Ohio State vs. Rutgers college football preview, prediction

Ohio State is the favorite to beat Rutgers. The gameplan for the Buckeyes is to protect the quarterback and let him deal with the best wide receiver room in college football. Rutgers won't be able to fare much better.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been out for most of 3.5 games with an injury. Ryan Day is waiting for the right time to put him back on the field. OSU's offense has excelled in his absence.

Rutgers is 3 uncharacteristic turnovers away from being undefeated. Rutgers ranks No. 2 in college football in rush defense, allowing just 56.5 ground yards per game and 1.78 yards a carry.

Ohio State is 2nd in the nation in scoring offense (48.8 ppg) and 3rd in total defense (249.5 ypg). Rutgers is 9th in defense and 25th on offense. Rutgers has 65 blocked kicks under Schiano. OSU is 24-1 vs. Big Ten teams under Ryan Day.

Ohio State will beat Rutgers because of its superior skill players. The game will be decided on the ground. The score will not be close. It will end with Henderson and Williams running out the clock.

Ohio State will beat Rutgers 51-14.