'Rutgers locks up Locke and Wisconsin': Targum predicts Rutgers-Wisconsin game

The definition of bouncing back is "to return quickly to a normal condition after a difficult situation or event."

The Rutgers football team had a rough outing in the cornfields of Nebraska last weekend, but The Daily Targum thinks the Scarlet Knights (4-1, 1-1) are ready to bounce back on Saturday against Wisconsin.

Josh Meyers, head sports editor:

"Rutgers is coming off of a tough loss on the road against Nebraska, and hopes to get back on track this weekend. I believe the Knights will do so with senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis throwing for more than 300 yards with two touchdowns. Senior running back Kyle Monangai will total more than 125 yards. On the defense, senior defensive back Robert Longerbeam will haul in 1 of 2 Rutgers interceptions on the way to a victory. Rutgers wins 24-17."

Camden Markel, associate sports editor:

"Last week's game for Rutgers was tough to watch, to say the least. Putting the loss aside, it was just an ugly game, and the missed opportunities from the Scarlet Knights all throughout the game were cringeworthy. But I think head coach Greg Schiano and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca have a big bounce-back game and make far less questionable decisions, leading to a 20-10 victory over Wisconsin."

"Kaliakmanis plays turnover-free, and the coaching staff lets Monangai eat en route to a dominant performance with at least 150 yards. The Rutgers defense records an interception off Braedyn Locke and tacks on a fumble recovery."

Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:

"Rutgers locks up Locke and Wisconsin. Scarlet Knights dominate to the tune of a 21-6 win. Monangai scores twice, and the defense forces a turnover with a strip sack."

Philip Jaccoma, sports correspondent:

"Rutgers wins 21-17. The Rutgers offense remembers who is on the roster and gives Monangai some more touches. He finishes with a touchdown and averages more than six yards per carry. Schiano's weird trust issues with junior kicker Jai Patel keep them from kicking a field goal, and the d-line builds off its performance last week to record at least two sacks."

Anthony Palumbo, contributing writer:

"Rutgers 24, Wisconsin 21. The spread is -2.5, and Rutgers is the king of covering. Sophomore receiver Ian Strong scores a touchdown."

Nicholas Hart, contributing writer:

"The Scarlet Knights are coming off of a tough loss to Nebraska with the offense leaving a lot to be desired, only producing one touchdown last week. Against Wisconsin, the offense has a challenge ahead, going up against a defense that gives up just 181.2 passing yards per game. Despite this, I think Kaliakmanis will have a bounce-back game, throwing for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns will be to Strong, and the other will be to junior tight end Kenny Fletcher."

"Defensively, Rutgers is going up against a young quarterback in Locke who has been prone to turnovers this season, throwing two interceptions against Purdue last week. Expect the Knights' defense to come away with at least one interception and to give up less than 250 passing yards on Saturday. As far as the result of the game, expect this game to be similar to the contests against Virginia Tech and Washington, a close game coming down to the last few possessions. Rutgers will come out victorious over the Badgers by a score of 27-24."

James Mertz, contributing writer:

"Rutgers wins 24-14. Coming off their first loss of the season, the Scarlet Knights will return home to get back on track with a double-digit victory. Wisconsin is coming off a 52-6 throttling over Purdue, but the Knights will be able to match the toughness of the Badgers."

"Kaliakmanis will bounce back after a two-interception game and lead the Rutgers offense with two touchdowns through the air."

"Even with senior offensive lineman Bryan Felter out for the season due to injury, the Knights still have a very solid offensive front that will create big holes for Monangai and junior running back Samuel Brown V in the run game, who will combine for 200 rushing yards."

Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer:

"24-14 final score for Rutgers. Senior defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton records a sack. Freshman wide receiver KJ Duff scores a touchdown, and I say both Monangai and Brown are going to get more than 50 yards. Patel gets one field goal on the day. Rutgers is going to convert on at least two fourth downs."

Saturday's game will kick off at noon and be broadcast on Big Ten Network and 88.7 WRSU FM.