Ohio State flexed its balance and muscle, steamrolling Rutgers with a dominant rushing attack and a defense that never budged.After shaking off a slow start, the Buckeyes unleashed a bruising running game that piled up 254 yards and four touchdowns, led by freshman running back Bo Jackson’s 110-yard, two-TD afternoon.The defense matched that with another smothering performance, holding Rutgers to just 147 total yards and limiting the Scarlet Knights to 5-of-16 on third and fourth down. This resulted in the Buckeyes winning 42-9. The score was just as lopsided. Ohio State’s defense is playing national championship footballSince 2006, only five teams have allowed fewer than 7.6 points per game through their first 10 contests: 2006 Ohio State, 2011 Alabama, 2021 Georgia, 2023 Michigan, and this year’s Buckeyes. The last three teams to reach that 7.6-points-allowed benchmark through five-sixths of the season went on to win the national title.Saturday brought more of the same from Ohio State, which cruised past Rutgers in its final home game of the year.The Buckeyes’ defense showed their strength again. The Buckeyes’ defense showed its strength again in the first-half, when they limited Rutgers only to 3-of-9 attempts on third downs, and 76 total yardage, despite a Rutgers offensive turnover that had put them in an awkward position. The takeaway set up a touchdown that pushed OSU’s lead to 21-3 midway through the third quarter, allowing the Buckeyes to coast the rest of the way with Michigan looming next week.2. Rutgers hurt itself over and over againThe Scarlet Knights’ defense played its best football in the first half, only to watch the offense fail to score a touchdown.First, Rutgers forced a fumble from Jackson at the 1-yard line, recovered by linebacker Dariel Djabome. After being stopped on fourth-and-1, the offense wasted this opportunity by turning over the football on downs only five plays later. Rutgers defensive end Brandley Weaver was flagged for roughing the passer, gifting Ohio State a new set of downs.The Buckeyes didn’t waste it. The Buckeyes turned this opportunity into their second touchdown. Ohio State was able to go into the game despite these mistakes.
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2025-11-22 22:28:20
