3 reasons Ohio State will trample Rutgers
By Alec Hartman
2. The Buckeyes’ offense will run the Scarlet Knights out of town
It’s no secret that the Buckeyes’ offense is the next best thing after sliced bread. In fact, the Buckeyes’ offense can score just as easily and quickly as slicing some bread. This is evident by the result of the Buckeyes’ very first play against the Nittany Lions last week. The Buckeyes were far from vanilla as they ran a jet sweep to Garrett Wilson which went 62 yards.
That play set the tone for the rest of the game as the Buckeyes kept their foot on the gas by striking with big plays one after another. The Nittany Lions could not stop the Buckeyes from hitting on long passes over the top with receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson getting whatever they wanted. Both receivers combined for over 230 receiving yards with Olave catching two touchdowns.
All of this was made possible through the maestro Justin Fields who has exceeded every expectation and more. Yet, it still feels like there is so much more to Fields’ game than what has been displayed to this point. The offense has been very complex and distinguished since the advent of Ryan Day but Fields has the opportunity to take it to a level that nobody else has.
Fields has an innate ability to run the ball and get to his destinations on the ground safely which was displayed in week one but that part of his game was not utilized in the slightest last week. This was surely a key point of emphasis and of purpose against the Nittany Lions as the Buckeyes had a sound lead since the first drive of the game. Fields was nearly perfect once again as a passer as he completed on 28/34 attempts for four touchdowns and no turnovers.
The Scarlet Knights will be pressed to keep up with the Buckeyes’ offense as they don’t have any apparent playmakers to make up for lack of depth. The team is in a state of a rebuild as they are led by senior Nebraska quarterback transfer Noah Vedral. He has had a fairly rough start to his season with the Scarlet Knights as his struggles with turnovers were the main reason for the team’s loss against Indiana last week. His four interceptions are tied for the most in the Big Ten this season.
Vedral and the Scarlet Knights would likely be undefeated coming into this weekend if it wasn’t for his three interceptions. Their run game had outrushed the Hoosiers and they remained within striking distance. Key contributors for the Scarlet Knights’ offense include junior running back Isaih Pacheco, junior Wisconsin transfer Aron Cruickshank at receiver, and senior receiver Bo Melton.
The Scarlet Knights are not yet at the point in development where they can compete with the Buckeyes offensively. Schematically they have improved but it will take an introduction of more talent from recruits in the upcoming seasons to drive the Scarlet Knights closer. Expect the Buckeyes to run away with the lead in this game as the Scarlet Knights struggle to keep up.