It’s time for Game No. 9 for the Ohio State football team. So far, the record is unblemished at 8-0 with all kinds of lofty goals still on the table. And while the oddsmakers don’t put much stock of this week’s opponent, Rutgers, in giving the Buckeyes a game, the Scarlet Knights are an improved squad.
Each week we like to ask each of our writers what they think about the Ohio State game by providing a score prediction and short synopsis of what will happen and it’s time for that little exercise once again.
We have five writers, each with differing opinions, and it’s time to see if they can all come to a consensus or whether any of them call for a close game or even an upset in Piscataway.
Here’s what each of our staff members say about what’ll happen when Ohio State takes on Rutgers on the road Saturday,
Phil Harrison, Publisher/Editor and Featured Writer
Air Buckeyes ✈️ pic.twitter.com/FDNp8fd3B7
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 3, 2023
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The Prediction
There’s no doubt that Rutgers is a much more competitive team this year than past seasons. The defense will be able to get more stops on an Ohio State offense that’s not operating at the explosive level we saw the last few years. So, expect this one to be closer than what we’ve seen over the years.
Being close and pulling off the upset are two different things though and there’s still abundantly more talent and depth on the OSU sideline than what Greg Schiano has amassed on the home side. Buckeyes win in a game that’s probably more competitive than any Ohio State fan wants.
Score
Ohio State 27, Rutgers 13
Mark Russell, Featured Writer
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 week 9️⃣🔥 pic.twitter.com/K15syjf0ae
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 3, 2023
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The Prediction
Greg Schiano has done an outstanding job reviving the Rutgers program for a second time. The Scarlet Knights are heading to a bowl game for the first time in almost a decade. Schiano was made to coach in the Garden State and is a perfect fit for New Jersey’s state university.
While Rutgers has improved greatly, the Scarlet Knights were blown out by the only ranked team they’ve played. Schiano will have his team pumped up and ready to play Ohio State, but the Buckeyes simply have too much talent on both sides of the ball for the Knights to keep up. The offense rolls and the defense continues its stingy ways.
Score
Ohio State 42, Rutgers 10
Josh Keatley, Featured Writer
2️⃣4️⃣ Hours pic.twitter.com/mM7tJT4JMo
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 3, 2023
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The Prediction
Ohio State should be able to handle Rutgers and beat the spread. After the Buckeyes struggled with Wisconsin last week, I might stay away from that large of a spread. What does interest me, is the total. I certainly like the over in this situation.
SCORE
Ohio State 42, Rutgers 7
Michael Chen, Featured Writer
Work Week Done ✅ pic.twitter.com/oFc7U3HulC
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 3, 2023
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The Prediction
The Buckeyes hit the road to take on a very solid Rutgers team. Luckily for Ohio State, it faced a similar team last weekend in Wisconsin, and I very much expect a result that will resemble last weeks score. The defense will dominate and the offense will do just enough (a bit more than last week) for the Bucks to return to Columbus with win No. 9.
SCORE
Ohio State 31, Rutgers 10
Evan Bachman, Featured Writer
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟗 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬 🍿🔥🎥 pic.twitter.com/g11n6xNnNO
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 3, 2023
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The Prediction
I expect the Buckeyes to use the same recipe they’ve used all year in this matchup, which is relying on their stellar defense and elite playmakers in Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson. Rutgers has had a solid season so far as they come in at 6-2. So, while this isn’t an opponent the Buckeyes can overlook they have a big talent edge and should be expected to win this game by multiple scores.
Score
Ohio State 31, Rutgers 7
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