On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, in what’s shaping up to be a textbook mismatch — and perhaps the most lopsided game of the regular season. Ohio State, undefeated at 10-0 and ranked No. 1, enters as a 31.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 54.5 points. The game isn’t just another win on the schedule; it’s the final tune-up before The Game against Michigan, and the Buckeyes are treating it like a controlled demolition.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Score
For Ohio State, this isn’t about proving anything to the College Football Playoff committee — they’re already locked in as the top seed. But it’s about managing momentum, protecting starters, and sending a message. Head coach Ryan Day has already hinted at pulling key players early, especially with the Wolverines looming next week. For Rutgers, it’s about pride. At 5-5 and 2-5 in the Big Ten, they’ve shown flashes — beating Maryland 35-20 last week — but their defense has been a sieve. They allowed 56 points to Oregon, 38 to Washington, and 35 to Maryland. Their run defense? The worst in the nation.
Here’s the thing: this game won’t change Ohio State’s playoff standing. But it could define how they’re perceived entering rivalry week. A 40-point win? That’s business as usual. A 50-point win? That’s dominance. And in a season where every point differential matters, Ohio State knows it.
The Players Who’ll Define the Outcome
On offense, Athan Kaliakmanis has been the heartbeat of Rutgers’ season — 2,705 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, seven interceptions. His top target, KJ Duff, has 923 yards and six scores. But against Ohio State’s defense? That’s like sending a bicycle into a hurricane. The Buckeyes allow just 12.3 points per game, the lowest in the FBS. Their front seven? Elite. Their secondary? Lockdown.
For Ohio State, the spotlight’s on Julian Sayin, the freshman quarterback who’s taken over as the starter in the past three games. He’s thrown for 1,840 yards and 15 touchdowns with just two picks. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient — exactly what Ohio State needs. And while stars like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are expected to play limited snaps, their presence alone stretches defenses thin.
On the ground, Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond has cracked 1,000 rushing yards — a rare bright spot. But Ohio State’s run defense has allowed fewer than 80 yards per game on average. Raymond’s going to need a miracle.
What the Analysts Are Saying
Five analysts from Eleven Warriors all predicted a rout:
- Andy Anders: Ohio State 48, Rutgers 10 — “Rutgers has the worst run defense in the country. Ohio State’s defense is generational.”
- Chase Brown: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 10 — “Ants vs. boots. Always has been.”
- Dan Hope: Ohio State 45, Rutgers 14 — “Rutgers might score twice, but Ohio State runs all over them.”
- Jordan Raines: Ohio State 42, Rutgers 6 — “Two slow teams? Doesn’t matter. Ohio State’s speed is a different dimension.”
- Jason Priestas: Ohio State 43, Rutgers 9 — “Even without Tate and Smith, they’re too much.”
PicksAndParlays.net settled on Ohio State 45, Rutgers 7 — and recommended betting the Buckeyes to cover. The oddsmakers aren’t just reflecting talent; they’re reflecting inevitability.
The Betting Paradox: Over vs. Under
Here’s the twist: the over has hit in all five of the last Ohio State-Rutgers matchups. But this season? The under has won in six of Ohio State’s ten games and four of Rutgers’ last five. So why is the total at 54.5 — seven points higher than their previous game against UCLA?
Because the market knows this isn’t about averages. It’s about context. Ohio State’s offense, even with starters resting, will move the ball. Rutgers’ defense won’t stop them. And even if the Buckeyes ease up in the fourth quarter, the damage is done by halftime. The total isn’t about both teams scoring — it’s about Ohio State scoring too much.
What’s Next? The Real Game Begins
After this game, the College Football Playoff committee releases its final top-12 rankings on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Ohio State doesn’t need to impress — they just need to not embarrass themselves. A 40-point win? That’s a formality. A 50-point win? That’s a statement. And if they dominate like everyone expects, they’ll enter The Game against Michigan as clear favorites — not just in the polls, but in the minds of every fan, analyst, and bettor.
For Rutgers? This game is about survival. About dignity. About proving they can compete — even if just for a quarter. Greg Schiano’s squad has fought all season. But against Ohio State? They’re not just underdogs. They’re outclassed.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Dominance
Ohio State has won the last six meetings against Rutgers by an average of 37 points. The closest game? A 31-point win in 2021. The most lopsided? A 52-point rout in 2018. The Scarlet Knights haven’t scored more than 14 points in any of the last five matchups. And this year’s team? Even less equipped.
Ohio State’s defense has allowed just one opponent to top 20 points this season — Penn State, in a 31-27 win. Rutgers? They’ve scored 20+ points in four games — but three of those came against teams with top-100 defenses. Ohio State’s? Top 5.
It’s not just talent. It’s culture. It’s depth. It’s a program that recruits national champions and churns out NFL starters. Rutgers? They’re rebuilding. And Saturday? They’re playing the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ohio State’s starters play the whole game?
No — Ryan Day has indicated key players like Julian Sayin, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith will likely sit in the third quarter if the lead is comfortable. Ohio State’s coaching staff prioritizes player safety ahead of The Game against Michigan, so expect backups to finish the game. Still, even the second-string offense has dominated Rutgers’ defense in practice.
Can Rutgers cover the 31.5-point spread?
It’s nearly impossible. The last time Rutgers covered a spread this large was in 2015 against Minnesota — and they were a 10-point underdog then. Ohio State has won 12 straight games by at least 20 points. Even if Rutgers scores a pair of touchdowns, they’d need a defensive touchdown or a blocked punt to have any chance. The odds are against them — and history confirms it.
Why is the over/under so high if both teams have bad defenses?
It’s not about both teams scoring — it’s about Ohio State scoring relentlessly. Rutgers’ defense has allowed 35+ points in three of their last five games. Ohio State’s offense, even with limited snaps, averages 42 points per game. The total reflects Ohio State’s ability to score quickly and often, not Rutgers’ offensive potential. The market is betting on the Buckeyes’ explosion, not the Knights’ resilience.
How does this game impact Ohio State’s playoff chances?
It doesn’t — they’re already locked in. But a dominant win reinforces their claim as the nation’s best team. The CFP committee values strength of schedule and dominance. A 40+ point win over a team that beat Maryland and Purdue gives them extra polish. If they lose or barely win? That’s when panic starts. But no one expects that.
Is there any historical precedent for a team this heavily favored?
Yes — in 2022, Alabama was a 35-point favorite over Tennessee and won 42-13. In 2019, LSU was a 34-point favorite over Mississippi State and won 59-14. Those were title-contending teams facing bottom-tier opponents. This matchup mirrors those exactly: elite program vs. rebuilding squad. The difference? Ohio State is playing for legacy, not just points.
What should fans watch for during the game?
Watch the first 10 minutes. If Ohio State scores two touchdowns and forces a three-and-out, the game is over. Look for Julian Sayin’s decision-making under pressure — and whether Rutgers’ defense can hold for more than three plays. Also, keep an eye on the sideline: if Ryan Day pulls Sayin before halftime, it’s a sign they’re already thinking about Michigan.
