Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes took on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten matchup at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 3 nationally, put on an impressive display, particularly in the first half, cruising to a 49-27 victory.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was the centerpiece of the offense, delivering a near-flawless performance. Fields completed 24 of 28 passes for 314 yards and five touchdowns while adding 23 rushing yards. His efficiency and precision were critical to Ohio State’s early dominance. Wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were Fields’ primary targets, combining for 11 receptions and over 200 yards. Olave tallied 5 receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns, while Wilson contributed 6 catches for 104 yards and a score. Wilson also added a 12-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility.

The Buckeyes’ ground game was solid, with running back Master Teague III leading the way. Teague rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Trey Sermon contributed with 68 rushing yards on 12 carries. The balanced attack kept Rutgers’ defense on its heels throughout the first half.

Ohio State’s offensive line, led by standouts like Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers, provided stellar protection for Fields and opened up running lanes for the backs. Their dominance in the trenches set the tone early, allowing the Buckeyes to jump out to a 35-3 lead by halftime.

Defensively, Ohio State was sharp early in the game. Linebacker Pete Werner was instrumental in shutting down Rutgers’ run game, finishing with six tackles and a pass breakup. Defensive end Zach Harrison and defensive tackle Haskell Garrett anchored the defensive line, applying consistent pressure on Rutgers quarterback Noah Vedral. Garrett’s presence in the middle was crucial, as he disrupted plays and stuffed runs at the line of scrimmage. The Buckeyes’ secondary, led by Shaun Wade and Marcus Hooker, played a significant role in limiting Rutgers’ passing attack during the first half.

Rutgers, however, refused to go quietly. In the second half, the Scarlet Knights showcased creativity and determination. Quarterback Noah Vedral sparked the offense with 168 passing yards and a touchdown, along with 46 rushing yards. Rutgers pulled off several trick plays, including a multi-lateral kickoff return for a touchdown that highlighted their resilience. Running back Isiah Pacheco added 68 rushing yards, while receiver Bo Melton caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Despite being outscored 24-14 in the second half, Ohio State’s early dominance secured the win. The Buckeyes improved to 3-0 on the season, demonstrating why they were among the top teams in the nation. Meanwhile, Rutgers earned respect for their spirited second-half effort, but the talent gap was evident throughout the game.