College Football – Rutgers Look for Big Ten Upset Against (13) Ohio State

Rutgers Scarlet Knights at (13) Ohio State Buckeyes (-19, 59.5 o/u)

Going into its inaugural Big Ten season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have to be happy with their current record (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten). Earlier this month, the squad won its first conference game by defeating Michigan.

Now the team has its sites set on upsetting the No. 13 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) in Columbus.

Rutgers linebacker Kevin Snyder said, “I think every Big Ten game we play now, no matter who it is, is a statement game because we came into this league (with) people seeing us as a team that just showed up, that really didn’t belong.

“Winning – especially against a team like Ohio State – would go a long way to changing the perception, because right now I don’t think they have much respect for us. I don’t think their fan base does, either.”

Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer would point out that such respect has to be earned.

Meyer said, “Once again, I like our team. We’re certainly nowhere near where we’ll end up, in my opinion. We’re still growing and getting better. We’re a much better team than we were two weeks ago and that’s because you get in the game and gain experience.”

The experience factor he’s referring to involves quarterback J.T. Barrett, who is not only third in the country with a passer rating of 186.3 but leads the Big Ten with 17 touchdowns. Barrett has the Buckeyes rolling of late; the team is on a three-game winning streak, averaging 56 points per game.

That’s why, despite Rutgers solid defense, the Buckeyes should roll at home and cover the spread.