Ohio State vs Rutgers Prediction: Can the Buckeyes Keep Their Focus?

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 2:11 AM ET

Ohio State people have no interest in uttering the word, but yes, it has to deal with Michigan next week.

In case you haven’t noticed, that’s a big deal for the program and the fan base.

But this year’s Buckeye team hasn’t been fazed by much, mainly because it hasn’t played a team that’s going bowling since early September.

Rutgers has this and Penn State to close. it's going to a bowl game if it gets one win out of the two, but that’s not nearly as big as possibly screwing up the national title chase in a CFP that appears to be the Ohio State Invitational.

Ohio State vs Rutgers Preview

How To Watch Ohio State vs Rutgers

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Why Rutgers Will Win

There might be a wee bit of a focus issue for an Ohio State team that's been locked in hard all year long.

It's not going to play it safe, but at the same time, it's going to want to get this over with, don't get anyone hurt on Senior Day, and then pack up to make that trip up the road.

Rutgers has to take the fight to the Buckeyes right away. Start throwing, keep throwing, and make Ohio State feel like it has to deal with a little bit of drama for the first time since August.

Big Ten veteran quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis won't be fazed by the atmosphere and the moment. Rutgers is usually more effective when it's running well, but that won't happen. Kaliakmanis has to throw it at least 35 times, and ...

Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Jordan Walker (1) reacts after a fumble recovery during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium.© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Why Ohio State Will Win

Rutgers isn't generating a lick of pressure.

There aren't any plays behind the line, sacks are but a polite rumor, and the run defense has already allowed 200 yards by the time you finish reading this sentence.

Really, really bad things happen when Buckeye quarterback Julian Sayin gets time to throw. He'll have time to make a sandwich behind a line that's allowed just six sacks all season.

He's hitting 80% of his passes, and ...

Ohio State vs Rutgers Prediction, Betting Lines

An 80% completion rate might be low against the Scarlet Knight secondary, at least for this passing game.

2011 was the last time Ohio State lost the game before the Michigan showdown, and that was the transition season to the Urban Meyer era.

It's going to come out roaring, looking to set the tone going into the week the program has been waiting all year for.

Ohio State 44, Rutgers 10
Line: Ohio State -31.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 3

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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