'If you like offense, this is not the game for you': Targum gives predictions for Rutgers-Iowa game
The Rutgers football team will face Iowa in the Hawkeye State on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights (6-3, 3-3) will look to get their first win over a ranked opponent since 2009 and their first win over the Hawkeyes (7-2, 4-2) in program history.
In anticipation of Saturday's game, here are The Daily Targum's score predictions and overall thoughts on how the contest will unfold.
Ellis Gordon, head sports editor: "If you like offense, this is not the game for you. Both teams boast elite defenses and subpar offenses. Thus, this game will come down to which offense makes the least mistakes and which defense can create turnovers.
"In this contest, Rutgers will win the turnover battle with two interceptions and a recovered fumble. Iowa will intercept junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt once, but it will not be enough as junior running back Kyle Monangai rushes for more than 100 yards again. The Knights win 13-10, thanks to a game-winning 46-yard field goal from sophomore placekicker Jai Patel."
Josh Meyers, associate sports editor: "Rutgers and Iowa are two similar, developmental teams that have some of the best defenses in the Big Ten and the nation. It will be a low-scoring game, but the Knights will earn a hard-fought victory in Kinnick Stadium. Monangai will rush for 80 yards against the Hawkeyes, and Rutgers' defense will force two turnovers. The Knights win 16-10."
Camden Markel, correspondent: "Rutgers will march into one of the toughest places to play in the country and come away with head coach Greg Schiano's first signature win of his second coaching tenure on the Banks. This game will be an eyesore for those who enjoy watching high-level offense, but if you are a fan of grind-it-out Big Ten football, it will be a sight to behold.
"If Iowa wins this game, it will be because the Knights beat themselves due to turnovers and missed opportunities. Rutgers moved the ball well last week against Ohio State's top-notch defense and will need to do so again versus another elite defensive team. Monangai will be held to less than 100 rushing yards, but the tandem of him and Wimsatt will still combine for more than 150 yards and lead the Knights to victory. Rutgers wins 16-10."
Matthew Mangam, correspondent: "Rutgers will not have an easy game against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are one of the best defensive teams, as they allow the fourth-lowest points in the nation. The Knights will need to be at their best on offense but also remain sharp on defense. Rutgers will win 15-12."
Uriel Isaacs, associate news editor: "Rutgers pulls off the upset and wins 17-10 on a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter."
Alec Crouthamel, contributing writer: "Rutgers is able to shut down Iowa's feeble offensive attack with a strong rushing defense. Deacon Hill only throws for 75 yards with an interception, while the Hawkeyes' running game barely cracks 100 yards.
"For the Knights, Wimsatt will have more rushing attempts than passing attempts, as to not give Iowa any chance to cash in on turnovers. Wimsatt runs for 75 yards while Monangai runs for 105 yards and a touchdown to become Rutgers' first 1,000-yard rusher in a season since 2012.
"The game will give the Knights their first ranked win since 2009 and vault them into the top 25 rankings for the first time since 2012. Rutgers wins 15-9."
Andrew Rice, contributing writer: "Iowa's offense has been ineffective all season. That being said, Rutgers has not scored a lot of points either. Expect a low-scoring game with at least one field goal from both teams. The Knights win 13-6."
Jack Rabenhorst, contributing writer: "Rutgers will win 24-10, but Monangai has less than 75 yards rushing."
Rutgers will go up against No. 22 Iowa at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcast on 88.7 WRSU-FM and WFAN.
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