Rutgers Football vs Iowa Staff Picks and Predictions

The return of the Blackout Game is here, and Rutgers football opens up Big Ten Play tonight against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Rutgers is looking to start 4-0 for the second consecutive season, and defeat Iowa for the first time as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Here are our picks and predictions from the staff at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 17-16

This will be the true test to see just how good the Scarlet Knights are in 2025. It’s an interesting case because both teams’ best units will be on the field at the same time. The script calls for a classic, low-scoring, grind it out Big Ten matchup, and I can see it going either way. I’ll give the edge to Rutgers due to the fact it’s the blackout game on the Banks.

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 20-17

This is THE game for the Scarlet Knights. No other way around it. I see the defense really improving, especially the front 4 I think they will get generate chances to bring pressure past the Hawkeye O line. Special teams will get another touchdown, because the offense will have their hands full all game. In the end, this is the blackout and it is going to be insane. That home field will get in Rutgers favor, and Jai Patel will hit a game winning field goal under 2 minutes left in the 4th.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Iowa wins 23-20

A lot will have to go right for Rutgers in order to pull of the win. There’s no doubt it will be a raucous blackout crowd at SHI stadium but historically the Scarlet Knights have struggled against former Big Ten West teams. Kirk Ferentz is the winningest coach in Big Ten history for a reason and I think Rutgers fans will see why. It comes down to the trenches for me and that’s where the Hawkeyes hold the heavy advantage. I certainly believe it will be a close game and Athan Kaliakmanis will have what it takes, but Iowa will pull away late in the low-scoring affair.

Woody Silverstein, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 17-14

The Rutgers offense will be able to over power Iowa’s defense late in the game. I believe it will come down to who could have the more consistent offense, and Rutgers has it so far.

Jay Tomlinson, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 21-14

Good offense beats good defense…I think

Noah Addeo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 21-17

This is Rutgers’ first real test against a Big Ten opponent. Iowa’s record looks stronger than it really is, thanks to lopsided wins over FCS UAlbany and a weak FBS team in UMass. However, I’m impressed that they kept their game against ranked rival Iowa State close, losing only 16-13. This, in addition to the Blackout game atmosphere, leads to me to believe it will be a close game between the Hawkeyes and Knights.

Rutgers vs Iowa is set to kickoff at 8PM tonight. Coverage begins with Rutgers Countdown at 7:00PM, Phil Jaccoma and Jay Tomlinson have the call at 7:45PM. Listen live at 88.7FM and wrsu.org.