BSD Staff Predictions Roundtable: Rutgers

The Lions take the gridiron for their final regular season game on the road against Rutgers, both teams needing a win for bowl eligibility. How does the staff see this one playing out?

Chris

Penn State is a team resurgent following wins against Michigan State and Nebraska. After 6 straight losses in the middle of the season, the Lions are one win away from attaining bowl eligibility. The team plays as well as it has all season, Kaytron Allen becomes the first 4,000-yard rusher in Penn State history, and Nicholas Singleton takes the throne for the most rushing TDs in school history.

Penn State 35, Rutgers 14

Tim

Ever since the series with Rutgers resumed in 2014, Penn State has not allowed more than 10 points against the Scarlet Knights. Until they show me otherwise, I like the Nittany Lions defense to hold them to 10 points or less. Furthermore, Rutgers has the worst rushing defense in the Big Ten, giving up over 6.5 yards per rushing attempt, which should mean plenty of post-Thanksgiving leftovers for Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to feast on. I’ll be quite surprised if by the end of this game, Kaytron doesn’t become PSU’s first-ever 4,000-yard rusher and Nick doesn’t surpass Saquon to become PSU’s all-time rushing touchdowns leader.

Penn State 35, Rutgers 10

Bennett

There will be no shortage of motivation here for either side, which is fun in November. We all know what Penn State/Terry Smith is playing for, while Schiano has always coveted a win against his former employer. I like Penn State’s momentum and I have long been a believer in the “week after you play Ohio State” toll that takes on programs. I think Penn State runs the ball well and ultimately pulls away for their sixth win. Oh, Singleton gets the touchdown record, too.

Penn State 27, Rutgers 17

Lando

My prediction for this game is fully based on the fact that Penn State needs this win for bowl eligibility (even if they decline?), and Nicholas Singleton can get the touchdown record.

Also, Penn State is better.

Penn State 24, Rutgers 14

Jared

A few weeks back, I could easily see a scenario where a motivated Scarlet Knights squad rallied around Schiano to give him a win over a depleted Penn State squad. However, this is no longer the case with the Nittany Lions finding ways to take over both lines of scrimmage in performances more aligned with expectations over the last three weeks.

Penn State’s front seven should be able to get into Kaliakmanis face early and often, making it difficult for the Scarlet Knights to find rhythm in a pass-heavy attack they have been seeking. If the offensive line can continue the inspired play from the last six quarters, Allen and Singleton should have no problem moving the chains and wearing down the Rutgers defense while controlling the clock. Both have memorable afternoons, with Singleton becoming the all-time touchdowns leader in program history, and Allen continuing his hot streak with a 200-yard rushing game.

The Nittany Lions close out the regular season with a workmanlike victory that sends them to a bowl game.

Penn State 31, Rutgers 10