Targum sports desk gives predictions for Rutgers-Indiana
The Rutgers football team is fresh off its bye week and ready to start the second half of the season. Coming off of three straight losses, the Scarlet Knights (3-3, 0-3) are looking to get back on the right track for a winnable Homecoming game against Indiana tomorrow.
Ahead of tomorrow's noon showdown, The Daily Targum sports desk weighed in with its score predictions and thoughts on how the game will unfold.
Dylan McCoy, head sports editor: "(Tomorrow), Rutgers will finally end their long Big Ten losing streak at SHI Stadium with a 28-17 win over Indiana. The Knights will be guided by their defense, who will shut down the inexperienced Hoosier offense. The Rutgers offense has all three quarterbacks healthy, and they will have their best offensive performance (minus Wagner) of the season."
Jack Bisaha, associate sports editor: "In each prediction, I have picked Rutgers, and I have been wrong every single time. That said, I'm picking Rutgers to win 20-16.
The game will have a dramatic finish, with Indiana getting the ball back with 1:09 remaining. The Hoosiers' final drive will be thwarted at midfield with 40 seconds to go when (Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak) throws a game-sealing interception to (sophomore defensive back Max Melton). This will finally give Rutgers a Big Ten home win in the 2020s decade."
Ellis Gordon, correspondent: "Rutgers 24, Indiana 20. Rutgers starts hot, but Indiana inches back into the game finally on the final drive. With Indiana down 4, they get to the Rutgers (1-yard line) with 2 seconds remaining. They run wildcat to push into the end zone but (sophomore defensive lineman Aaron Lewis) stuffs the running back, and Rutgers breaks the Big Ten home losing streak."
Allison Girardi, correspondent: "I’m going to go 23-20 Rutgers. I think this is really the last shot for Rutgers this season. As long as they can get their act together offensively, Rutgers should be able to pull this off. I think this is a winnable game, even if it is a little optimistic."
Josh Meyers, contributing writer: "Rutgers 20, Indiana 16. It’s hard to get excited about the Rutgers football team after some bad home losses against Big Ten teams this season. But on Saturday, I have Rutgers getting the win in a close one against Indiana. Greg Schiano has a winning record on Scarlet Knight teams coming off of a bye week, and he will finally break Rutgers’ streak of 21 in-conference home losses."
Brandon Loree, contributing writer: "The Scarlet Knights need to win this game. I'm sure fans have been saying that every week during this losing streak, but there are no excuses this time.
"The Indiana football team is not on the level of Ohio State or even Nebraska. They have flaws on defense and can be inconsistent on offense. With all three quarterbacks healthy for Rutgers, maybe (sophomore quarterback Gavin Wimsatt) will be used more. I think Rutgers should win this game 23-14."
Eddie Kalegi, contributing writer: "Indiana 24, Rutgers 13. As much as I would love to be optimistic about the Scarlet Knights in a winnable home game, that’s exactly how I was before Iowa and Nebraska, and both of those games ended up being losses.
"Rutgers should be well-rested and healthier coming out of the bye week, but Indiana is much improved from the team Rutgers demolished last season, keeping it close with Michigan just a couple of weeks ago. The Knights offense will be improved from the Nebraska game, but it won’t be enough."
Gideon Fox, contributing writer: "Another week, another winnable game. An Indiana offense that relies on passing the ball should be a field day for (Melton) and Co. If Rutgers doesn’t make too many mistakes they walk out with a 21-13 win."
Abhay Bethur, contributing writer: "20-17 Rutgers. While both sides have been floundering as of late, Rutgers home field and rest advantage give them a slight advantage as they edge past the Hoosiers."
Andrew Rice, contributing writer: "Rutgers will come out of the bye week desperate to get another win. It will be a back-and-forth battle that will go the way of the Knights. 17-14 Rutgers."
Camden Markel, contributing writer: "22-16 Rutgers. Coming off the bye week, Rutgers comes out prepared. With a fully healthy quarterback room, the Knights find a groove on the offensive side of the ball and get the victory."
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