Rutgers Football at Purdue Staff Picks and Predictions

Following a 46 point blowout loss last weekend on Homecoming, Rutgers hits the road once again for a matchup with the Purdue Boilermakers.

Now sitting at 3-4, Rutgers finds themselves in a must win situation, in a game they enter favored to come away with the victory. Here are our picks and predictions from our staff here at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-24

Rutgers finally gets back in the win column. Purdue is the worst opponent Rutgers has had since Norfolk State, and I’d be surprised if the Scarlet Knights’ offense isn’t enough to get them a win. The much maligned defense will still have its warts, but I’m not sure the Boilermakers — whether it’s QB1 or not — can win the shootout against Athan and company.

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-17

After the worst loss potentially in Schiano 2.0, Rutgers has an opportunity for a huge bounce back game opportunity against a bottom of the Big Ten Purdue team. With Purdue’s QB1 in major doubt, it gives the Rutgers defense an opportunity to have a solid showing following giving up 750 yards of total offense to the Ducks last week. Rutgers is expected to win this game, and they should.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 25-18

As much as Rutgers has struggled as of late, Purdue has even more. The Scarlet Knights enter on a four-game losing streak, but the Boilermakers enter on a five-game losing streak and are without their starting quarterback. Rutgers’ defense should have its best game in conference play of the season, and the final score will not reflect the way the Knights will cruise to victory. It will be a low-scoring, run-heavy game, and Rutgers will stay undefeated against the Boilermakers all-time.

Ethan Barroway, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 34-27

Rutgers will get a much needed road win to stop their skid in this battle of two winless teams in conference play. Rutgers will take advantage of Purdue QB Ryan Browne’s absence which will give the offense the chance to outscore the Boilermakers.

Jack Duke, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-21

Rutgers offense will come out quick and get to a 14-0 lead, touchdowns both coming from the passing game. Things will stall out but it will be 21-7 at halftime. I think the offense on both sides will be a mess in the second half, but Purdue will score twice while Rutgers second half struggles continue which leads to a 27-21 Scarlet Knight win.

Trey Owens, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-14

Rutgers finally gets back on track after an abysmal start to their Big Ten campaign, winning 31-14 vs Purdue. KJ Duff continues his success, scoring a touchdown and going for over 70 yards against the Boilermakers secondary. The defense will force another turnover and bring a happy Saturday to the fans on the Banks.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-20

This is one of the three must wins for Rutgers remaining on their schedule if they have any hope of making it too a bowl game it can/Will serve as a morale boost if they can get it done, which is good as they head into the final stretch. Greg made some changes on the defensive side of the ball. I think the offensive side of the ball will have a bounce back game. But it will be up to the two other phases to see if they could carry their weight against a inferior opponent, I think they will just do enough and come back from West Lafayette with a win.

Kickoff between Rutgers and Purdue is set for 12:00PM. Coverage begins with Rutgers Countdown at 11:00AM, Nick Hart and Tyler Levy have the call beginning at 11:45AM. Listen live at 88.7 WRSU FM New Brunswick and online at wrsu.org.