Targum sports desk gives predictions for Rutgers-Nebraska
The Rutgers football team has a must-win game this evening against Nebraska at SHI Stadium on Busch campus. If the Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2) are unable to win this week, the road to a Bowl appearance becomes much more difficult. With that said, the stakes are high for tonight.
In anticipation of tonight's game, The Daily Targum sports desk weighed in with its score predictions and overall thoughts on how the game will unfold.
Dylan McCoy, head sports editor: "27-13 for the good guys. I think this is going to be a gritty Big Ten football game where the name of the game is running the football. Nebraska gives up 200 rushing yards per game, and I think the Knights are going to be able to exploit that. I also see Rutgers causing at least one turnover and taking advantage of that. The 'Blackout Game' will be a big win for the Knights."
Jack Bisaha, associate sports editor: "I'm going with 17-13 Rutgers. It will be a classic drag-it-out Big Ten game between two teams with a lot on the line. Ultimately, it will come down to a Temple-esque game-sealing drive that will end on a 1-yard touchdown run from senior tight end Johnny Langan up the middle on third and goal with 9 seconds to go. Nebraska will have no time left, and Rutgers will have their first Big Ten home win since 2017."
Ellis Gordon, correspondent: "24-21 Rutgers. In a must-win game for the Scarlet Knights, expect a back-and-forth game that ends in the only way Rutgers knows how to end games. senior punter Adam Korsak pins Nebraska at the 2 (yard line) late in a tie game, and the Rutgers defense forces a three-and-out. Rutgers drives 9 yards down the field and junior placekicker Jude McAtamney kicks a 47-yard field goal that bangs off the post."
Allison Girardi, correspondent: "I’m going 28-14 Rutgers. I think Rutgers can control most of this game. I think Nebraska will score first, with Rutgers catching up and taking the lead very shortly after."
Alex Carmenaty, contributing writer: "28-10 Rutgers. Rutgers will rely heavily on the defense, as the Scarlet Knights will score a defensive touchdown to help the offense's struggling effort. Rutgers will enter the bye with a 4-2 record, looking to feed off its Friday night success against Indiana at homecoming."
Brandon Loree, contributing writer: “I think Rutgers will somehow win narrowly, 17-14. This game is all about desperation and the will to win. Rutgers has the better defense, but the way Ohio State ran the ball all over them gives me pause. Nebraska has the better offense, but Casey Thompson at quarterback will turn the ball over. Rutgers fans hope not to look in the mirror at how hopeful the Scott Frost era was for the Cornhuskers and failed to produce. If Schiano fails to win these 'must-win' games or doesn't show progress, round two in Piscataway might be cut short."
Josh Meyers, contributing writer: "30-20 Rutgers. Rutgers finally figures it out on offense in this home matchup against Nebraska. Freshman running back Samuel Brown V rushes for over 100 yards and a touchdown, and senior wide receiver Aron Cruickshank catches a deep ball for a touchdown of his own. Rutgers defense holds as the Scarlet Knights “husk” it out to end their Big Ten conference home losing streak."
Eddie Kalegi, contributing writer: "Rutgers 20-14. The Scarlet Knights will avenge their last two Big Ten defeats with a win over a struggling Nebraska. It’s a perfect team for Rutgers to match up with, and I think we will see Noah Vedral play more against his former school. With the students filling in on a Friday night under the lights at SHI Stadium on Busch campus, Rutgers will grab its fourth win of 2022."
Abhay Bethur, contributing writer: "24-17 Rutgers. Rutgers' stout defense forces some takeaways, putting the offense in great scoring positions to get the win. Rutgers wins a tight game that comes down to the last few minutes of the fourth quarter."
Andrew Rice, contributing writer: "17-10 Rutgers. It's going to be a back-and-forth defensive battle. Rutgers will come away with a win because we can shut down Nebraska’s run game."
Camden Markel, contributing writer: "20-17 Rutgers. Rutgers finally finds a bit of rhythm on offense while the defense continues its strong defensive play. Amidst an electric atmosphere, Nebraska misses a game-tying field goal, and the Knights pull off the victory."
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