When the final whistle blew at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2025, the scoreboard told a story of dominance: Ohio State 42, Rutgers 9. But for head coach Ryan Day, the numbers didn’t matter as much as what came next. With just one game left in the regular season, the Buckeyes aren’t celebrating—they’re sharpening their knives. The win over Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, wasn’t just another Big Ten victory. It was a statement. And now, the real test waits in Ann Arbor.
From Halftime Lead to Blowout
Ohio State didn’t need fireworks to bury Rutgers. They just needed consistency. After leading 14-3 at halftime, the Buckeyes turned the third quarter into a machine. Freshman quarterback Will Howard opened the scoring with a 15-yard run up the middle, then added a 10-yard touchdown plunge late in the third. Running backs CJ Donaldson and James Peoples each punched in short-yardage scores, turning what was a tight game into a rout. Rutgers’ lone touchdown came on a 1-yard run by Antwan Raymond in the fourth, but their failed two-point conversion sealed their fate. The Scarlet Knights, under head coach Greg Schiano, entered the game ranked second in the Big Ten in rushing—but sophomore QB Athan Kaliakmanis managed just 52 yards on 15 carries and 81 through the air on 10-of-20 passing. It was a complete defensive shutdown.
Day’s Focus: Not the Past, But the Big House
At the postgame press conference, Day didn’t dwell on the score. He didn’t praise the defense, even though it held Rutgers to 215 total yards. He didn’t mention the 11-point margin. Instead, he kept circling back to one phrase: "We’re playing for hardware now." At timestamp 316, he said, "This week has got to be the best." And then, at 532: "The ultimate goal is to win the game, and that’s it." There was no fanfare, no trophy talk—just cold, hard focus. The Buckeyes, now 10-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play, are one win away from a potential Big Ten Championship berth. But they won’t get there without beating the University of Michigan—and not just any game. This is the one at Michigan Stadium, better known as "the Big House."
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Ohio State and Michigan have played 120 times since 1897. The series is more than football. It’s identity. It’s pride. It’s the kind of game where a single play can define a season—or a career. For Day, who took over in 2019, this is his fifth meeting against Michigan. He’s 3-1 so far. But this year feels different. The Buckeyes aren’t just chasing a playoff spot. They’re chasing legacy. "You’ve seen guys get better," Day said at timestamp 1432. "Every time these running backs touch the ball, they’re getting better." That’s not just coaching speak. It’s a sign the offense is finally clicking. Donaldson, Peoples, and Howard are forming a dynamic trio that could be lethal in Ann Arbor.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams
For Rutgers, the loss drops them to 5-6 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten play. Their bowl hopes now hinge on beating Penn State University next week. Schiano, who’s led the Scarlet Knights since 2012, has a 13-8 record after bye weeks—but this season’s struggles have been too deep to overcome. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s win keeps them firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. A victory over Michigan would likely lock them into a New Year’s Six bowl, if not a playoff spot. And if they win by double digits? The national conversation shifts entirely.
Player Perspective: Confidence Built on Defense
"It’s definitely special to have a defense like that," said Ohio State player Max, whose quote from the press conference echoed through the locker room. "We have so much confidence in them. That gives us confidence to go out there and just let it loose." That’s the real story here. Ohio State’s defense has been the engine all season—forcing turnovers, collapsing the pocket, and limiting big plays. Against Rutgers, they held the Scarlet Knights to 3-of-12 on third down. That kind of pressure doesn’t just win games. It changes how offenses play. And when your defense gives you the ball back every 2.5 minutes, your offense doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be efficient.
What’s Next: The Big House, the Storm, and the Streak
November 29, 2025. Michigan Stadium. 107,601 fans. A snowstorm forecasted. The Wolverines, at 8-3, are hungry. They’ve lost to Ohio State the last three years. And they’ve never lost four in a row under head coach Sherrone Moore. The Buckeyes haven’t won four straight in Ann Arbor since 2010. The stakes? Pure history. Day knows it. The players know it. The fans know it. "We know what’s at stake," he said. "But at the end of the day, it’s still about us." That’s the mantra. Not the opponent. Not the crowd. Not the streak. Just them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohio State’s win over Rutgers impact their College Football Playoff chances?
Ohio State’s 42-9 win over Rutgers improves their record to 10-1 and keeps them firmly in the top 4 of the latest CFP rankings. A win against Michigan on November 29 would likely guarantee a playoff berth, especially if other top teams like Alabama or Oregon stumble. Their strength of schedule and dominant defense make them a strong candidate, but they need to win out.
Why is the Ohio State-Michigan game called "The Big House"?
"The Big House" refers to Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, which seats over 107,000 fans—making it the largest stadium in the U.S. and one of the biggest in the world. The nickname dates back to the 1970s and reflects the overwhelming atmosphere when the Wolverines host Ohio State. The crowd noise alone can disrupt communication, making it one of the toughest venues in college football.
What’s the historical record between Ohio State and Michigan?
As of 2025, Ohio State leads the all-time series 60-54-6, but Michigan holds a 10-2 advantage in the last 12 meetings from 2004 to 2015. Ohio State has won the last three games (2022, 2023, 2024), and a win in 2025 would mark their first four-game winning streak in Ann Arbor since 1970. The rivalry is tied for the most-played in FBS history.
How has Ryan Day’s coaching evolved since 2019?
Day has shifted from a pass-heavy offense under Justin Fields to a balanced, physical attack led by his running backs. His 2025 team averages 218 rushing yards per game—up from 158 in 2021. He’s also improved defensive coordination, with the Buckeyes now ranking top-5 in tackles for loss. His calm demeanor under pressure has earned him respect across the Big Ten, even from rivals.
What’s the significance of Will Howard’s performance against Rutgers?
Howard, a freshman, showed poise beyond his years with two rushing touchdowns and zero turnovers. He’s now the first Ohio State QB since Troy Smith in 2006 to rush for 10+ yards and throw for 150+ in a game against a Power Five opponent. His dual-threat ability gives Ohio State a new dimension—one that could exploit Michigan’s aggressive front seven.
Can Rutgers still make a bowl game?
Yes—but it’s unlikely. Rutgers is 5-6 and needs to beat Penn State next week to reach six wins and become bowl-eligible. Even if they win, they’d be a long shot for a New Year’s Six bowl. Their only realistic path is a lower-tier bowl like the Quick Lane or Fenway Bowl, and even that depends on how many other 6-win teams are available.
