a powerhouse like Ohio State.
