Ohio State aims for an 11th consecutive win against Rutgers, but the availability of Smith and Tate remains uncertain.

Jeff Hauser

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Ohio State goes for 11 straight over Rutgers with status of Smith, Tate unknown image

TL;DR

  • Ohio State Buckeyes, undefeated at 10-0, host Rutgers on Saturday aiming to extend their winning streak.
  • The Buckeyes boast the nation's top defense, excelling in total yards, scoring, pass, and run defense.
  • Rutgers' offense, led by Athan Kaliakmanis and Antwan Raymond, faces a formidable Ohio State red-zone defense.
  • Ohio State's offense, with Julian Sayin, faces receiver depth concerns as Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate's status is uncertain.

The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes are set to play at home this Saturday, looking to maintain their flawless record as they face Rutgers. 

The Buckeyes (10-0) enter with the nation’s top defense and a rhythm on offense that has powered them to four straight wins by at least 28 points. This is the eleventh series game with OSU undefeated since 2014. 

Ohio State leads the FBS in total defense (212.6 yards per game) and scoring defense (7.5 points), while ranking No. 2 against both the pass and the run. That unit will be tasked with containing a Rutgers (5-5) that averages 420.5 yards per game behind quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and 1,000-yard rusher Antwan Raymond. 

Rutgers is ranked a mere 114th in the nation for red-zone scoring, converting on 77.6% of their opportunities, and will now confront an Ohio State defense that holds the top spot in red-zone defense, allowing opponents to score only 57.9% of the time.

Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is still the primary focus for The Buckeyes, having thrown for 2,675 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 80.1% completion rate. However, the team's receiver depth is still an issue.

Coach Ryan Day said Tuesday that the availability of standouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will be determined later in the week. “We don’t discuss specifics on injuries… but they’re in great spirits,” Day said.

Ohio State is second in the nation for third-down conversions (56.1%) and sixth in time of possession (33:26), strengths that might prove crucial against a Rutgers defense that permits 425.5 yards per contest and lets opponents convert 42% of their third downs.

Rutgers makes the trip to Columbus on Saturday (Noon ET, FOX). 

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Contributing Writer