The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet Saturday in college football action from SHI Stadium. Ohio State played Wisconsin last weekend. In that matchup the Buckeyes stayed undefeated with a 14-point victory. As for Rutgers, they’re sitting at 6-2 on the season and coming off a bye week. The Scarlet Knights last appeared in a win over Indiana. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Ohio State Buckeyes 

The Buckeyes had a couple of close calls over their first seven games this year (versus Penn State and Notre Dame specifically) but overall they came out of the gate strong. Ohio State put up 33.7 points per game during that time with 30 total scores. 2,134 yards and 14 touchdowns (to just two interceptions) came from the passing attack, while the rush generated 889 yards and 13 TDs. 

Back on Saturday versus Wisconsin, the Buckeyes scored points in every quarter (including touchdowns in the final three) for a 24-10 win. Kyle McCord bagged 226 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, and TreVeyon Henderson led the rush with 162 yards and a score. Marvin Harrison Jr. went off for 123 yards and two TDs off six catches as well. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Team Facts

• Ohio State has won each of its last 36 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
• Ohio State has won the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Seven of Ohio State’s last eight games have gone UNDER the total points line.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Over on the Scarlet Knights’ side, they’ve been great at home so far this year. Rutgers’ only losses have come on the road versus Michigan and Wisconsin. Looking at the offense, the Knights are averaging 28.4 points per game so far with a heavy reliance on the rush. Nineteen of Rutgers’ 19 touchdowns have come on the ground, generating 1,430 yards total and 4.5 yards per attempt. 

The Knights last appeared in a road matchup versus Indiana. Rutgers had a slim three-point lead at the break but eventually powered out the win 31-14. QB Gavin Wimsatt had just 39 passing yards but also led the rush with 143 yards and three scores. Kyle Monangai added 109 yards off 24 carries, and Christian Dremel caught two balls for 14 yards. 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Facts

• Rutgers has lost each of its last 11 home games in November.
• Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
• Rutgers has lost the first half in 18 of its last 23 games against conference opponents.
• Each of Rutgers’ last five home games in November have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rutgers rank 13th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (15.8).
• Rutgers are one of only 21 FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).
• Ohio State rank 2nd among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (10.0).
• Ohio State are one of only eight FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ([z-0]).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with Ohio State. The Buckeyes weren’t exactly overwhelming on offense versus Wisconsin over the weekend (three turnovers and 6-of-14 on third- and fourth-down tries) but didn’t really have a ton of issues getting the win overall. Ohio State has given up just 29 combined points over their last three outings and should hold the Scarlet Knights in check as well. 

As for Rutgers, I think they’ll come into this one with a hot start after an extra week of rest and prep. That said, the one-sided reliance on the rush could harm the Knights against a stout defense like Ohio State’s. Rutgers is going to have to keep the chains moving in order to prevent the Buckeyes from monopolizing the time of possession, and I don’t think the Knights will be able to keep a cover pace without a more dynamic offensive attack.