It's finally time to begin preparations for The Game and the Buckeyes, as they were last year, are massive favorites heading into the final week of the year.

Heisman hopeful quarterback Julian Sayin will be without his two biggest playmakers once again Saturday, as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes host the 5-5 Rutgers S

The "Big Noon Kick" crew discussed what makes the Ohio State Buckeyes' defense historically dominant and debated whether they can win back-to-back championship.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Poking holes in Ohio State for the last 10 weeks has felt a bit like nitpicking. The Buckeyes are 11-0 and have played just a single one-score game (Aug. 30 vs. Texas). They have the best defense in the sport, a Heisman Trophy quality quarterback and clearly the best wide receiver tandem — when healthy.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/rutgers as 3 Keys to Winning for the Scarlet Knights Against Buckeyes . The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten) will face the No. The Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) will play at Ohio Stadium on Saturday at noon.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were ruled out for Saturday’s game against Rutgers. They are among 10 Buckeyes who will not be playing in the game. The full unavailable list can be seen below:

Buckeyes players and fans sing ‘Carmen Ohio’ after last home game of the season following their 42-9 win over Rutgers.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day spoke highly about sophomore running back James Peoples after making the most of his touches in the UCLA game.