Targum sports desk gives predictions for Rutgers-Wisconsin
The Rutgers football team will go back on the road to face off against Wisconsin on Saturday. It will be the Scarlet Knights' (4-1, 1-1) third conference game of the season and a tough matchup as the Badgers (3-1, 1-0) are projected to be one of the best teams in the Big Ten.
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: "The key to this game will be controlling possession of the ball. If Rutgers can string together long drives and control the pace of play, it will have a chance to win. I think the Knights are going to keep the game close throughout.
"On defense, junior linebacker Tyreem Powell gets a sack, and junior defensive back Flip Dixon gets a crucial interception. Junior running back Kyle Monangai carries the offense and rushes for more than 86 yards as sophomore placekicker Jai Patel drills a 43-yard field goal and a 46-yard field goal.
"While Rutgers will keep it close, I do not think it's ready yet to pull off this big of an upset. Wisconsin will win 24-20."
Josh Meyers, associate sports editor: "In a tough road test against Wisconsin, Rutgers will keep it close but ultimately fall to the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin's defense will recover a fumble and sack junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt at least twice. Tanner Mordecai will throw for two touchdown passes as the Badgers win 27-23."
Camden Markel, correspondent: "With a win, Rutgers could return home to Piscataway the following week with a chance to achieve bowl eligibility against Michigan State. With that in mind, I think the Knights will play Wisconsin tough.
"The game will be tied heading into the final quarter, but ultimately, the Badgers will do enough to hold off Rutgers. This feels like a season-defining game for the Knights, and hopefully, they can pull it off, but I am not sure I see it happening. Wisconsin will win 26-17."
Matthew Mangam, correspondent: "Rutgers faces a tough matchup in Madison, Wisconsin, this weekend. Wisconsin is coming off of a bye week and averages the second-most rushing yards per game in the Big Ten. The Knights will struggle to play at Camp Randall Stadium, but Patel will have a big game, going 3-for-3 on field goals. Rutgers will lose a close game by a score of 31-21."
Alec Crouthamel, contributing writer: "Rutgers comes into Madison, Wisconsin, and shockingly dominates in the trenches. The Knights will contain Braelon Allen, while Monangai and sophomore running back Samuel Brown V have a bounce-back game after being stopped by Michigan.
"Mordecai controls the game through the air but throws two backbreaking interceptions, one of those to junior defensive back Max Melton, who has a resurgent performance.
"The offense keeps the ball just long enough to hold off Phil Longo's 'Air Raid' offense as Rutgers gets a signature win. The Knights win 20-18."
Andrew Rice, contributing writer: "Rutgers has been playing better football lately, especially on defense and in its running game. Monangai will have another 100-yard game, and the defense will have at least one takeaway as the Knights get the win. Rutgers will show the nation it has improved as it gets the 27-21 win."
Phillip Christy, contributing writer: "Mordecai and the Wisconsin offense will be too much for Rutgers' defense to handle. The Badgers will get out to an early lead, forcing Wimsatt to throw the ball, something head coach Greg Schiano is hesitant to do. Wisconsin wins 31-10."
Rutgers will go up against Wisconsin at noon on Saturday. The game will be televised on Peacock and broadcast on 88.7 WRSU-FM and WFAN.
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