Expert Ohio State football predictions for Rutgers game

Ohio State is now No. 1 in the country, according to the College Football Playoff rankings. Next up for the Buckeyes is Rutgers.

Here is what the writers at The Columbus Dispatch and the Bergen Record predict for Saturday's game:

Bill Rabinowitz

Ohio State beat writer

The Columbus Dispatch

• Ohio State 34, Rutgers 10

This is the best Rutgers team Ohio State has faced, which isn't saying much. Look for the Scarlet Knights to hang in for a while with their decent defense and a solid run game, and Greg Schiano is good for something impactful on special teams. But the lack of a passing game and Ohio State's better overall talent will allow the Buckeyes to pull away.

Joey Kaufman

Ohio State beat writer

The Columbus Dispatch

• Ohio State 31, Rutgers 6

There has been no shortage of touchdowns by the Buckeyes in their nine wins over Rutgers as they have put up at least 49 points in each meeting since 2014. But this matchup looks different. The Scarlet Knights, who are off to their best start since joining the Big Ten, have one of the best defenses in the nation as a result of limiting explosive plays. Rutgers has not allowed a play from scrimmage longer than 39 yards this fall. This score won’t be so lopsided.

Rob Oller

Sports columnist

The Columbus Dispatch

• Ohio State 35, Rutgers 10

These aren't the same Scarlet Knights that Buckeyes fans have taken for granted as a pushover. Greg Schiano has slowly built Rutgers into a respectable Big Ten program. But there's the rub. How to define respectable in the mediocre Big Ten? Bowl eligible? Rutgers is that, but Ohio State's defense is too strong and its offense good enough to keep any upset alert from happening in the shadow of the Big Apple. That said, I don't see an OSU points explosion until next week against Michigan State.

Colin Gay

Real-time reporter

The Columbus Dispatch

• Ohio State 38, Rutgers 10

Ohio State dominates Rutgers. The Buckeyes have never scored less than 49 points against the Scarlet Knights and have not allowed more than 27 points. In nine meetings, Rutgers has come within 22 points once. While that points streak may end for the Ohio State offense, the Buckeyes' defense will have no problem silencing Gavin Wimsatt's athleticism and the rest of the Scarlet Knights offense. This may be the best Rutgers team Ohio State has seen. But the Buckeyes will leave Piscataway with a comfortable win.

Chris Iseman

Rutgers beat writer

USA TODAY New Jersey

● Ohio State 27, Rutgers 10

While I think the Scarlet Knights will be able to keep it fairly competitive for much of the game, the Buckeyes will make some big plays late and get the win.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football predictions vs. Rutgers