Week 4: Rutgers vs Howard Staff Picks and Predictions

The Scarlet Knights, sitting at 0-3, look to attain their first win of the season against the Howard Bison this evening.

Here are our staff picks and predictions:

Will Carmenaty, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 45-7

No other way around it, Rutgers should dominate from the opening kick and never look back. I expect a number of defensive turnovers forced and possibly a score. It’s a chance for the offense to improve even more so this week, will most likely be a chance for both Quarterbacks to get in the game and shine against an FCS opponent. Don’t take them lightly, play the game like you would against a top ranked opponent, before you begin your long prep for Indiana.

Sean Newcomb, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 55-10

I’ve been wrong before, but this one is a guaranteed blowout. Howard is no UMass, heck, they are 1-1 against FCS opponents and were blown out, unsurprisingly, by Indiana. If Howard wins, Appalachian State will have to move aside as the greatest upset in college football history in favor of the Bison. The talent gap is sizeable, and the Scarlet Knights should pick up their first victory of the season

Makali Pennycooke, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 48-7

Rutgers played its best offensive game so far this season against USC; the run game was effective, as was the passing game. So if they can score 35 points against the 12th-ranked opponent in the AP Polls, they should be able to win comfortably against Howard.

Matthew Risko, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 42-10

This is a game where Rutgers should win in a blowout. I expect the offense to be on fire in this one and the defense be able to create turnovers against Howard’s weak offense.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 38-14

My score prediction is Rutgers 38, Howard 14. Although the Scarlet Knights enter the game with an 0–3 record, their offense showed significant improvement in the 42–35 loss to No. 12 USC. I expect Rutgers to rely heavily on Antwan Raymond and establish the running game early, which should create opportunities for Dylan Lonergan and the passing attack. Howard may take advantage of Rutgers’ defensive struggles to score once or twice, but Rutgers has the talent advantage and should pull away in the second half. If the Scarlet Knights protect the football and avoid the costly turnovers that hurt them during their first three games, they should earn their first victory of the season comfortably.

Rutgers Football is set for its Friday night home matchup against the Howard Bison. Rutgers Countdown begins at 6:00PM, before Jay Tomlinson and Noah Addeo have the call at 6:45PM with Reggie Smith on the sideline. Kickoff is at 7:00PM. Listen live at 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.