In an unexpected turn of events, No. 1 Ohio State narrowly escaped a potential upset as they defeated Rutgers with a final score of 35-16. Although the Buckeyes ultimately emerged victorious, the game was far more competitive than the scoreline suggests. Rutgers put up an impressive fight, taking a 9-7 lead into halftime and keeping the game within reach until the fourth quarter.

Rutgers falls to 6-3 on the season with this loss, but the fact that they have already become bowl-eligible is a significant achievement. The team showcased their potential, particularly in their ground game, which found more success against Ohio State than any other team this season. If Rutgers can find a competent quarterback to complement their strong running attack, they may become a formidable force in the Big Ten.

One concerning sign for Ohio State was their offensive struggles, as they failed to fully exploit Rutgers' defensive gameplan. The Scarlet Knights employed a strategy of keeping two safeties deep to prevent big plays, a tactic that has proven effective against other Big Ten teams. However, Ohio State's passing game failed to capitalize on this vulnerability. Quarterback Kyle McCord completed 19 of his 26 passes, but they were mostly short throws resulting in only 189 yards.

Furthermore, the rest of Ohio State's receiving corps, including a newly healthy Emeka Egbuka, were largely ineffective against Rutgers' defense. While Rutgers deserves credit for shutting down the Buckeyes' offense, concerns arise about Ohio State's ability to score against stronger teams like Michigan.

On the positive side for Ohio State, running back TreVeyon Henderson proved to be the difference-maker in the game. Henderson's explosive plays on the ground and through the air gave the Buckeyes the edge they needed to secure the win. He finished the game as Ohio State's leading rusher and receiver, accumulating an impressive 128 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving.

Despite the closely contested match, Ohio State's defense deserves recognition for their ability to come through in challenging situations throughout the game. Rutgers had multiple opportunities to capitalize on offense but were limited to field goals in the red zone. This defensive prowess ultimately allowed Ohio State to maintain control and secure the victory.

With this win, Ohio State advances to maintain their perfect season record. However, the game against Rutgers revealed weaknesses in their offense that they will need to address as they prepare to face tougher opponents, including their upcoming clash with rival Michigan.

In summary, Ohio State survived a scare from Rutgers to secure a hard-fought victory. Although Rutgers showcased their potential and competitiveness, the Buckeyes' strong defensive performance and explosive plays from TreVeyon Henderson proved to be the decisive factors. Ohio State now looks ahead to future challenges, aiming to address their offensive struggles and maintain their dominant position in the Big Ten.