Targum sports desk gives predictions for Rutgers-Michigan State Homecoming clash
The Rutgers football team heads back home to SHI Stadium on Busch campus for a Homecoming game showdown with Michigan State. The Scarlet Knights (4-1, 1-2) are looking for a bounce-back win after falling to Wisconsin last week.
In anticipation of Saturday's game, The Daily Targum's sports desk weighed in with its score predictions and overall thoughts on how the contest will unfold.
Ellis Gordon, head sports editor: "This is a must-win game for Rutgers if it wants to make a bowl game. It is Homecoming, so SHI Stadium should be rocking. The game will be close as both offenses have struggled in recent weeks.
"Despite the Knights' offensive struggles, senior wide receiver JaQuae Jackson will get more than 75 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season, and Christian Dremel will catch his fourth touchdown.
"On the defensive side, junior defensive lineman Wesley Bailey will get a sack, and Rutgers will get two interceptions on whoever the Spartans quarterback is. Sophomore placekicker Jai Patel will drill a field goal of more than 50 yards as well. Rutgers wins 24-16."
Josh Meyers, associate sports editor: "In a must-win game in front of what should be an electric Homecoming crowd, Rutgers will show out for the victory. Junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt will pass for 150 yards as well as rush for 50 yards on the ground. Junior running back Kyle Monangai will score his first receiving touchdown of the season and will rush for at least 80 yards on the day.
"Rutgers will also get their first defensive touchdown of the season and come out with a 30-13 victory against Michigan State."
Matthew Mangam, correspondent: "Rutgers returns to Piscataway following a tough road loss to Wisconsin. Michigan State is coming off a bye week but has lost its last three games. Nate Carter averages the second-most rushing yards per game in the Big Ten for the Spartans and can make a big impact in the game. The Scarlet Knights will see this game as a must-win on Homecoming weekend if they want to make a bowl game. Rutgers will win 24-16."
Camden Markel, correspondent: "The Scarlet Knights will bounce back for their Homecoming game against Michigan State. Last week's game against Wisconsin could've been a different story had Rutgers punched in a touchdown before the half instead of throwing a pick-six.
"I think the Knights learn from their mistakes and, despite the forecasted rainy weather, play turnover-free football against the Spartans en route to tying their highest scoring output against a conference opponent this season. The game will be within a score before junior running back Kyle Monangai rips off a late-game 30-plus-yard touchdown run to seal the deal.
"In front of an optimistic crowd and some highly touted basketball recruits on official visits, Rutgers gets the job done. The Knights take the win 24-13."
Alec Crouthamel, contributing writer: "Even with a new quarterback. The Spartans' offense struggles as new starter Katin Houser throws two interceptions. The Knights go back to emphasizing running the football after getting away from it in last week's loss to Wisconsin. Monangai gets the lion's share of the carries on the ground, going for more than 80 yards and a touchdown.
"Through the air, Rutgers will also be strong even with the suboptimal weather. Jackson and Ian Strong both catch touchdown passes as the Knights move to one win away from bowl eligibility. Rutgers will win 25-20."
Jackson DiLullo, contributing writer: "This is one of those games Rutgers should win but could be a bit nerve-wracking. I expect Wimsatt to have one his better passing performances of the season and Rutgers to win at home 34-20."
Jack Rabenhorst, contributing writer: "Rutgers wins 24-10."
Rutgers and the Spartans (2-3, 0-2) will go head-to-head when the game kicks off at noon. The game will be aired on Big Ten Network, Fox Sports and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
