On a cold November afternoon in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t just beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights—they sent a message. The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes rolled to a 42-9 victory on November 22, 2025, Ohio Stadium, before a roaring crowd of 100,023. It wasn’t pretty for Rutgers. It wasn’t even close. But for one player, it was historic.
A Night to Remember for Antwan Raymond
While the scoreboard told one story, the box score held another. Antwan Raymond, Rutgers’ senior running back, rushed for 52 yards and punched in a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter—his 12th of the season. That score wasn’t just a consolation prize. It pushed his career rushing total past 1,500 yards and made him the 15th player in Rutgers University football history to reach 20 career rushing touchdowns. You don’t get there without grit. You don’t get there without playing through losses like this one.
Raymond’s effort stood in stark contrast to the rest of the offense. The Scarlet Knights managed just 66 total rushing yards. Their offense was stagnant. Their offensive line was overwhelmed. And their quarterback? He spent most of the day scrambling for his life.
Ohio State’s Defense: A Streak for the Ages
Here’s the thing about this game: Ohio State didn’t need their stars. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes’ two All-American wide receivers, were sidelined. And yet—42 points. Four consecutive touchdowns in the second half. A defense that turned Rutgers’ running game into a footnote.
According to Eleven Warriors, this marked the tenth straight game Ohio State held an opponent under 100 rushing yards. The last time that happened? 1936. That’s nearly 90 years. A century of football between this streak and the last one. The Buckeyes’ defensive line didn’t just stop the run—they erased it. Rutgers averaged 1.8 yards per carry. They had one drive longer than 10 yards in the entire second half.
“It’s not about who’s in the lineup,” said Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after the game. “It’s about what we believe. We’ve built something here that doesn’t rely on one guy. It’s a system. A culture.”
Rutgers’ Bowl Hopes Hang by a Thread
At 5-6 overall and 2-6 in the Big Ten, Rutgers is now staring at a do-or-die finale. Their last hope for a bowl bid? A win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 29, 2025, SHI Stadium in Piscataway. It’s Senior Day. It’s Thank You Fans Day. And it’s the most pressure-packed game of Greg Schiano’s second stint as head coach.
They’ve lost six straight to ranked teams this year. They’ve been outscored by an average of 28 points in those games. But here’s the twist: Penn State’s defense has been shaky late in the season. They gave up 38 points to Maryland last week. If Raymond can find running lanes—if the offensive line can hold for one more snap—Rutgers might just pull off the impossible.
The Game Awaits: Ohio State vs. Michigan
Meanwhile, Ohio State (11-0) is headed to the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the most storied rivalry in college football. The Buckeyes haven’t lost since 2023. They’ve won 11 straight. And now, they’re playing for more than a conference title—they’re playing for legacy.
They’ll face a Michigan team that’s 10-1 and hungry for revenge after last year’s 42-3 rout in Columbus. But this year’s Ohio State squad? They’re different. They don’t need Smith and Tate to win. They don’t need a high-powered offense. They just need their defense to be relentless. And on Saturday, it was.
Their offense? Efficient. The quarterback? Unflappable. The special teams? Flawless. Kicker Luke Winters nailed all four of his field goals, including a 51-yarder that could’ve been a game-winner on any other day.
What’s Next? The Ripple Effect
This win keeps Ohio State firmly in the College Football Playoff picture. With Alabama’s loss last week and Georgia’s stumble, the Buckeyes are now the clear No. 1 seed in most projections. A win over Michigan next weekend all but locks them in.
For Rutgers? The stakes are smaller, but no less real. A bowl game means more exposure. More recruiting momentum. More funding. More reason for fans to believe. A loss? It could mean another year of rebuilding. Another year of wondering if the program can ever compete.
And then there’s the bigger picture: the Big Ten’s East Division is now a two-team race between Ohio State and Michigan. No one else is even close. Rutgers, Penn State, and even Maryland? They’re fighting for scraps.
Final Thoughts
Football is cruel. It rewards excellence and punishes inconsistency. Ohio State didn’t just win—they dominated without their best players. Rutgers didn’t just lose—they were outclassed. But in the midst of it all, Antwan Raymond reminded everyone why he plays the game. Not for the spotlight. Not for the rankings. But for the jersey. For the school. For the history.
One last game left. One last chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Ohio State’s 10-game streak of holding opponents under 100 rushing yards?
It’s historic. The last time Ohio State held 10 straight opponents under 100 rushing yards was in 1936—89 years ago. No other Big Ten team has done it in the modern era. Even legendary defenses like the 1970s Buckeyes or the 2002 national champions never matched this consistency. It speaks to a cultural shift in defensive coaching, discipline, and scheme under Jim Knowles.
Why does Rutgers still have a chance at a bowl game despite being 5-6?
The NCAA allows for a 6-6 record to qualify for a bowl game, and with only 12 teams eligible for the College Football Playoff, there are more bowl slots than qualifying teams this year. That means even 5-7 teams can get in if there aren’t enough 6-6 teams. Rutgers just needs to win one more game to hit 6-6 and become eligible—something they’ve done in six of the last seven seasons.
How did Ohio State manage to win without Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate?
Ohio State’s offense shifted to a power-run, short-passing attack led by quarterback Gunnar Hoak, who completed 19 of 23 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Running back TreVeyon Henderson added 112 yards and two scores. The Buckeyes didn’t need deep throws—they just needed efficiency. And with their defense controlling the clock, they didn’t need to score 50 points to win.
What does this loss mean for Rutgers’ recruiting and future?
Losing to a top-ranked team isn’t a stain—it’s a benchmark. But losing six straight to ranked opponents? That’s a red flag. Recruits notice. Coaches notice. If Rutgers doesn’t beat Penn State, it could hurt their ability to land top-150 prospects in the 2026 class. A win, however, could turn this season into a springboard—especially if Raymond’s performance draws national attention.
Is Ohio State’s defense the best in college football this season?
By most metrics, yes. They lead the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed (62.3 per game) and are second in total defense (248.7 yards per game). They’ve held seven opponents to under 10 total points. And with 10 straight games under 100 rushing yards, they’re rewriting the record books. Even Alabama’s defense, which won the national title last year, didn’t sustain this level of dominance.
What’s the significance of Rutgers playing Penn State on Senior Day?
It’s emotional. With 23 seniors on the roster—including Raymond—this could be their final home game. The crowd is expected to be the largest of the season at SHI Stadium. A win wouldn’t just make them bowl-eligible—it would give their careers a meaningful ending. A loss? It might feel like another chapter in a long string of near-misses.