PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Cornerback Jordan Hancock's 93-yard interception return for touchdown proved to be the momentum changer as it sparked No. 3 Ohio State to roar back in the second half and defeat the Rutgers Scarlett Knights 35-16 on Saturday.
Historically, the Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten, No. 1 in CFP) have had little trouble disposing of Rutgers in the past, winning every match up by at least 22 points. And while it wasn't like the other previous meetings, the Buckeyes still managed to beat the Scarlett Knights (6-3, 3-3) for the 10th straight time.
But this Saturday would prove to be different, as Rutgers used three short field goals from Jai Petel to take a 9-7 lead at the half. This marked the first time all season the Buckeyes had trailed at the break.
Trailing 7-0 in the second, Rutgers grabbed the momentum on a trick play that woke up the crowd in Piscataway.
On fourth and one from the Scarlet Knights 43, Gavin Wimsatt took the snap on what appeared to be QB sneak, but he snapped the ball a second time to Kyle Monangai — who was lined up directly behind him. It fooled the Buckeyes defense and Monangai broke out to his right for a 45-yard gain, making it the longest play given up by Ohio State's defense this season.
While the gadget play only resulted in a 22-yard field goal from Petel, it did swing the momentum in Rutgers favor.
“We were not worried. we have been a second-half team all year,” said Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr..
Harrison Jr. managed to help the Buckeyes pull away in the second half, catching two of Kyle McCord's three touchdown passes, despite being limited to four catches for 25 yards.
After a subpar first half, Ohio State got plenty of big plays in the final two quarters. Besides Hancock's pick 6, McCord and Harrison hooked up twice for passing scores in the fourth quarter. TreVeyon Henderson gained 78 his 128 yards in the second half.
Wimsatt threw a touchdown pass to JaQuae Jackson and Monangai went of the century mark for the third-straight game with 159 yards, as the Scarlet Knights amassed 361 yards against the Buckeyes defense. Ohio State was held to 328 yards on the day.
Rutgers got the ball to begin the second half and looked to add to that lead as they drove to the Ohio State 20.
On second down, Wimsatt tried to drop at pass over the front seven to Monangai near the 5-yard line. But the running back and safety Josh Proctor collided and the ball floated in the air. Hancock grabbed the ball in mid-air, turned and headed upfield and left everyone behind to give Ohio State a 14-9 lead.
Henderson later scored on a 9-yard run to stretch the lead to 21-9 with 2:39 left in the third quarter.
Rutgers would fight back and get within five points on the Jackson touchdown catch and managed to drive the ball deep in Ohio State territory before turned away on downs.
Ohio State will return home to play Michigan State next Saturday night.
Ohio State 7 0 14 14 — 35
Rutgers 0 9 0 7 — 16
First Quarter
OSU–G. Scott Jr. 14 pass from K. McCord (J. Fielding kick), 8:35.
Second Quarter
RUT–J. Patel 22 field goal, 7:49.
RUT–J. Patel 21 field goal, 2:03.
RUT–J. Patel 20 field goal, 0:01.
Third Quarter
OSU–J. Hancock 93 interception return (J. Fielding kick), 9:49.
OSU–T. Henderson 9 run (J. Fielding kick), 2:39.
Fourth Quarter
OSU–J. Jackson 19 pass from G. Wimsatt (J. Patel kick), 14:07.
OSU–M. Harrison Jr. 4 pass from K.McCord (J. Fielding kick), 12:02.
OSU–M. Harrison Jr. 2 pass from K.McCord (J. Fielding kick), 2:07.
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