Week 2: Rutgers at Boston College Staff Picks and Predictions

Rutgers gets set to travel up to Chestnut Hill in a clash with the Boston College Eagles. Both teams look to avoid finding themselves in an 0-2 hole.

Will Carmenaty, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 21-13

The long awaited debut for AJ Surace has finally come, and there is no doubt in my mind he will answer the call for Rutgers. He has been waiting for this moment, and a win now for the Scarlet Knights is needed more than ever. BC had a very slow start last week in its loss to Cincinnati. It’ll be a very emotional game, and it means so much to both programs. I see Rutgers coming away with this one, and it comes off a much-improved performance from both units.

Sean Newcomb, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 21-20

While Rutgers suffered national embarrassment in its season debut, I expect the Scarlet Knights to bounce back and beat an inferior opponent. Rutgers will trot out new starting quarterback AJ Surace, and while growing pains are expected, he will lead the Scarlet Knights to their first win of the year. Expect a significantly improved Rutgers run game, and a shortage of defensive miscommunications on the field. The gloom and doom of the “UMassacre” will soon be forgotten with a win in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Makali Pennycooke, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 20-17

This was tough to predict, but ultimately the Scarlet Knights should pick up their first win of the season against Boston College. With AJ Surace now the starter, the offense should run a lot better with him under center after a disastrous start from Lonergan. The defense desperately needs to be better after a horrendous start to the season.

Reggie Smith, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Boston College wins 27-24

AJ Surace first start will have its ups and downs but will play decent enough to keep the game competitive. Also Antwan Raymond will have a busy night as they ease Surace’s first start. But the defense will have a tough night and that’ll be the difference in the game for Boston College.

Noah Addeo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-24

Before the season, I thought this would be closer than expected. After Rutgers’ loss to UMass, I think it’s an even bigger trap game, especially considering the game carries additional emotional significance with both programs commemorating the loss of 9/11 with special uniforms. The atmosphere in Chestnut Hull could make this a tough one for Rutgers, but I still think they pull it out.

Matthew Risko, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 28-24

This game will be a hard fought game that Rutgers needs to win. The QB change from Lonergan to Surace can go either way. Boston college’s defense didn’t look great against Cincinnati and Surace had a strong finish versus Umass last week.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 24-17

This game is a crucial one for Rutgers. The result on Friday night will be a key to determine the rest of the season for Rutgers if they want to have any chance of turning around this season and I think the quarterback change along with the online scrutiny, they got after last weeks outcome will be exactly the recipe for the Scarlet Knights to even up the record on the 2026 campaign if I had one concern, it would be whether or not the defense will be able to prove Thursday night to be an anomaly, but I think regardless Rutgers offense has what it’s takes to pull out a game-winning drive late, especially with the surrounding cast, AJ has not to mention I think KJ Duff will continue his great run with a good showing against a inferior Boston College team who only won two games last yearRegardless of the result, this will be a great test for Rutgers facing a power 4 School as one of their nonconference opponents as they prepare to begin Big Ten play back at home against USC, especially in the type of environment that we all expected to be up in Chestnut Hill Friday night as both teams honor the victims of the 25th anniversary of the 911 Terrorist attacks In Boston College red bandanna game . Hopefully Rutgers and Greg Schiano will be able to change the narrative around the program, and quiet the critics for at least one week

Brianna Beauvais, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-20

I think BC going in was in the same boat as UMASS but after this game I don’t know what’s going to happen. AJ is starting and I can’t wait to see what he does, actually starting as a QB1. I want to see more things better because both from the offense and secondary it was not amazing.

It all goes down tonight. Rutgers Countdown will begin at 6:30PM, before Will Carmenaty and Anthony Palumbo will have the call beginning at 7:15PM with Chase Jacoby on the sideline. Kickoff is at 7:30PM. Listen live on 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.