'This isn't a must-win game, it's a can't-lose': Targum predicts Rutgers football versus UCLA
It's Homecoming and Family Weekend for the Rutgers football team. A time to give a warm welcome back to alumni while also, less warmly, welcoming UCLA into town for a battle on the gridiron.
The Scarlet Knights (4-2, 1-2) have had a rough past two games, to say the least, while the Bruins (1-5, 0-4) have had a rough, well, basically whole season. Many people strive to answer the age-old question, "What happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force?" But what happens when a pretty movable object meets a fairly stoppable force?
That's the question in play on Saturday when two struggling teams take each other on at SHI Stadium on Busch campus. The Daily Targum gives its predictions for how things will shake out below.
Josh Meyers, head sports editor:
"Let's be honest. Rutgers' 42-7 loss against Wisconsin last week was brutal. It was probably the worst loss in the Greg Schiano 2.0 era. That is why I expect the Knights to bounce back with a win. Injuries, though, will hinder Rutgers and make this game a lot closer than fans would like. Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will lead the offense with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, while senior running back Kyle Monangai will find the end zone twice with 100 yards rushing. Rutgers wins 27-17 after a field goal from junior placekicker Jai Patel in the last five minutes of the game."
Camden Markel, associate sports editor:
"Rutgers needs this game badly — which is exactly why I fear things will go wrong. But honestly, I'm a fearless guy, so the Scarlet Knights are winning this game 30-10. Rutgers blocks a punt, forces two other turnovers and records two rushing touchdowns."
Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:
"This isn't a must-win game, it's a can't-lose. Even though Rutgers is banged up with injuries and has looked bad the past two weeks, I think the Scarlet Knights get back on track with a 27-13 win."
Philip Jaccoma, correspondent:
"The UCLA offense is by far the worst in the Big Ten. The patchwork Rutgers defense shouldn't let up more than 70 rush yards and 14 points, if it does, that's a big issue. I don't really know what to expect from the Scarlet Knights' offense anymore, but they should be able to put up at least 25 points on this Bruin defense. Monangai has been pretty inconsistent the past few weeks, but if there were ever a bounce-back game for him, it'd be Saturday. He'll have two touchdowns. Rutgers gets back in the winning column with a score of 28-13."
James Mertz, contributing writer:
"This game is a must-win for Rutgers. After a disgusting loss to Wisconsin at home last week, the Scarlet Knights need to bounce back versus an inferior UCLA team. The Rutgers roster is really banged up right now, but this matchup for offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarocca's offense calls for running the ball over and over again. And for the defense to throw away last week and play with some toughness."
"Monangai will show why he's one of the best running backs in the country when he runs for 150 yards and the defense forces at least one interception of Ethan Garbers."
Nicholas Hart, contributing writer:
"After a tough 42-7 loss last week to Wisconsin and losing another key piece of the offense in junior running back Samuel Brown V, there are a lot of questions coming into Saturday's game against UCLA. The Bruins have struggled this season as well, losing five straight games and having an offense that ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten. Rutgers needs a get-right game and this is the perfect opportunity for that."
"The offense is going to find the rhythm that fans saw early in the season and Kaliakmanis is going to throw for more than 200 yards and at least two touchdowns. Defensively, the Knights must take advantage of Ethan Garbers' mistakes and come away with at least one interception. As a unit, Rutgers's defense also needs to take advantage of an underperforming running back group and hold UCLA to less than 100 total yards rushing. As for a score prediction, the Knights come out victorious in this one, 35-13, and get back on track."
Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer:
"Final score of 23-14 Rutgers, UCLA scores first. Halftime score of 14-7 Rutgers. Monangai has at least 15 carries going for more than 125 yards. The Knights' defense gets one interception and forces a fumble. The defense will win this game. UCLA is a walk in the park even with all the Rutgers injuries."
Saturday's Homecoming and Family Weekend game will begin at noon and be broadcast on FS1 and 88.7 WRSU FM.
