The Ohio State football team had no issues with Rutgers on Saturday, taking down the Scarlet Knights 42-9. It was a game in which the Buckeyes waited until the second half to flex their muscles. It was pretty clear that the team was looking ahead to TTUN in the first half.
With that game over, we take some observations from that game and shift them to what they could mean for next week's battle.
1. Julian Sayin needs his guys back
The Ohio State Buckeyes got their first look at the team without both Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate on the field, and it was ugly. Julian Sayin threw for just 157 yards without his two studs on the field. No one could get any separation except for tight end Max Klare.
It's still unclear whether they will be available for The Game, as Ryan Day refused to give updates. It's highly likely that Smith plays in this game. At this point, it's a toss-up whether or not Tate plays. If he doesn't play on Saturday, his time with the Buckeyes is finished.
2. Ohio State's defense is historically nasty
The Buckeyes are able to lean on the defense when things aren't going well offensively, and that's what they did early on in this game. Since 1990, only the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs have allowed fewer points per game than the Buckeyes have so far this season, as they allow just 7.6 points per game.
Caden Curry was a monster against Rutgers on Senior Day, making six tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. If Ohio State gets that kind of rush off the edge next week, Bryce Underwood is going to have a massive issue completing passes.
3. Ohio State blew Rutgers out playing their "C" game
This was the worst game that the Buckeyes have played in weeks. The first half was chock-full of mistakes, including a fumble at the goal line. Ohio State hasn't played that way all year long, and they still won by 30+ points. That shows just how talented this team is.
Of course, they will need their "A" game against TTUN if they are going to end the losing streak. Ryan Day will not be coaching this game scared, however. He has been a killer all year, and he's not going to turtle up like he did a year ago in Columbus.