FBS-CFB Game Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0)

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Venue & Event Details

Location: Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe”), Columbus, OH

Kickoff: 12:00 PM EST

Broadcast: FOX

Weather Forecast

Temperature: Mid-40s °F at kickoff

Conditions: Cloudy skies, winds 8–12 mph

Impact: Passing may be slightly affected; rushing and short-yardage execution favored

Injury Report

Rutgers: QB Athan Kaliakmanis (healthy, 2,705 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs); RB Antwan Raymond (probable, 1,000 yards, 11 TDs after 240-yard game vs Maryland).

Ohio State: QB Julian Sayin (healthy, 2,675 yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs); RB Bo Jackson (healthy, 725 yards, 3 TDs); WR Jeremiah Smith (healthy, 902 yards, 10 TDs).

Key Player Matchups

Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis vs Ohio State Secondary: Rutgers relies on big plays, but OSU ranks 2nd nationally in pass defense (131.2 YPG).

RB Antwan Raymond (Rutgers) vs OSU Front Seven: Raymond’s power running will test a Buckeyes defense allowing just 81.4 rushing YPG (2nd nationally).

WR Jeremiah Smith (OSU) vs Rutgers CBs: Smith’s elite route running and red-zone efficiency could overwhelm Rutgers’ secondary.

Recent Team Forms

Rutgers: Beat Maryland 35–20 (Nov. 8); QB Kaliakmanis threw 4 TDs, RB Raymond rushed for 240 yards.

Ohio State: Beat UCLA 48–10 (Nov. 15); QB Sayin completed 23/31 passes, RB Jackson rushed for 112 yards.

Series History

Ohio State leads all-time series 11–0.

Average margin of victory: 34 points.

Rutgers has never beaten Ohio State since joining the Big Ten.

Betting Trends:

Rutgers is 2–3 in last 5 games.

Ohio State is 5–0 in last 5 games.

75% of public bets are on Ohio State.

Historical Betting Results

Ohio State has covered in 4 of last 5 games.

Rutgers has covered in 2 of last 5 games.

Overs have hit in 3 of last 5 OSU games.

Prediction: Ohio State 45 – Rutgers 13

Game Odds

Rutgers Scarlet Knights                 54.5

Ohio State Buckeyes                       – 28.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 21, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.