Eric Boggs
Ohio State remained firmly atop both the AP and Coaches Polls this week after a commanding 42-9 win over Rutgers at Ohio Stadium. While the rest of the college football landscape produced few surprises, Ohio State delivered another businesslike victory under Ryan Day, controlling every phase of the game and setting the stage for a crucial showdown with Michigan.
Nationally, the polls saw little movement. Most contenders held serve, with Oregon edging USC to keep its College Football Playoff footing strong and Oklahoma dispatching Missouri. Notre Dame delivered the most lopsided outcome of the weekend with a 70-7 demolition of Syracuse, and outside of Pitt’s upset of Georgia Tech, upsets were scarce. Meanwhile, Michigan climbed to No. 15 in both major polls after its latest win, setting up a marquee rivalry game with the Buckeyes on Saturday.
The biggest highlight for Ohio State came from running back Bo Jackson, who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for his breakout performance. The Cleveland native powered the Buckeyes with a career-best 19 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns, marking his fifth 100-yard effort of the season and his third in the last four weeks. His emergence has added another dimension to an offense that continues to grow more balanced and dangerous as the postseason approaches. Jackson now leads the Buckeyes with 129 carries for 835 yards and five touchdowns while also adding 138 receiving yards and a score through the air.
Ohio State’s rushing attack punished a struggling Rutgers front with 254 total yards, showcasing impressive depth behind Jackson. Isaiah West added 48 yards, James Peoples broke free for 55 yards and a touchdown, and Lincoln Kienholz chipped in 37 on the ground. Jackson’s honor makes him the fourth Buckeye to claim a Big Ten weekly award this season, joining Julian Sayin, Caden Curry, and Arvell Reese.
With momentum building and Michigan looming, the Buckeyes remain focused, confident, and in full control of their championship aspirations.
