Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 10/1/16 Look Ahead

Yesterday, the Rutgers coaches held their weekly press conferences looking ahead to this weekend's road meeting with Ohio State. As expected, Rutgers is a huge underdog, with OSU currently favored by 38.5. But this is a homecoming of sorts for Ash, and although he's insistent it's just another game, there has to be a part of the coaches who came from Ohio State that's makes them want to ensure the team puts forth a good showing. So, for the second week in a row, I believe Rutgers will beat the spread.

After confirming their injuries, Ash was asked if he felt there would be an emotional letdown with the team having lost two significant starters in defensive end Quanzell Lambert and do-everything offensive star Janarion Grant. The coach said he was "pleased with the Sunday practice" and that he "doesn't expect an emotional letdown."

Defensively, Ash said the Scarlet Knights "need to be more consistent stopping the run on defense." Ohio State should present an even greater challenge. According to Jay Niemann, "OSU runs more this year...more QB runs" with J.T. Barrett as the unchallenged starter. Moving up to help stop the Buckeyes will be Darnell Davis sliding into the starting defensive end spot vacated by Lambert. Referring to Davis, Coach Ash insisted there hasn't been a drop-off when Davis spelled Lambert. According to the depth chart for this week Jimmy Hogan and Ron'Dell Carter are listed as the co-second teamers backing up Davis.

On offense, Rutgers will have to contend with an OSU defense masterminded by former head coach Greg Schiano. The Buckeye defense has racked up 9 turnovers in OSU's three games, and overall the team leads the nation in turnover margin. Still, Mehringer seemed pretty confident, stating they have a "good defense; not one we can't play with." He feels QB Chris Laviano has been improving and "getting better week to week." When asked about something Laviano specifically needs to improve on, Mehringer said, "He's been a little high." (Hey Now!) Seriously, though, Laviano has sailed a number of passes but it seems to me that he usually does it early in the game, which for a quarterback usually means he's over amped for the game.

With Grant out, as expected, Jawuan Harris is sliding over to Grant's position. Meanwhile, John Tsimis is now listed as the 3rd starting receiver. Dacoven Bailey is also back on offense. Coach Ash mentioned that Bailey was only moved to defense because he had been wearing a cast that prohibited him from catching the ball. He now has a different cast that allows for more maneuverability, so he's back on offense.

Bailey has also been an important special teams player for Rutgers, making his status a good segue. On special teams, kickoff coverage is an area where Coach Ash feels the team must improve, simply mentioning "we have to get it fixed."