Rutgers-Ohio State Preview Capsule

Rutgers (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at No. 2 Ohio State (3-0, 0-0), noon, BTN. Line: Ohio State by 37. Series Record: Ohio State leads 2-0. WHAT’S AT STAKE For surging Ohio State it’s essentially another tuneup game before the Buckeyes get to the meat of their nine-game Big Ten schedule. An improbable win by Rutgers, which played tough in losing to Iowa 14-17 last week, would be one of the biggest in program history. Just staying competitive with the Buckeyes would be a major accomplishment for first-year coach and former Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash. KEY MATCHUP Rutgers QB Chris Laviano vs. the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes defense is mean and fast, leading the nation in turnover margin including nine interceptions in their first three games. Four interception returns for touchdowns in the three games tied an Ohio State school record. S Malik Hooker and CB Marshon Lattimore are tied for the FBS lead with three picks apiece. The Ohio State D has yet to allow a rushing touchdown. PLAYERS TO WATCH Rutgers: RB Robert Martin. The junior leads the Big Ten with a 119.3 rushing-yards average — just ahead of Ohio State’s Mike Weber — and is…

Continue Reading: Rutgers-Ohio State Preview Capsule