Rutgers Football vs Maryland Staff Picks and Predictions

Following last weeks tough loss to Illinois, Rutgers returns home for only the second time since September, for a do or die matchup with the Maryland Terrapins.

Rutgers sits at 4-5, Maryland at 4-4. This will be a crucial matchup to determine which one of these teams can put themselves in position for bowl eligibility. Here are our picks and predictions from our staff here at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 24-21

Athan and the offense get back on track against a tough secondary in a must win game. The defense still struggles but does just enough to stay in the game, think one or two turnovers.

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-27

With both of teams desperately needing this win, you have to look at the track record and environment. Maryland is currently on a 4 game skid, similar to how Rutgers was before playing Purdue. Both teams as well coming off blowout losses, it’s tough to think who you can give the edge to. This will be a solid big ten style game, with many mistakes. After the way they played against the Terps last year, I give the advantage to Rutgers on their home turf. People know the season is on the line here, and the team knows they have to show up and win, no matter what.

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 33-31

Maryland and Rutgers have combined for one win each of their last four games. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Terrapins in this manufactured “rivalry,” and with home advantage, I believe the streak grows to two games. Malik Washington is quite a talented quarterback but is not polished enough just yet, and Maryland does not boast a running game to help its freshman. I expect Kaliakmanis to throw an interception, but still play a good game enough to earn Rutgers the win. It will not be a defensive game but rather one that features offensive firepower. Whoever can win the turnover battle will walk away victorious.

Ethan Barroway, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 38-34

Rutgers will get it done in a close game vs Maryland. These are two evenly matched teams towards the bottom of the Big Ten and should be high scoring, especially due to Rutgers known defensive flaws. However, the Knights will get in done due to the strong connection between Athan Kaliakmanis and his top receivers Ian Strong and KJ Duff.

Tyler Levy, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 38-31

Both teams have relented offenses with struggling defenses. This game will feature big explosive plays with Rutgers getting the win at home and 1 win away from clinching a bowl game.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 34-31

Let’s just call it what it is and be honest for a second the 2025 football season for Rutgers is on life-support.This is a MUST win for the Scarlet Knights if they want to stay on course to make it to post season bowl eligibility, and at least stabilize the program and maintain its trajectory. We all know that the defense is going to have its lapses. I think the offense will improved from last week’s abysmal performance ultimately I see this game coming down to the fourth quarter and the kicking game will keep the Scarlet Knights and their season alive and prepare to go to Columbus after the bi week to face the defending national champions.

Kickoff between Rutgers and Maryland is set for 2:30 PM tomorrow afternoon. Coverage begins at 1:30 PM with Rutgers Countdown, Sean Newcomb and Chase Jacoby have the call beginning at 2:15 PM.