Rutgers-Ohio State game preview: Keys to victory, X-factor, more for 1st Big Ten road trip of season

Rutgers lost its first game of the season at home. It's the first Big Ten away game for Rutgers. They play No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus. Rutgers has lost all eight meetings with the Buckeyes since joining the Big League in 2014.

Rutgers is going to Columbus to play a football game. It's the Scarlet Knights' first Big Ten road trip of the season. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano believes that winning the game is the only goal.

Rutgers and Ohio State are playing their first Big Ten road game of the season.

The offensive line struggled against Iowa's elite defense. Ohio State's defensive front ranks 17th nationally in tackles for loss per game.

Rutgers made two costly mistakes against Iowa. They need to avoid those mistakes in their next game against Ohio State.

Rutgers is 0-8 against Ohio State and has never held the Buckeyes to less than 49 points. The Scarlet Knights are down at least three touchdowns at the break in every meeting.

Defensive takeaways and special teams scores are essential for Rutgers to pull off the upset. Rutgers needs a pick-six, a blocked punt and the first kick-off return for a touchdown to earn the win.

Rutgers is ranked second in rush defense and first among Power Five teams. The team is also ranked ninth in total defense, 13th in third-down defense (26.4 percent) and 25th on scoring defense. Rutgers will play the first-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend.