Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State football: Big Ten East predictions week 1

By Thomas Scurlock

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Chris Ash of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive lineman Zach Venesky #75 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Chris Ash of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive lineman Zach Venesky #75 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Rutgers (-15.5) over UMass

Chris Ash is 7-29 in three seasons at Rutgers.  He has won just three Big Ten games including zero last year.

This is a make or break season to show progress or he is likely gone.

More from Ohio State Football

The good news Ash has eight starters back on offense.  The bad news is most of that talent was not very good.

The key will be the development of sophomore quarterback Artur Sitkowski.  He threw 18 interceptions and just four touchdowns last year.

If he plays better, the Scarlet Knights have a chance at decent season.  They draw Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa out of the West, and the other two non-conference games are Liberty and Boston College.

UMass has a new coach and eight returning starters.  I doubt it can pose much of threat to Rutgers.

I’ll call for the blowout win.  If the Scarlet Knights lose I will not pick them again all year.

Next. 3 Buckeyes to watch this Saturday. dark

Rutgers 34-10.

Home/Ohio State Football