NCAAF picks 11/22: Rutgers @ Ohio State – Bucks Resting for The Game?

Rutgers

@

Ohio State

By Cal Bailor for Wannamakeabet.com

Rutgers heads to Columbus to close out the regular season against No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday, November 22, 2025 — kickoff is listed for 12:00 PM Eastern (Noon ET) at Ohio Stadium.

Team Analysis

Rutgers

• Season overview and recent form: Rutgers enters the week at 5-5 overall after a roller‑coaster 2025 that mixed non‑conference wins with an up‑and‑down Big Ten slate; the Scarlet Knights lost 35-13 at Illinois on Nov. 1 and rebounded to beat Maryland 35-20.
• Offensive profile: QB Athan Kaliakmanis has been the driving force and Rutgers’ run game is paced by Antwan Raymond (1,000-yard pace noted in previews), but Rutgers still ranks as a middling scoring offense that can boom against lesser fronts and stall against NFL‑caliber defensive fronts.
• Defensive profile: The Scarlet Knights have shown inconsistency — capable of forcing turnovers but vulnerable to explosive plays and big rushing days; Illinois and Oregon games highlighted both the strengths and holes.

Ohio State

• Season overview and recent form: Ohio State is 10-0 and riding a long winning streak after dominant wins including a 48-10 dismantling of UCLA; the Buckeyes close the regular season at home before the Michigan rivalry.
• Offensive profile: QB Julian Sayin is playing elite ball (best completion percentage nationally in multiple previews) and Ohio State’s backfield rotation — including Bo Jackson and James Peoples — has produced efficient rushing lanes and big plays.
• Defensive profile: The Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s stingiest defenses by points and yards allowed, regularly suffocating opponents and piling up low opponent totals.

Key Matchup Factors

• Head‑to‑head history: Ohio State has dominated the series since Rutgers joined the Big Ten — the Buckeyes are undefeated in the matchup (10-0) and have won comfortably in Columbus in each meeting.
• Important player matchups:

– Julian Sayin vs. Rutgers secondary — Sayin’s accuracy and OSU’s route tree depth should stress Rutgers’ DBs and linebackers horizontally and vertically. – OSU run game (Bo Jackson/James Peoples) vs. Rutgers front seven — if the Scarlet Knights can’t find push at the point of attack, Ohio State will control clock and scoreboard. – Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis vs. Ohio State pass rush — Rutgers needs quick timing and screens to neutralize the Buckeye pressure; otherwise long drives are rare.

• Key injuries and news: Ohio State has managed several receiver and backfield questions — Carnell Tate has missed games with a calf issue and Jeremiah Smith was managed earlier in the week; OSU has been cautious in practice reports.
• Home/away performance: Ohio State’s home dominance at Ohio Stadium is a major edge; Rutgers has been better at SHI Stadium than on the road in 2025 and will be an underdog in a tough environment.

Betting Analysis

• Spread analysis: Books opened and currently list Ohio State around -31.5 with books showing totals near 55.5–56.5, establishing this as a blowout line group consensus across major sportsbooks.
• Total (over/under) analysis: Market totals cluster mid‑50s; given Ohio State’s scoring upside and Rutgers’ tendency to allow chunk plays, the market leans Over—yet Ohio State’s depth and potential to sub starters early (look‑ahead to Michigan) creates under scenarios late in the game.
• Best value opportunities:

– If you expect Ohio State to play starters through the half and pile up points, take Ohio State to cover -31.5 where legal and shop for the tightest -30 to -32.5 lines. – If you suspect OSU rests early and Rutgers can scrape points late, the Under 55.5/56.5 carries value in live markets. – Prop focus: back Ohio State team totals and individual rushing props for Bo Jackson and James Peoples — books expect heavy rushing work.

• Prediction: This is a classic mismatch — Ohio State wins comfortably. Look for the Buckeyes to control tempo and win decisively unless an unprecedented Rutgers defensive game plan lands multiple turnovers early. Given current lines, the edge is on Ohio State covering if they play starters into the second half; however, the prudent bettor monitors gameday injury reports for Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith updates and shops totals for late movement.

Final pick: Ohio State -31.5 (cover likely); Over/Under lean: Under only if OSU pulls starters early — otherwise take Over 55.5 for value in pregame.

Wannamakeabet’s points‑based betting system favors backing the favorite to cover in this spot given Ohio State’s statistical advantages and home field; as always, shop lines across books and respect bankroll discipline.