COLUMBUS, Ohio — Poking holes in Ohio State for the last 10 weeks has felt a bit like nitpicking. The Buckeyes are 11-0 and have played just a single one-score game (Aug. 30 vs. Texas). They have the best defense in the sport, a Heisman Trophy quality quarterback and clearly the best wide receiver tandem — when healthy.

The dress rehearsal ended with Ohio State's 42-9 win against outmatched Rutgers. Now comes the actual show −Michigan. Will Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate be healthy enough to play against the Wolverines? Both sat out against the Scarlet Knights. Will OSU try to run the ball down UM's throat (Buckeye Nation says "They better not!").

Buckeyes players and fans sing ‘Carmen Ohio’ after last home game of the season following their 42-9 win over Rutgers.

Ohio State is undefeated, but has it been tested enough? Rutgers could actually provide some answers before Michigan and the Playoff.

Bitter rivals need 'unity' for $2.4 billion private equity deal. Michigan has threatened to leave Big Ten if deal goes through. How about Ohio State?

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights, led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, face the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio State cruised against Rutgers, 42-9, without standout WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. But how concerning was their absence?

Will Ohio State star WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate be healthy enough to play against Michigan? They both sat out vs. Rutgers.