Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. That's the upper tier of the Big Ten. Heading up the next tier is Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are having their best start in 11 years going 6-2, already bowl-eligible. They can stay within this number of Ohio State if not giving the Buckeyes a downright scare.

Rutgers is underrated and Ohio State is overrated. That's the way I see this point spread.

The Scarlet Knights have yet to allow more than 24 points in a game this season. They rank in the top-10 in total defense and No. 2 overall in pass defense. Offensively, the Scarlet Knights have the Big Ten's second-leading rusher, Kyle Monangai, and an offensive line that has allowed just seven sacks, fewest in the Big Ten. Gavin Wimsatt is an improving quarterback.

Ohio State has a great record, but this isn't a great Ohio State team. Kyle McCord is not an elite QB like past Buckeye passers. Ohio State ranks 93rd in rushing and has only five takeaways.

The spot sets up well, too, for Rutgers. Ohio State is on the road a second straight week for the first time this season, while the Scarlet Knights were idle last week.