The final month of Ohio State’s regular season begins today.
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights
Ohio State kicks off its four-game November slate in Piscataway, New Jersey, where the Buckeyes will look to continue their run of dominance over Rutgers. If Ohio State wins today, it would move to 10-0 all-time against the Scarlet Knights – the first time the Buckeyes have ever won all of their first 10 games against any school – and 9-0 for the 2023 season.
Despite that history, Saturday’s game has the potential to get interesting, as Rutgers enters November with a 6-2 record and a defense ranked in the top 13 nationally in both points and yards allowed per game. That will make this year’s game against the Scarlet Knights a legitimate test, particularly for Ohio State’s offense, which is looking to build some momentum after scoring only 44 total points over the past two weeks.
With that in mind, we delve into our biggest questions, top players to watch and best bets for today’s game.
Biggest Questions
Can Kyle McCord string four quarters together?
While Ohio State's starting quarterback has certainly had his moments this year, it still feels like McCord has yet to put together four quarters of high-level play. He started slow against Maryland, Penn State and Wisconsin before finding a rhythm down the stretch and only completed 57.1 percent of his passes at Purdue.
Rutgers possesses the No. 2 passing defense in college football, so it will be a challenge for McCord to find his rhythm this week. He needs to start taking some additional steps forward, however, as the Buckeyes enter their November stretch run.
– Andy Anders
Will Rutgers finally give Ohio State a competitive game?
Rutgers has never come within 22 points of beating Ohio State, but there’s reason to believe that could change this year. While the Buckeyes have scored at least 49 points in all nine of their previous games against the Scarlet Knights, this year’s Rutgers defense is the best they’ve ever faced and this year’s Ohio State offense is averaging its fewest points and yards per game since the Scarlet Knights joined the Big Ten. Rutgers also enters this game with the advantage of an extra week of recovery and preparation as the Scarlet Knights were off last weekend.
None of the Scarlet Knights’ six wins have come against teams that currently have winning records, and they shouldn’t be a real threat to beat Ohio State. But I won’t be surprised if the Scarlet Knights keep this game within 21 points.
– Dan Hope
Does the running game continue to improve?
Inconsistent performances in the running game have plagued Ohio State all season, but the Buckeyes were given a huge lift when running back TreVeyon Henderson returned to action after missing three games. Does Ohio State continue to have success on the ground for the second game in a row despite facing a Rutgers defense that has limited opponents so far?
– Garrick Hodge
Will Marvin Harrison Jr. continue his Heisman campaign?
I wrote the same question last week, but there's no rule that says I can't ask it twice! Marvelous Marv. Route Man Mav, Super Marv and now, thanks to FOX announcer Gus Johnson, Maserati Marv has been one of the best players in college football this season. After an 11-catch, 162-yard, one-touchdown performance vs. Penn State and a six-catch, 123-yard, two-touchdown performance vs. Wisconsin, Harrison is one of the nation's frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy. When Ohio State battles Rutgers on Saturday, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly lean on Harrison again. We will see if the Scarlet Knights can limit him, or – the more likely scenario – Harrison shines in a way only he can.
- Chase Brown
Players to Watch
Sonny Styles
Assuming Styles starts in place of the injured Lathan Ransom, today will be our first extended look at Styles playing strong safety for the Buckeyes. While Styles has played nickel for most of the season, I believe strong safety is the best long-term position for his game and where he’ll ultimately end up next season assuming Ransom goes to the NFL. Facing a run-heavy Rutgers offense will allow Styles to line up frequently in the box where he’s at his best, and I expect him to make his playmaking presence felt in Piscataway.
– Dan Hope
Davison Igbinosun
I know most of us with siblings are competitive as hell given the chance to go up against them in an athletic competition. I have no doubt Davison feels the same way and will be eager to show up on Saturday.
– Garrick Hodge
JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer
Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is a dangerous runner, which means Ohio State defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer will need to be at their best on Saturday, setting the edge, keeping contain and securing some sacks or tackles for loss when possible. I also look for how Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson and Mitchell Melton perform on Saturday, for many of the same reasons. If the Buckeyes can keep Wimsatt contained, the Scarlet Knights aren’t likely to have much success.
- Chase Brown
TreVeyon Henderson
It's fair to anticipate another big day from Henderson after he injected life back into Ohio State's running game with a 24-carry, 162-yard evening at Wisconsin a week ago. He added four catches for 45 yards to surpass 200 total yards in his return to action after missing the Buckeyes' previous three games with injury.
Rutgers also ranks 37th in run defense against its No. 2 placement in stopping the pass, so it would serve Ohio State to try to exploit that difference.
– Andy Anders
Best Bets
Ohio State -18.5 (-115, DraftKings)
This one is a bit risky considering Ohio State’s offense hasn’t been explosive from start to finish in quite some time, but I believe the Buckeyes are going to hold a one-dimensional Rutgers offense in check and score enough to get the cover.
– Garrick Hodge
Rutgers under 10.5 points (-113, FanDuel)
Taking the opponent’s under worked for me last week, so I’m rolling with it again. 10.5 doesn‘t exactly leave a lot of breathing room, but Ohio State’s defense has allowed only 10 points per game on average and Rutgers’ passing offense is worse than any Ohio State has faced all season. I’m confident in the Buckeyes’ ability to hold the Scarlet Knights to no more than one touchdown and one field goal.
– Dan Hope
TreVeyon Henderson over 85.5 rushing yards (-115, DraftKings)
As mentioned above, I think Henderson is in for another big performance after gaining some momentum against Wisconsin last week, so why not take the over here? Especially with Miyan Williams now out for the year, I think he has the workload Saturday to at least reach 100 yards rushing.
– Andy Anders
Marvin Harrison Jr. Over 106.5 yards (-114, FanDuel)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is one game away from tying Cris Carter and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the most consecutive 100-receiving-yard games for an Ohio State pass-catcher with five. While, yes, Rutgers defense is talented, the Scarlet Knights don't have a player that can check the son of an NFL Hall of Famer. I'll place some stock that Harrison can tie Carter and JSN in the Ohio State record book on Saturday in Piscataway.
- Chase Brown
