Overview
- Kickoff is noon ET at Ohio Stadium on FOX, with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft on the broadcast.
- ESPN's Pete Thamel reports top receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will not play, with both listed as day-to-day.
- Sportsbooks price Ohio State around -31 to -33.5 with a total near 55.5, reflecting projections of a comfortable home win.
- Ohio State features the nation’s stingiest scoring and total defense, and quarterback Julian Sayin leads the Big Ten in completion percentage.
- Rutgers is 5-5 with a top-25 passing attack led by Athan Kaliakmanis and 1,000-yard rusher Antwan Raymond, but its defense ranks among the FBS’ worst, particularly against the run.