Ohio U at Rutgers -14

Let’s keep the thread game talk going. We had some good conversations going week 0. Here are my thoughts on the game. It’s Rutgers for me or stay away. Thoughts?

Rutgers is quietly becoming a tough out in the Big Ten, and this opener against MAC champ Ohio is a great test.

The Scarlet Knights went 7-6 last year, covering in seven of those games, and their offense finally showed signs of life. QB Athan Kaliakmanis (2,696 yards, 18 TDs, 251 rushing yards, 3 TDs) was the first Rutgers passer to top 2,000 yards since 2015. He’s back with a much stronger WR corps featuring Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and transfer DJ Sheffield (822 yards, 11 TD at North Texas). The only big hole is at RB after losing Kyle Monangai (1,279 yards, 13 TD), but Florida Atlantic transfer CJ Campbell is a proven dual threat (844 rushing yards, 466 receiving). Behind an offensive line with over 100 combined career starts, Rutgers should move the ball.

Defensively, Rutgers has to tighten up against the run after allowing 163 yards per game in 2024. They addressed this with two portal pass rushers: Eric O’Neill (13 sacks at James Madison) and Bradley Weaver (14.5 sacks the past two years at Ohio, of all places). The back end is mostly new, but they’ve plugged in transfers and sophomores who should settle in. Special teams are steady with PK Jai Patel (15/19 FG).

Ohio is fresh off a dream season—11 wins, a MAC title (first since 1968), and a Cure Bowl win. The offense revolved around QB Parker Navarro, who was inconsistent as a passer (13–11 TD/INT) but electric as a runner (1,000+ rush yards, 18 TDs). Losing RB Anthony Tyus hurts, but Sieh Bangura is back (1,078 yards in 2022) and German speedster Duncan Brune is a name to watch. The WR group is solid but they’ll miss star Coleman Owen (1,245 yards, now with the Colts). The bigger concern is the offensive line, only one starter returns.

Ohio’s defense was lights-out last year (13.6 PPG allowed, #1 MAC), but it’s a major rebuild. They lost their top sack men and three leading tacklers. Transfers will be thrown right into the fire, and doing that against a Big Ten OL is a tall order.

Rutgers’ experienced OL vs Ohio’s rebuilt DL looks like the biggest mismatch.

Ohio QB Navarro will test Rutgers’ run defense, but Rutgers added size and edge rushers to specifically fix last year’s weakness.

Rutgers has the edge in depth, talent, and balance.

Rutgers should control this game up front and wear Ohio down. The Bobcats are scrappy and Navarro will make some plays with his legs, but over four quarters the Big Ten size and depth should take over.

Have to give Rutgers an edge in coaching also, I almost pulled trigger earlier as there are not a lot of 14's left.DK still had it this morning. If you ask me the total seems a bit low.GLuck Dr. 

Schiano has a history of having his team ready game 1 and I expect that to continue. 

On Scarlet Knights -13.5 and -14. 

GL

@Biscuiteater1 @uniman

Absolutely! Great points on coach. 

@UNIMAN

Greg Schiano does indeed have a strong track record of preparing Rutgers for season openers, with a 12-4 overall record in those games during his two tenures at the program.  This includes a perfect 5-0 mark in openers since his return in 2020, showcasing consistent early-season readiness even as the team has faced tougher Big Ten competition.  The four losses came during his first stint (2001-2011), primarily in the early rebuilding years when the program was still turning around from prior struggles, but he quickly established a pattern of strong starts, going 7-4 in openers over those 11 seasons. Overall, Rutgers has won 13 of its last 15 season openers, aligning with Schiano’s emphasis on physicality and discipline from day one.