The college football landscape is heating up as teams gear up for a pivotal weekend of games. Following an unfortunate setback, the Ugly Underdogs suffered a significant defeat as Texas Tech overwhelmed UCF with a decisive 48-9 victory. This loss drops the team’s record to 7-5, putting their goal of ending the season above .500 in jeopardy. As the focus shifts to upcoming games, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers have the challenging task of facing off against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday at the Horseshoe.
Ohio State, currently sitting at No. 1 in the nation, comes into this game as a staggering 31.5-point favorite against Rutgers. While there is a slim chance for an upset, the Buckeyes’ winning streak and form make this highly unlikely. For Ohio State, the priorities on Saturday will be to secure a solid win, maintain player health, and conserve energy for more formidable challenges ahead, including a grudge match against Michigan and potentially the Big Ten Championship, followed by a bid at the College Football Playoff.
Despite the anticipation, the atmosphere heading into this game has a sense of inevitability. Greg Schiano’s Rutgers team needs just one more win to become bowl eligible, but the season has proven to be a struggle. The Scarlet Knights’ defense, which ranks last in FBS in yards allowed per play, struggles to contain opposing offenses, raising concerns ahead of their meeting with Ohio State.
On the other hand, Ohio State’s powerful offense presents a significant challenge for Rutgers. While the Buckeyes have been dominating, there’s an awareness within the coaching staff to possibly play conservatively, avoid exposing their strategy to future opponents, and mitigate the risk of injuries. Historical performance indicates that Ohio State is a formidable betting favorite, having excelled against the spread throughout the season.
Despite the daunting odds, Rutgers has an opportunity to surprise. Their previous encounter with another elite team, Oregon, resulted in a significant loss, but it could also serve as a learning experience. With the Scarlet Knights needing to perform offensively, they may present enough of a challenge to complicate Ohio State’s efforts to cover the spread in what could effectively be a formality for the Buckeyes.
With the stakes high for both teams, the game could prove to be more competitive than the odds suggest, especially as Rutgers looks to solidify their bowl game aspirations. The play here is Rutgers +31.5, hoping for a spirited performance that might keep the game closer than anticipated. For fans and bettors alike, the countdown to kickoff on Saturday promises excitement as the college football season heads into its most crucial stretch.