PISCATAWAY — Things got off to a promising start for Rutgers in its upset bid of No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night in front of a capacity at High Point Solutions Stadium. But the positive vibes were short-lived. The Scarlet Knights drove to the Ohio State 11 before its opening drive stalled. A 29-yard field goal by attempt Kyle Federico clanged off the left upright and Rutgers never threatened to score again as Ohio State rolled to a 21-0 lead at the half. Rutgers’ defense forced a fumble on Ohio State’s first possession and a three-and-out later in the half, but it was impossible to keep the explosive Buckeyes down with no help from offense. Ohio State got on the board one play after Rutgers appeared to stuff running back Ezekiel Elliott short of the first down marker on third-and-1 from the 3. Ohio State got a generous spot, which was upheld after a replay review, and Elliott scored on the next play. Rutgers did a good job bottling up Elliott, who had just 15 yards on nine carries. Ohio State finally went to the air midway through the second quarter and a 10-yard hitch route to Michael Thomas turned into a 50-yard touchdown when Rutgers corner Isaiah Wharton missed a tackle. Safety Kiy Hester and linebacker Kaiwan Lewis couldn’t get over in time before Thomas was off to the races to put the Buckeyes up 14-0. After Rutgers went three-and-out on the ensuing drive, Braxton Miller exploded. …
Continue Reading: At the half: Ohio State in control over Rutgers, 21-0
