Rutgers vs. Ohio State Prediction & Odds: College Football Week 13 Betting Preview

My Rutgers vs. Ohio State prediction for Saturday’s game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, focuses on the defensive strengths of No. 1 Ohio State (noon ET, FOX).

Ohio State is the 31.5-point betting favorite and should have no trouble keeping its perfect season alive. However, Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis may have more success than oddsmakers expect against one of the nation’s best pass defenses. The picks below are part of our college football Week 13 predictions.

✅ Rutgers vs. Ohio State prediction & expert picks

See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 13.

🏈 Rutgers vs. Ohio State preview & score prediction

Ohio State has covered the spread in eight of 10 games this season. While the Buckeyes could cover the spread on Saturday, the Under is a better play for this matchup.

Ohio State’s defense too much for Rutgers

Ohio State has held every opponent to 16 or fewer points this season. Rutgers is averaging 29.9 points per game, but Ohio State has the best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 7.5 points per game, 5.9 fewer than any other team.

While Rutgers has had some great offensive games, the Scarlet Knights have scored fewer than 20 points three times this season, including 13 against Illinois and 10 against Oregon.

If Ohio State holds Rutgers to 16 or less, then the offense can still score 38 points, which is right in line with their season average of 37.5. That will facilitate the Under to hit. Ohio State has scored at least 34 in six consecutive contests, but the Buckeyes have scored more than 38 just three times all season.

DraftKings’ price for Under 54.5 is set at -102, which implies a 50.49% chance that the Under hits. A $10 bet would profit $9.80.

Score prediction: Ohio State 38, Rutgers 12

🆚 Rutgers vs. Ohio State matchup to watch

Athan Kaliakmanis vs. Ohio State’s secondary

No matter how good Kaliakmanis plays, Rutgers can’t win this game. But if he plays exceptionally, he may be able to keep his team in the game for at least a bit. Kaliakmanis has thrown for at least 229 yards in nine of his 10 games. He’s averaging 270.5 passing yards per game this season.

Ohio State is allowing just 131.2 passing yards per game, which ranks second-best in the nation. But last week, Ohio State allowed UCLA quarterback Luke Duncan to complete 69.6% of his passes for 154 yards in his first collegiate start.

Kaliakmanis threw for just 79 yards against Oregon’s top-ranked pass defense, which is why this isn’t a five-star play. But with Rutgers trailing for the entirety of this game, and Ohio State allowing two 140-yard passers in its last three games, I expect Kaliakmanis to put together a respectable stat line.

Best prop bet: Athan Kaliakmanis Over 169.5 passing yards (-114 via FanDuel)

📊 Rutgers vs. Ohio State odds

See live college football odds for every game in Week 13.

📈 Rutgers vs. Ohio State betting trends

🌤️ Rutgers vs. Ohio State weather

The weather will be just about perfect in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, with the high expected at 52 degrees. There is a 17% chance of precipitation with winds of 6 mph.

📺 How to watch Rutgers vs. Ohio State

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
• Kickoff: Noon ET
• Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
• TV: FOX