Week 6: Rutgers at Maryland Staff Picks and Predictions

The Scarlet Knights get set for a clash against their protected rival, the Maryland Terrapins down in College Park. Both teams looking to attain their first Big Ten win.

Here are our staff picks and predictions for the matchup:

Will Carmenaty, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-24

This will be a flat out war. Both teams are going to scrap and claw to do anything to get their first conference win, and it’ll be crucial to limit the mistakes for both teams. The bye week for Rutgers came at the perfect time, to get their QB1 and RB1 back up to speed, and both will be starting ready to go. I see Rutgers gutting this one out in a battle.

Makali Pennycooke, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-28

Outside of the Indiana game, Rutgers has played better each week since their disaster of a start to the season, with Maryland being relatively the same in terms of competition; it won’t be an easy win. Even though Malik Washington has had a very slow start to the season, struggling in every game, how will they be able to slow down dual-threat quarterbacks?

Ethan Barroway, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 28-24

Rutgers will get their first Big Ten win of the season in the battle of the basement in College Park. The Knights will rely on Antwan Raymond who ran for over 200 yards vs the Terrapins last year. Maryland will keep it close with Malik Washington’s legs, as Rutgers has perennially struggled vs running QBs.

Jacob Kohner, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-28

I think Rutgers takes advantage of its bye week and earns a much-needed road win against Maryland. Antwan Raymond’s running game will be key to sustaining drives, while KJ Duff gives the Scarlet Knights a dangerous option through the air. Rutgers will need to limit big plays and get timely defensive stops, but I expect a competitive game that comes down to the final possession. A late field goal gives Rutgers a 31–28 victory and its first Big Ten win of the season.

Genesis Dlugosz, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 35-27

I believe that Rutgers will have a new motivation after their bye week. Rutgers and Maryland are in similar positions. If Rutgers can go in with confidence and control they could pull off the win.

Can Rutgers improve to 2-4 on the year? We shall find out. Rutgers Countdown begins at 11:30AM, before Chase Jacoby and Jay Tomlinson have the call, with Makali Pennycooke on the sideline beginning at 12:15PM. Catch it all on 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.