The Rutgers Scarlet Knights prepare for a challenging matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. This game presents a crucial opportunity for the Knights, as a victory could secure their bowl invitation. Despite this incentive, the odds are not in their favor, given that Ohio State has won all ten prior encounters with Rutgers and is on track for the playoffs this season.
Ohio State’s offense poses significant challenges for Rutgers. The Buckeyes average an impressive 441.3 yards per game—ranking second in the Big Ten—with a noteworthy 279.5 passing yards. Quarterback Julian Sayin boasts an exceptional completion rate of 80.1%, consistently finding his top target, Jeremiah Smith. At 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, Smith is a formidable presence on the field. Head Coach Greg Schiano highlighted Smith’s abilities, stating, “He is a fantastic talent—big, strong, fast, detailed. Runs great routes, great catch radius.”
Despite Smith’s prowess, his participation in the game is uncertain due to an injury sustained during the last game against UCLA, where he appeared to limp off the field at halftime. The Knights will need to prepare for an Ohio State offense that can be explosive, regardless of Smith’s status.
Defensively, Rutgers faces its own set of challenges. The Scarlet Knights rank last in the Big Ten for pass defense, allowing Ohio State’s offense to exploit their weaknesses. The Buckeyes currently allow just 211.6 total yards and an astonishing 7.2 points per game—leading all of FBS. Under the guidance of Coordinator Matt Patricia, in his first year with head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has developed a defensive unit with minimal weaknesses. They rank first nationally in yards allowed, passing yards allowed (128.7), and rushing yards allowed (82.9).
For Rutgers, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis faces his toughest test yet. With 2,705 passing yards this season, he ranks second in the Big Ten, but will need to elevate his performance against a well-rounded Buckeyes defense. While Rutgers has averaged 29 points per game, they struggle defensively, ranking 106th nationally in scoring defense. Sustaining drives against Ohio State’s depth and execution will be particularly daunting.
Coach Schiano acknowledged the disparity between the teams, stating that both are talented, but Ohio State has demonstrated the ability to execute effectively. The Buckeyes have secured over 90 Big Ten wins since 2014 with only a handful of losses. Their depth across all positions is exceptional, further complicating Rutgers’ efforts.
For Rutgers to have a chance, their defense must maintain a high level of discipline, while the offense requires near-perfect execution. The uncertainty surrounding Smith and fellow player Tate, who also missed time during the UCLA game, adds another layer of complexity to this critical matchup.
As the game approaches, the Scarlet Knights will need to summon every ounce of their talent and strategy to compete against a powerhouse like Ohio State. The odds are heavily weighted against them, but in sports, anything can happen.
