DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
Ohio State defeated Rutgers 42–9 in a dominant performance. Ohio State covered by 4.5; Game went Under by 3.5. The market closed at Ohio State -28.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Ohio State -28.3. The two were within a point of each other, so there was no meaningful edge in this line.
Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were sidelined with injuries, forcing the offense to rely more on the running game and tight ends. Smith is day-to-day with a leg issue, while Tate missed his third straight game with lower leg tightness. Their availability for the Michigan game is uncertain.
After a slow first half leading only 14-3, Ohio State scored on four consecutive second-half drives to pull away. The offense adjusted to the absence of top receivers by running 38 times vs. 22 passes, with Bo Jackson rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
The Buckeyes held Rutgers to just 9 points, including a lone touchdown in the fourth quarter. They limited Rutgers' rushing attack, which came in second in the Big Ten, to 52 yards on 15 carries from Antwan Raymond, and forced a fumble in the end zone.
Julian Sayin completed 13 of 19 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, showing efficiency despite missing top targets. His ability to connect with tight end Max Klare (7 catches, 105 yards) and Brandon Inniss for a key TD was crucial.
Coach Ryan Day acknowledged that thoughts turned to next week's rivalry game at Michigan during the fourth quarter. Ohio State enters the game ranked No. 1 and unbeaten for the first time since 1973, with the team emphasizing the need to be at their best.
At kickoff, conditions at Ohio Stadium were Sunny, 46°F, wind chill 44°F with winds of 7 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Sunny
46°F
| Measure | RutgersAway | Ohio StateHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 453 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Bye week | Home game |
| Season total | 10,003 miles | 5,776 miles |
| Body clock | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Rest | 14 days | 6 days |
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