Ohio State Football: Buckeyes concerned not covering Scarlet Knights?

Rutgers scored 21 points Saturday matching the highest total the  Ohio State football team has allowed this season. That is only one less than Cincinnati, Miami (OH), Northwestern, Nebraska and Wisconsin scored combined.

Did the Scarlet Knights uncover the key to scoring on the Buckeyes? Should fans be worried that this game was closer than expected leading up to Penn State and TTUN?

In short, everything is alright as there were a few major reasons for the scoring outbreak.

The first thing to notice is that the first team defense only allowed 7 points. Those points came after Ohio State fumbled a punt to give Rutgers incredible field position.

It can be understandable the defense was a little less focused following the turnover and allowed the Scarlet Knights into the end-zone. The other 2 touchdowns were against second and third string defensive players. The Buckeye starters get a pass, even though the score line doesn’t look great.

Also, there was clearly a lack of focus and motivation for this game. Listen, I’m sure it is really hard to get a team excited to play Rutgers knowing that games against Penn State and TTUN follow.

I don’t blame the players for taking a week off and resting up, relaxing and getting a mental break this week.

That doesn’t mean this will become a trend or that we should be worried about the outcome of the game. Ryan Day will have this team locked in for the Nittany Lions this Saturday.

There is a big difference between Rutgers on the road, and Penn State at home with College GameDay present.

The one thing that I think Ohio State does need to address in practice is making sure quarterbacks can’t run on this team. Johnny Langan had 36 yards on 9 carries Saturday. While those numbers typically will not make or break a team, Sean Clifford is a much more dynamic runner.

Penn State will surely look at where Rutgers had success and try to get Clifford in space this weekend in Columbus.

If you, like me, were less than impressed this weekend, look at a team that took a well deserved mental break and probably some unrealistic expectations thanks to the line set in Las Vegas. Since most of the damage was done against the second and third string players, Buckeye fans should not be worried.

Ohio State opened as a big favorite against Penn State, per the Action Network, and I think Ryan Day looks to get back on track covering the spread. Since the starters haven’t played many minutes the last two games, the Buckeyes will be fresh and ready to roll.