Rutgers football vs Ohio State: Score, live updates as Scarlet Knights host nation's top team
PISCATAWAY – During Rutgers football’s bye week, offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said he believed there was still plenty of room to grow and “more meat on that bone” when it comes to the passing game.
The Scarlet Knights have four more games to show that, beginning with a big one day against Ohio State (noon, CBS) at SHI Stadium.
One of those players who could help make that happen? Wide receiver JaQuae Jackson, who transferred in from California University of Pennsylvania before the season and so far has caught 17 passes for 290 yards, but is still looking for his first touchdown.
Jackson joined the team after spring practices and dealt with an injury in training camp, so he wasn’t fully up to speed once the season began.
“He missed training camp, wasn't with us in the spring,” Schiano said. “Really didn't get here until late June. “So I only wish we could have had him earlier because he is starting to hit a stride of sorts and getting better each week. Again, it comes back to the question about repetitions. Football is truly a game of repetition, and you can't – there's no substitute for those.”
Jackson has a big chance to continue to prove himself at a high level.
“I’m enjoying my experience,” Jackson said. “I’m still taking it day by day. I’m enjoying every day I’m here. I’m loving it. Great decision that I came here.”
BIG TEST Can Rutgers' No. 2-ranked pass defense limit OSU's Marvin Harrison Jr.?
As far as going up against Ohio State’s defense, Jackson, a Pittsburgh native, said it’s a challenge and an opportunity that he relishes.
“It’s the reasons why I came here, to play against Ohio State and play against the top teams in the country,” Jackson said. “I’m just very blessed to be in this position.”
FINAL: Ohio State 35, Rutgers 16
The Scarlet Knights put up a fight, but the Buckeyes are NO. 1 in the nation for a reason.
3Q, 2:39: Ohio State expands its lead
TreVeyon Henderson runs it in from nine yards out and it's now 21-9 Buckeyes.
3Q, 9:49: Ohio State takes the lead on a pick six
Tough turn of events for Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights had second-and-7 at the Ohio State 20 but Gavin Wimsatt's pass intended for Kyle Monangai was picked off by Jordan Hancock, who ran it back 93 yards for a touchdown to give the Buckeyes a 14-9 lead.
2Q, 0:02: Rutgers takes the lead
The Scarlet Knights have the lead.
Jai Patel kicks a 20-yard field goal and it's 9-7 Scarlet Knights at halftime.
2Q, 7:03: Rutgers slices its deficit again
Jai Patel kicks a 21-yard field goal and it's now 7-6 Ohio State.
Rutgers had first-and-goal from the 4 but couldn't get into the end zone and had to settle for the field goal.
2Q, 7:49: Rutgers is on the board
Rutgers football just turned to some trickery against Ohio State.
The Scarlet Knights had fourth-and-1 from their own 43 midway through the second quarter and opted to go for it.
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was under center, took the snap from center Gus Zilinskas and then snapped it between his legs to running back Kyle Monangai.
Monangai bounced to the right side and ran 45 yards to the Ohio State 12.
Rutgers couldn't get into the end zone but Jai Patel kicked a 22-yard field goal to put the Scarlet Knights on the board and cut their deficit to 7-3.
1Q, 8:35: Ohio State strikes first
The Buckeyes have taken the lead as Kyle McCord hit Gee Scott Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Was a good pass and a good catch.
The Buckeyes started the drive at their own 46 after Rutgers punted, but the snap was bad and Flynn Appleby had to rush it and couldn't get a good punt off.
7-0 Buckeyes.
Availability report
There's one new addition to Rutgers' availability report, and it's a significant one.
Defensive tackle Mayan Ahanotu is OUT today, the second defensive starter that Rutgers will be without as linebacker Tyreem Powell will likely miss the remainder of the season with a hand injury.
CB Bo Mascoe, WR Chris Long, OL Tyler Needham, OL Joe De Croce, DB Elijuwan Mack and WR Naseim Brantley are also OUT.
No one is questionable.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football vs Ohio State: Score, live updates
