The Ohio State Buckeyes welcome the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers into Ohio Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the regular season finale at Ohio State for the 2025 season. The hope is that this is the final home game of the year for Ohio State, but we will learn that for sure in the weeks to come.

Today, the task at hand is defeating Rutgers, nothing more and nothing less. Victory feels like a foregone conclusion on Saturday, so here are three keys to the game:

1. Do Not Overlook Rutgers

Everyone in the college football world knows what is coming next week and the importance of that game.

The beauty is that Michigan cannot be beat by Ohio State on Saturday, and that is just the fact. This is a classic look-ahead spot, which would ultimately make Rutgers a trap game, but the Buckeyes need to approach today in a very workman-like fashion as not to look beyond the Scarlet Knights. Take care of business on Saturday and then turn the page to Michigan.

2. Continued Growth on Offense

Last week against UCLA was the first time all season that Ohio State showed that they are human.

In the second half, with star the wideout duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate out, the offense didn't have the same flow to it. It was a bit of a struggle for them to move the football, especially through the air. I am not naive to the fact that the game was well out of reach, so they were not pushing it down the field.

Saturday is another great opportunity for some of the younger wide receivers to make an impact and for Julian Sayin to continue proving that he can operate this offense under any set of circumstances.

Get Up It's GAMEDAY! Ohio State Takes on Rutgers on Senior Day in The 'Shoe The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights inside the Horseshoe on Saturday in what is likely the final home game inside Ohio Sta...

3. Health

This cannot be stressed enough, Ohio State needs to get out of this game healthy.

The past two weeks have been concerning to see Smith leave a game with an injury, Tate being on the shelf for two straight games, CJ Donaldson appearing on the injury report and Sayin limping around on the field. Ohio State needs to get out of this game healthy. Play the starters for the first half and then get everyone in bubble wrap, getting ready for Michigan and then the playoff run.

An Honorable Mention is to enjoy what is hopefully the final game inside the Horseshoe on Saturday. This season has been pure and utter domination by the Buckeyes at home, and they did what they needed to do. They took care of business on their home turf and set themselves up nicely for another run at the title.