I have all these thoughts flying around in my head, and they have to go somewhere, so why not share them with you? Before every game we’ll provide a mindless brain dump of all the things that you might want to think of for the upcoming game — or at least what I’m thinking of. Take it or leave it I say.
Some of those thoughts might be humorous, some outlandish, some just factual, and some nondescript and boring. Either way, we provide our final thoughts just before all the fun on the gridiron for Ohio State each week. This time we’re talking the college known as the birthplace of college football, Rutgers.
It’s not expected to be much of a contest, but they have to play the games and the Buckeyes need to remain sharp and focused.
Off we go …
- You’d think the program that has the genesis of college football in its DNA would have won more games. But no, apparently Rutgers is still stuck back in 1869.
- When Jim Delany sold Rutgers and Maryland to all the benefits of being in the Big Ten, you figured the programs would get a boost. It hasn’t happened and there’s really no signs that it will. That can change quickly, but right now those television markets and new locations to visit are really all that’s going for the expansion.
- How many points will Ohio State score in this one? Anything below 60 would be a surprise.
- Speaking of which, I hear many asking if the Buckeyes can score 100 points in this one. Here’s the problem with that. The clock has to run out at some point and OSU would need at least 14 total possessions — all ending with a TD, two with a two-point conversion. That’s not happening without a slew of turnovers.
- Can Rutgers score on the Ohio State defense? I say there will be some garbage time points much like last week against Maryland. Until then though, it’ll take an act of God or something.
- There will be zero home field advantage in this one. SHI stadium might have more Ohio State fans. I mean the color is the same, but that’s about it.
- Is there any amount of points OSU can score that would impress the CFP Playoff Committee enough to sway out Ohio State for LSU. Only if there was an SEC logo on the chest it appears.
Next … Final Thoughts continued
Ohio State vs. Rutgers final thoughts continued
- Not even New Jersey native Bruce Springstein could write a believable song that has the Scarlet Knights pulling off the upset in this one.
- Enjoy one more week of a relaxed game viewing Buckeye fans. Next week it gets real when Penn State comes to town. Or so we think.
- If Greg Schiano comes back and coaches the Rutgers program, will he be able to replicate the success he had the first time around? It might be an even bigger build than the last time. That means some serious chopping of wood.
- In the meantime, interim head coach Nunzio Campanile knows the challenge before him Saturday. He was asked if he saw any weaknesses with this Ohio State team and he chuckled and answered the question before it was even finished. I twas simply, “(Chuckle) “Honestly, they’re about as complete of a football team as I’ve seen,” Campnile said during his press conference on Monday. “If there’s a team out there better, I’d like to see it.”
- Ohio State is favored by right around 51 points by most oddsmakers in this one. That is ridiculous and the highest I think I’ve ever seen. But yeah, I took the over on it.
- Looking ahead, if the Buckeyes win today (sarcasm), all it needs to do is beat Penn State next weekend and it’s off to Indy folks. It’s really that close.
