Ohio State Week 10 Opponent Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Ohio State Buckeyes has won all nine head-to-head matchups against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, scoring at least 49 points in every contest.

Author:
Casey Smith
Jul 31, 2023 1:00 AM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Let's cut to the chase: Rutgers is going to be bad again this year.

In last year's meeting, the Scarlet Knights capitalized off a muffed punt from Emeka Egbuka to score first and send shockwaves through Ohio Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes settled in, though, and outscored Rutgers 49-3 the rest of the way.

This year's contest has the potential to be much of the same.

Rutgers brought in its worst recruiting class since 2019, but brought in three transfers in wide receiver Nasseim Brantley, defensive tackle Isaiah Iton and safety Flip Dixon that could step in and are potential day one starters.

The Scarlet Knights return some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but some of their numbers might be inflated by their 361 minutes on the field in 2022.

Defensive lineman Aaron Lewis was Rutgers' only all-conference selection last year, earning Third-Team honors after racking up 55 tackles, eight for loss, 1.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. Linebacker Deion Jennings' 91 tackles led the Scarlet Knights, but also had six pass break-ups.

Defensive back Max Melton returns for his junior season on the heels of an Honorable Mention 2022 regular season in which he intercepted two passes and broke up eight others.

Rutgers' total and scoring defense were 38th and 95th, respectively, in the Football Bowl Subdivision, which both blew its offensive numbers out of the water.

The Scarlet Knights offense only scored 30 points once — a 66-7 thrashing of Wagner — and was shut out twice. Their 17.4 points per game was 124th and 282.1 yards per contest was 127th last season.

Gavin Wimsatt, like the rest of the Rutgers quarterback room, battled injuries in 2022. In eight games, he completed 44.8 percent of his 145 pass attempts for 757 yards. The Owensboro, KY. native threw five touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Swiss Army knife Aron Cruickshank graduated, and the Scarlet Knights' best pass-catching option is tight end Johnny Langan who, in addition to catching 31 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown, also rushed for 139 yards on 31 attempts.

Rutgers has a serious problem on offense with no playmakers, making it an uphill battle against Ohio State Nov. 4.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2022 Record: 4-8, 1-8 SEC

Head Coach: Greg Schiano

Returning Offensive Leaders:

Passing: QB Gavin Wimsatt

2022 stats: 65-for-145, 757 yards, five touchdowns

Rushing: RB Kyle Monangai

2022 stats: 109 carries, 445 yards, two touchdowns

Receiving: TE Johnny Langan

2022 stats: 31 receptions, 296 yards, 9.5 yards per catch, one touchdown

Returning Defensive Leaders: