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When is the last time Rutgers was within two touchdowns of Ohio State heading into the week of their annual meeting?
That is what we are seeing as the Scarlet Knight prepare to host the Buckeyes on Saturday. Ohio State enters as a 14-point favorite, according to BetOnline. The money line is set at -650 for Ohio State and true risk-takers can take a chance on Rutgers at +500. The total for the contest is 58.5.
If you are a believer in trends, you will ride with Rutgers this week. The Scarlet Knights are 4-0 ATS this season and remain one of the few teams in the nation to be perfect. This includes an impressive performance in a losing effort against Michigan last week in Ann Arbor. As we have seen, the Buckeyes are superior and have dominated Rutgers recently.
When it comes to betting, Rutgers should be considered — especially during a shaky start from Ohio State. The Buckeyes are currently 1-2-1 ATS, which means they are not blowing teams out like they usually do. The only concern is if you feel like this number is too low. This is not the massive spread we are used to seeing. Reference last year when Ohio State was a 37.5-point favorite in this matchup. Rutgers ended up covering by the way.
Both Ohio State and Rutgers are 2-2 with over/unders this season. They are coming off very different offensive outcomes. Rutgers put up 13 points in a defensive battle against the Wolverines while Ohio State put 59 points on a poor Akron team.
The trends are pointing to Rutgers after four games. The Scarlet Knights are competing well and look the part of a Big Ten team. They will have a chance to prove this against the best team in the conference year in and year out.
Is this spread too low? This might be a bit of an overreaction to the inconsistencies of Ohio State, especially defensively. CJ Stroud is looking like he will return against Rutgers and the duo of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson could be in for a big day. Rutgers has shown toughness and it will be interesting to see the game plan against the Buckeyes.
Kickoff between Ohio State and Rutgers is set for 3:30 PM ET on Saturday at SHI Stadium and airing live on BTN.