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Rutgers vs. Ohio State Picks, Predictions College Football Week 5: Buckeyes Romp Scarlet Knights

Mike Spector

Last Updated: October 1, 2022 2:43 AM EDT • 1 min 45 sec read.

Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye performs for the crowd during the Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye performs for the crowd during the Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images via AFP.

No. 3 Ohio State has won three straight games by margins of at least 30 points and holds one of its biggest spreads of the season for Saturday's Big Ten matchup with Rutgers at home. Check out our top Rutgers-Ohio State picks below.

Rutgers started 3-0, but after a disappointing 27-10 home loss to Iowa, it will now have to answer the critics who suggest its undefeated start was a product of a 121st-ranked schedule. Meanwhile, Ohio State has had no such difficulty proving itself against the best competition, as it beat then No. 5 Notre Dame and Big Ten West favorite Wisconsin by a combined 42 points.

Check out our college football Week 5 best bets here.

Here are our top picks for Rutgers-Ohio State in Week 5 (odds via PointsBet, BetMGM, and DraftKings Sportsbook).

Rutgers vs. Ohio State Picks

Os U930

Rutgers vs. Ohio State ATS Pick

Ohio State -39.5 (-110) ★★★★

Ohio State has become a fixture atop the rankings in nearly every single offensive category every year under head coach Ryan Day. So far, the Buckeyes have followed up a season where they led the nation in scoring and total offense, by ranking second with 558.8 yards per game and third with 48.8 points per game. 

What makes those numbers even more impressive, especially Ohio State's No. 1 ranking in Bill Connelly's offensive SP+ and No. 2 overall SP+ ranking is the fact that Ohio State’s best receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba played sparingly in two games this year before suffering injury.

The Buckeyes do not just rebuild, they reload, and can name their score against Rutgers.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.

Rutgers vs. Ohio State O/U Pick

Under 58.5 (-110) ★★

While Ohio State can score in bunches, our wager on the Under is a reflection of Rutgers’ inability to score points. The Scarlet Knights failed to score 17 points in nine of their previous 14 games against FBS opposition, and we do not expect Rutgers to light up the scoreboard against a Jim Knowles defense that has allowed just 283.0 yards per game through the first four weeks.

Rutgers vs. Ohio State Prop Pick

Ohio State team total Over 40 (-115) ★★★★

The Buckeyes faced a Badgers defense that entered last week allowing 8.0 points per game, 246 yards per game, 4.5 yards/play, and had allowed 10 20-yard plays. Ohio State torched that defense for 52 points, 7.7 yards/play, and had six plays of 20-plus yards.

Look for Ohio State to carve up Rutgers' defense, especially for as long as quarterback CJ Stroud is in the game to pad his Heisman Trophy resume.

Where to Bet on Rutgers vs. Ohio State Picks

Rutgers-Ohio State picks made 9/30/2022 at 5:57 a.m. ET

Written By:
Mike Spector
I have been in the sports writing industry for over three years, working for sites like BettingPros/FantasyPros, Oddschecker, and Sportsbook Review. In my first year writing for BettingPros, I finished with the #2 overall record in their annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an over/under and moneyline perspective. I am an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, and all college sports. In my opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and I am especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. I am a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." Follow me on Twitter for my best bets and commentary to go along with the wagers.