'Scarlet Knights will dismantle Indiana': Targum sports desk gives predictions for Rutgers-Indiana game
The Rutgers football team will travel to Bloomington, Indiana, to face off against Indiana on Saturday. This will be a crucial game for the Scarlet Knights (5-2, 2-2), as a win would clinch their berth to a bowl game and give them their first six-win season since 2014.
In anticipation of Saturday's game, here is The Daily Targum's sports desk's score predictions and overall thoughts on how the contest will unfold.
Ellis Gordon, head sports editor: "After its win against Michigan State, this might be Rutgers' most important game of the 'Greg Schiano 2.0' era. A win over Indiana would give the Knights their first non-losing season since 2014 and would show real progress in the program.
"Lucky for Rutgers, the Hoosiers are not very good, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Due to this, I expect Rutgers' 'Dark Side' defense to dominate. Indiana’s offense will struggle to move the ball as whoever plays quarterback for the Hoosiers will be sacked three times, one of those times by junior defensive lineman Wesley Bailey.
"On the offensive side of the ball, the Knights will do enough to win the game. Junior running back Kyle Monangai will continue to dominate, rushing for more than 100 yards and a touchdown to lead Rutgers to a 24-13 road victory."
Josh Meyers, associate sports editor: "One win away from its first deserved bowl game since 2014, I predict Rutgers will get a big win over Indiana. Senior wide receiver JaQuae Jackson will finally score his first touchdown as a Knight, as junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt throws for a touchdown and scores a touchdown with his legs. The 'Dark Side' defense will total three sacks and a pick as Rutgers wins 28-13."
Camden Markel, correspondent: "Building off an immaculate comeback win against Michigan State last weekend, the Scarlet Knights will dismantle Indiana. A win for Rutgers will guarantee it a bowl game, which will be on Schiano and the team's minds as they head into this match-up highly motivated.
"Rutgers' defense will shut down the Hoosiers and force two or more turnovers while Wimsatt will play a clean game and not throw an interception. Monangai will have another 100-yard rushing game, and Rutgers will be rolling into its bye week bowl eligible with a 6-2 record. The Scarlet Knights win 31-9."
Matthew Mangam, correspondent: "On Saturday, Rutgers has a huge opportunity to clinch bowl eligibility against Indiana. The Knights are coming off of a thrilling victory against Michigan State and have momentum on their side.
"The Hoosiers have lost their last two contests and have struggled this season, especially on offense. Indiana has rotated between different quarterbacks this year and has scored the fewest points in the Big Ten. Rutgers will take advantage of the Hoosiers' offensive struggles and win 26-14."
Alec Crouthamel, contributing writer: "Rutgers' defense will shine, creating short fields of play for the offense and taking advantage of Indiana's inexperienced quarterbacks.
"Wimsatt will throw for 160 yards, score a touchdown and an interception, while Monangai will only reach 75 yards but score a touchdown. Tayven Jackson will throw for 200 yards and two picks for the Hoosiers. The Scarlet Knights' season will reach the six-win mark for the first time in nine years after defeating Indiana by a score of 27-16."
Andrew Rice, contributing writer: "Rutgers' game against Michigan State was one for the ages and put the Knights within one game of bowl eligibility. I think they will become bowl-eligible with a win over Indiana. The defense will stonewall the Hoosiers' offense with some help from a forced fumble by junior defensive back Robert Longerbeam. Rutgers' offense will take advantage of this opportunity and win by at least 10 points. Rutgers wins by a score of 24-10."
Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer: "With a win against Indiana on Saturday, Rutgers can reach bowl eligibility. Having a 6-2 record to end October would be huge for Schiano and the program.
"The Hoosiers are struggling coming off of two blowout defeats. In their last loss to Michigan, Jackson only threw for 52 yards. The Knights' defense will dominate and get at least one interception. Wimsatt will show off his arm talent with two touchdown passes, one to senior wide receiver Christian Dremel. Monongai will get over 15 carries and rush for at least one touchdown as Rutgers wins 28-13."
Rutgers will take on the Hoosiers (2-4, 0-3) on Saturday at noon. The game will be aired on the Big Ten Network and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
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