When the final whistle blew at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t just win—they announced themselves as a force. In a 42-9 demolition of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the top-ranked Buckeyes turned a sluggish first half into a second-half avalanche, clinching an 11-0 record and locking up their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. And they did it without their two best offensive weapons.
First Half: A Game of Missed Opportunities
For 30 minutes, it looked like Rutgers might pull off the upset. Ohio State’s offense, missing star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, sputtered. The Buckeyes managed just 14 points in the first half despite dominating time of possession. Rutgers, despite entering the game allowing 7.5 yards per play, held Ohio State to 5.1 yards per play through two quarters. The Scarlet Knights’ defense forced a turnover early and kept OSU out of the end zone on two red-zone trips. At halftime, the score was 14-3—a far cry from the blowout everyone expected."If not for those self-inflicted errors, the Scarlet Knights should have been looking at no worse than a one-possession deficit heading into the break," reported Fox Sports. And they weren’t wrong. Ohio State had 175 total yards at halftime—fine for most teams, but barely enough for a top-ranked squad. The defense, though, was already doing the heavy lifting. They held Rutgers to just 76 total yards and forced three three-and-outs in the first half.
Second Half: The Smothering Begins
The twist? Ohio State’s defense didn’t just hold—it exploded.Caden Curry, the Buckeyes’ defensive end, opened the third quarter with his ninth sack of the season—and then stripped the ball inside the Rutgers 5-yard line. The turnover set up a short touchdown run by Bo Jackson, pushing the lead to 21-3. That was the spark.
From there, Ohio State scored touchdowns on four straight possessions. Quarterback Julian Sayin found the end zone twice with pinpoint throws. Jackson added another 15-yard scamper, finishing with 110 yards on 19 carries. Running back CJ Donaldson capped a drive with a 5-yard plunge, and linebacker-turned-wildcat-option James Peoples broke free for a 49-yard touchdown with 4:17 left, sealing the 42-9 rout.
By the end, Rutgers had managed just 147 total yards and converted only 5 of 16 third and fourth downs. The defense, described by Fox Sports as "smothering," held the Scarlet Knights to 11 first downs and forced three turnovers. It was the kind of performance that makes championship teams.
Who Carried the Offense?
The story wasn’t just about the defense. With Smith and Tate sidelined, Ohio State’s offense had to adapt—and it did, through brute force.Bo Jackson, a junior transfer from Alabama, emerged as the team’s most reliable weapon. His 110-yard day wasn’t flashy—it was punishing. He ran between tackles, broke arm tackles, and kept drives alive. Julian Sayin, who threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, didn’t need to be perfect. He just needed to be efficient. And he was: 16-of-24, no interceptions, two scores.
"They didn’t have their stars," said The Columbus Dispatch. "But they had their identity: a physical running game and a defense that doesn’t quit. That’s what makes them dangerous."
What’s Next? The Rivalry Awaits
This was Ohio State’s final home game of the season. Next up: the most anticipated matchup in college football—the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. The game, scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Michigan Stadium, will decide who represents the Big Ten in the College Football Playoff.Rutgers’ season is over at 5-6. But for Ohio State, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. They won without their top two receivers. They won with a defense that didn’t blink. And now, they’re one game away from a national title shot.
"We knew we had to be better," said Jackson after the game. "The guys around me stepped up. That’s what champions do."
Key Stats That Tell the Story
- Ohio State: 42 points, 431 total yards, 209 rushing yards (second straight week over 200)
- Rutgers: 9 points, 147 total yards, 31.25% third-down conversion rate
- Julian Sayin: 187 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Bo Jackson: 110 yards, 2 TDs on 19 carries
- Caden Curry: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble (9th sack of season)
- Ohio State’s defense held Rutgers to 0 points in the third quarter
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ohio State win without Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate?
Ohio State leaned on its running game and defense. Bo Jackson rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, while Julian Sayin managed the game efficiently with two touchdown passes. The offense didn’t need fireworks—it needed consistency. The defense held Rutgers to 147 total yards, turning the game into a grind. This was a classic example of a team adapting when its stars are out.
Why was this game so important for Ohio State’s playoff chances?
With an 11-0 record and a Big Ten Championship Game berth locked in, Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff is clear. A win over archrival Michigan next week would likely cement their No. 1 seed. This win over Rutgers, despite being a mismatch, showed they can dominate even without their top playmakers—a critical sign for playoff voters.
What’s the history between Ohio State and Rutgers in football?
Ohio State has dominated the series, winning all 10 previous meetings since Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014. The Buckeyes have outscored the Scarlet Knights 368-104 in those games. Saturday’s 42-9 win was the most lopsided since 2018, when Ohio State won 56-7. Rutgers has never beaten Ohio State in conference play.
How did Caden Curry’s performance impact the game?
Caden Curry’s ninth sack and forced fumble in the third quarter shifted momentum entirely. That play gave Ohio State a 21-3 lead and crushed Rutgers’ morale. He finished with 2.5 tackles for loss and consistently pressured the quarterback. His ability to collapse the pocket forced Rutgers into bad decisions, turning what could’ve been a close game into a rout.
What does this mean for Rutgers’ future?
At 5-6, Rutgers is ineligible for a bowl game. The loss underscores the gap between the Scarlet Knights and elite Big Ten programs. Head coach Greg Schiano will need to rebuild depth and improve offensive line play. The future isn’t hopeless—Rutgers has talent—but they’re still years away from challenging Ohio State on even terms.
Will Bo Jackson be a Heisman candidate after this game?
He’s now a serious contender. With 1,387 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season, Jackson has become Ohio State’s offensive engine. His performance against Rutgers—especially without Smith and Tate—was the kind of statement game Heisman voters love. If he rushes for 150+ yards against Michigan, he’ll be in the final three.