Rutgers Football vs Penn State Staff Picks and Predictions

It all comes down to this one game. Will the Scarlet Knights finally defeat the Nittany Lions for the first time since 1988 and clinch a bowl game for the third consecutive year? Or will Penn State take down Rutgers once again, and salvage their season after all the ups and downs?

It’s a do or die matchup between two 5-6 teams, and our staff here at WRSU Sports has their picks and predictions ready to go:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Penn State wins 28-17

As much as Rutgers needs this game, so does Penn State. The Nittany Lions are still a better team and it will show on the field. The Scarlet Knights can keep this close for a little, but I don’t trust them to execute enough to pull off the upset win (particularly the defense).

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Penn State wins 34-27

This will be a back and forth, ugly big ten game. For both squads it’s do or die, and the way each team has trended recently, there is no secret Penn State should be favored. For so many Rutgers players, it will be their last home game as a Scarlet Knight, and I feel that will give a big incentive to the way this game will play out. Grunkemeyer for the Nittany Lions led an offensive explosion just last week against Nebraska, and I see them staying on that high.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Penn State wins 38-21

While this game looks great on paper, Penn State is ultimately the more talented roster. The Nittany Lions have seemed to find their grove in recent weeks with interim head coach Terry Smith. The Rutgers defense will struggle, and despite a disappointing season, Penn State will live to see the postseason.

Ethan Barroway, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 38-27

Rutgers offense will execute with a strong passing and running game. Antwan Raymond will run over the Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights defense will make a couple big plays to defeat Penn State for the first time since 1988.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Penn State wins 30-20

This game will come down to who has the better run defense and frankly with the inconsistency of the Scarlet Knights on both sides of the ball, it’s not giving me much optimism Despite their uncharacteristic struggles this season at the end of the day Penn State is Penn State a team the Scarlet Knights haven’t beaten since 1988, 37 years ago with an interim coach. This is their best chance with Antwan Raymond for Rutgers and the duo of Allen and Singleton for Penn State. I expect them to get the majority of the offensive workload in this game. I expect both teams to give it their all as there is only one spot to make it to a bowl game. end it will come down to who wants it more. I like my prediction and I could see this game going either way I don’t expect this game to be a blowout like it is normally, but I do expect Penn State to still come out on top.

Kickoff between Rutgers and Penn State is set for 3:30PM today. Coverage begins at 2:30PM with Rutgers Countdown, Phil Jaccoma and Nick Hart have the call beginning at 3:15PM.