Rutgers Football at Minnesota Staff Picks and Predictions

It’s the first road trip of the season for Rutgers as they head out to the twin cities for a clash with the Golden Gophers.

After a tough loss last week to open up Big Ten Play, the Scarlet Knights look to bounce back and pick up a huge road win. Here are our staff picks and predictions ahead of the matchup from our staff here at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Minnesota wins 28-21

The Minnesota defense is currently the best defense in the country. Rutgers’ passing game can do enough to reach the end zone a couple times, but that’s as good as it will get. I don’t think the Scarlet Knight’s defense is strong enough to win the game for them, and with the offense going up against a tough task, I have Rutgers falling to 3-2.

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-23

This will be a very tight game all around. The Minnesota offense isn’t all that star studded, as I believe it will give the Rutgers defense another opportunity to have a strong showing. The Rutgers offense will have an interesting test on their hands against a very good Gopher defense with a great ability to rush through a banged-up Rutgers O Line. However I think Rutgers got punched in the mouth so hard last week, they know they absolutely need to win this game, at all costs.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 30-23

For the first time all season Rutgers does not face a graduate senior quarterback. Instead, they face a redshirt freshman in Drake Lindsey who holds little experience in college football, let alone conference play. Athan Kaliakamnis has proved his ability to perform, and while it may not be a revenge game, it is a return game for the former Golden Gopher. The Scarlet Knights will come away with the victory due to their defense for the first time all season, with help from their signal-caller along the way.

Woody Silverstein, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-21

Rutgers offense will continue to be good, as they have so far this season. I think that the defense will be able to step up versus an easier Big Ten offense, compared to last week.

Noah Addeo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-24

If the Scarlet Knights want to win this game, efficient offensive play needs to continue, especially the passing game. That being said, there is room for improvement in the run game and the defense, and I think that is what will keep the score close on Minnesota’s side.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-28

Rutgers will look to bounce back after a loss against Iowa on Friday night . With CJ Campbell out for the year I see Rutgers, having to rely on their potent passing attack as QB1 will look to impress his former team in his Minnesota homecoming. All in all, I think that Rutgers will come out with a chip on their shoulder and give us something to cheer about entering the much needed by week for the Scarlet Knights.

Kickoff between Rutgers and Minnesota will be tomorrow at 12 Noon Eastern. Coverage begins with Rutgers Countdown at 11AM, Phil Jaccoma and Will Carmenaty have the call beginning at 11:45AM. Listen live at 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.