This week the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face a tough opponent in week ten of the college football season. Following their bye week, this team should be well-rested to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are heavy favorites this weekend, which as an undefeated team makes sense, but they have had some close games this year. Rutgers has done well but has been hit with injuries. Here is a look at what to expect from the Scarlet Knights this weekend.
What to Watch for
The one thing to watch for not just this weekend, but for the rest of the season, is the injuries that Rutgers is currently dealing with. First, it was announced that Tyreem Powell would be missing the remainder of the season. This year, Powell has had 53 combined tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also has had two pass deflections and one forced fumble. The defense will definitely miss him, but this is a strong unit.
Another player injured is Chris Long. The wide receiver is set to miss the rest of the season as well. This year, Long has had two receptions for 28 yards, according to Sports Reference. The good thing is that the team has not used him much this year, but still, no one wants to see a player injured and miss the rest of his season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights RB Samuel Brown V (27) – Michael Conroy/AP Photo
The play-calling against Ohio State needs to be strong. The Buckeyes have a dominating defense. While the Scarlet Knights should not abandon the run game, it will not be easy this weekend. The trick will be to get the passing game going early while making sure to give the Scarlet Knights running backs a chance.
Turnovers will be a big factor this weekend, and that is on both sides of the ball. This season, Ohio State quarterback, Kyle McCord has thrown just three interceptions, according to ESPN. The Rutgers defense has forced five interceptions this year. If they can make sure McCord cannot get momentum going, that will be big for the Scarlet Knights. Of course, this is easier said than done.
Of course, Rutgers quarterback, Gavin Wimsatt will also need to play it safe. This season, Wimsatt has thrown four interceptions, according to ESPN. While this may not be a lot, they have been costly. In the team’s two losses this season, Wimsatt has thrown a pick-six. This Rutgers offense needs to play it safe, and not force anything that is not there. This makes it more likely the offense can walk away with at least three points from their drives.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – John Fisher/Getty Images
Rutgers Players to Watch
Gavin Wimsatt
This weekend, in as big of a game as this is, of course, the quarterback will be a player to watch. Wimsatt’s decision-making will be on watch. This season, Wimsatt has had 91 completions out of 181 attempts for 1,134 yards, according to Sports Reference. He has also passed for seven touchdowns compared to four interceptions. Wimsatt being the player that he is has also rushed for 362 yards, and seven touchdowns. While it will be important to get the passing game going, Wimsatt using his feet will definitely be something to watch for.
Deion Jennings
Linebacker Deion Jennings is a solid player for the Scarlet Knights. With Powell out, Jennings will be a key player from the linebacker’s unit. This season, Jennings has had 51 combined tackles, 20 solo, and 0.5 tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. He also has had four pass deflections. He will definitely be a player to watch for this weekend.
Flip Dixon
With the receivers that Ohio State has, of course, defensive back Flip Dixon will be a key player to watch. There are going to be big passing plays by the Buckeyes, that is definitely something to expect. Limiting that will be important. This season, Dixon has had 48 combined tackles, 32 solo, and one tackle for loss, according to Sports Reference. He also has had five pass deflections and one interception. Hopefully, he can lock down the Ohio State receivers, especially in the red zone.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights RB Kyle Monangai (5) and QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – Marc Lebryk/USA TODAY Sports
Game Prediction
The final predictions for this game may be closer than expected. The prediction is 23-17, with Ohio State taking the win. If an Ohio State upset were to happen it could be this weekend, but the Buckeyes defense will be a tough opponent against the Scarlet Knights offense. This Rutgers defense will definitely put up a fight though.
