Ohio State to Face Rutgers in the Horseshoe, Earle Bruce to Dot the 'i' and Everything Else You Need To Know

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio State is a heavy favorite Saturday vs. Rutgers. The young Buckeyes have thrived with three resounding victories by a combined score of 170-37, and their last win was their most impressive, toppling No. 14 Oklahoma on the road 45-24. Quarterback J.T. Barrett (14 of 20, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions against the Sooners) figures to remain white hot against the Scarlet Knights. The Buckeyes’ backfield tandem of Mike Weber (351 yards, 1 TD this year) and Curtis Samuel (260 yards, 2 TD) also expect to prosper.

Barring an upset of monumental proportions, Ohio State will enjoy two lax weeks beginning with Rutgers and continuing Oct. 8 against Indiana before the Buckeyes are tested on the road against Wisconsin.

To give one a sense of how this matchup will almost certainly transpire, the Scarlet Knights faced one ranked team this year (No. 14 Washington) and were destroyed 48-13. Rutgers also played a Big Ten opponent (Iowa last week) and lost 14-7. Considering Ohio State checks both categories in a more prolific manner, and is playing in Columbus, the odds are against Rutgers keeping the game within five touchdowns.

At halftime, a special version of the iconic Script Ohio will be performed by the Ohio State Marching Band featuring the dotting of the "i" by someone without a sousaphone. On Saturday, former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce will dot the i in Script Ohio's 80th year.

Bruce is joining an elite group of only 13 other non-band members who have had this honor. The list includes Woody Hayes, boxer Buster Douglas, former university president E. Gordon Gee, golf legend Jack Nicklaus and Bob Hope

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. CT

TV and radio: Big Ten Network, WKNR-AM 850
Click here for a full list of Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Broadcast Team/Affiliates

Point spread: Ohio State is favored by 38.5, according to scores and odds.

Tickets: Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Parking:
2016 Gameday Parking Map
GameDay ADA Parking Map
All lots open at 5 a.m. on Football GameDay.
1. Day-of-game lots: Parking is available day of game on a first-come, first-served basis. The charge for these lots is $20. Those holding current valid Ohio State Parking Permits (A, B, C, etc.) may park in these lots free of charge. Shuttle service to Ohio Stadium is available free of charge for guests who park on west campus (parking lots west of SR 315).
2. Disability lots: Disability Parking will be located in the lots north of St. John Arena and in the Lane Avenue Garage. The charge for these lots is $20. These areas will both be accessible, while space is available, from Lane Avenue. A current state issued disability placard, along with registration, and the person who owns the placard must be in the vehicle to enter the parking area. A shuttle will transport guests from the parking lots north of St. John Arena to the east side of Ohio Stadium near Gate 22. This shuttle will operate from six hours prior to kickoff until one hour after the game.
3. Season permit lots: These lots are reserved for those who have purchased a season parking permit. Spaces in these lots are held for permit holders until 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
4. RV lots: All RV parking on campus is sold in advance of game day through the Athletics Ticket Office, either as a Season Permit or a Day of Game Permit. Please click here for additional information.
5. Shuttle services: Shuttle service to Ohio Stadium is available free of charge from 6 hours prior until 1 hour after the game. West campus (parking lots west of SR 315): pick-up at Mount Hall and drop off in the lot near Sisson Hall near the pedestrian bridge. Disability lot: Pick-up north of St. John Arena and drop-off on the east side of Ohio Stadium near Gate 22. This shuttle is ADA compliant and guests may request a wheelchair service upon entering Ohio Stadium.

On home football Saturdays, motorists traveling to and around campus are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays and limited parking availability. All are asked to use extra caution when walking, driving, and biking on campus and to follow the direction of officers in the roadway.

Football Shuttles and CABS Service

A free football shuttle runs from the Mount Hall loop on West Campus to the Sisson Footbridge, west of the Olentangy River, on home football Saturdays from 6 hours before kickoff­ until one hour after the game. CABS suspends all service (including paratransit) 6 hours prior to kickoff­ until two hours after the end of the game. Please note that there will be no East Residential overnight service on select football Saturdays when evening /night games occur.

Visit ohiostatebuckeyes.com/gameday for additional football gameday information.

Photos by Rick Uldricks/Patch