Rutgers Football vs Norfolk State Staff Picks and Predictions

As week 3 arrives, Rutgers has their final non-conference opponent of the regular season, in the Michael Vick led Norfolk State Spartans.

The Scarlet Knights aim to go 3-0 for the fifth consecutive season. Here are our staff picks and predictions ahead of the matchup from our staff here at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 65-10

This is the weakest team the Scarlet Knights have played yet. Kaliakmanis and the receiver trio will continue to dominate. The defense will still show signs of weak communication, but the talent gap will be enough to hold them to 10 points.

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 52-13

This is the absolute get right game for Rutgers ahead of Big Ten Play. There’s been many questions about the defense and I think they show up this week with a very favorable matchup. The Scarlet Knights will run away with it early and easily, to have another 3-0 start.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 55-10

Norfolk State is certainly not a Big Ten foe, or even MAC for that matter, and I expect the floodgates to open in this one. As great of an individual career as Michael Vick had, it has yet to equate to success as a coach and I do not expect that to change Saturday. Rutgers should play its game, not overcomplicate things and should cruise to victory.

Tyler Levy, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 55-7

Rutgers’ defense appears to be improving, but it still allows big plays downfield and struggles to put pressure on the quarterback and defend against a mobile one. I think Norfolk State gets a big play that sparks a scoring drive, but that’s all they get. The Rutgers offense has been as good, if not better than, advertised coming into week 1. Athan Kaliakmanis and the Rutgers offense have taken a huge step forward since last season. I would expect this offensive production to continue this week. The red zone offense is better, but it still needs some work. Rutgers should score on pretty much every possession, even if it is a field goal from Jai Patel.

Sal Grasso, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 35-21

Rutgers offense has been potent in its last two outings, I believe they will continue to execute at that level with 5 touchdowns scored. On the other hand, Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns has shown promise this season to in his two late game appearances. This coupled with the defensive weak points in our secondary, I believe we may still leave the big play open to Kuhns, giving Norfolk state the 21 points I predict.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-10

Rutgers will have another strong showing before conference play begins next week, Playing complementary football in all three phases. With Norfolk State and NFL legend Michael Vick coming off of their first win Norfolk State will have a strong start. They will score some points early but, in the end, I don’t see this Game being much of a contest.

Kickoff between Rutgers and Norfolk State is set for 3:30PM this afternoon. Rutgers Countdown will begin at 2:30PM. Sean Newcomb and Nick Hart will have the call starting at 3:15PM. Listen live on 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.