5 reasons Ohio State might struggle against Rutgers this week

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Sometimes this column is more fun to write than others. Ohio State is just so much better than basically every other team it faces. Finding reasons the Buckeyes might struggle is often an exercise in futility. Sometimes there are a few real notes to find––either about the Buckeyes or their opponents––and sometimes the reasons are a bit more humorous. This week, though, there are lots of reasons to think that Ohio State could struggle.

1. Trap game

The biggest game of the year is next week. Everyone knows it. How do you properly prepare for Rutgers when all you're thinking about is that the Michigan game is seven days away?

2. Offensive rhythm

Will Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate play? Should they even play if they're ready? And if they don't play, what does the offense look like without them? It did pretty okay last week against UCLA, but the rhythm certainly wasn't the same.

3. Rutgers can try to control the game

The Scarlet Knights have struggled mightily on defense all year, but they actually have a solid and efficient offense. Of course, plenty of other Buckeye opponents have had efficient offenses and not been able to do anything with it this year, but there's a first time for everything.

4. Rutgers needs this game more

Ohio State is probably going to the Playoff, even if the Buckeyes lose their next two games. It can be hard to find the motivation to play at 100% when you feel the game doesn't mean much. For Rutgers, meanwhile, an upset here is probably the difference between a successful season or a mediocre one.

5. Awards tension

Every team always denies there's any tension between chasing individual awards and doing everything for the team, but it's always there. Julian Sayin has to know that he is probably the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. Especially if he's playing without one (or both) of his best receivers, it could be some extra additional pressure specifically on the focal point of the offense.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: 5 reasons Ohio State might struggle against Rutgers on Saturday

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