'It will be a Senior Day showdown': Targum predicts Rutgers football versus No. 24 Illinois

Senior Day is always a special moment for programs, honoring its veterans who have made significant contributions during their time.

That will be the same case for the Rutgers football team on Saturday, which will pay homage to its well-respected seniors. After clinching bowl eligibility against Maryland, the Scarlet Knights (6-4, 3-4) will take on Illinois for the last game at SHI Stadium on Busch campus this season.

Rutgers has the opportunity to earn its seventh win of 2024 against a ranked Fighting Illini (7-3, 4-3) team and make it three straight wins before hitting the road to face Michigan State on November 30.

Will the Knights prevail on Senior Day? The Daily Targum thinks so.

Josh Meyers, head sports editor:

"After what seemed like a collapse during a four-game losing streak, Rutgers has now won two straight in good showing on both sides of the ball against Minnesota and Maryland. Rutgers, though, has not beaten a ranked team in quite some time. While I do think the Knights will win one more game, I don't think it's coming against No. 24 ranked Illinois. Quarterback Luke Altmyer will throw for 250 yards and 2 touchdown while the Fighting Illini sack senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis three times on the way to a victory. Illinois 27, Rutgers 20."

Camden Markel, associate sports editor:

"Rutgers comes real close but doesn't quite get its elusive win over a ranked opponent. The Scarlet Knights fall to Illinois 30-24."

Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:

"It will be a Senior Day showdown in Piscataway. Rutgers will win its seventh game this season, 26-17. Athan Kaliakmanis will have another great outing again, and KJ Duff will haul in a touchdown."

Nicholas Hart, associate sports editor in training:

"With bowl eligibility secured, Rutgers has righted the ship of a season that seemed to be sinking quickly amidst a four-game losing streak. This week, the Knights face a tough matchup with a ranked Illinois team that has some impressive wins this season."

"Rutgers has arguably been playing their best football in the past two games, and the same will hold true on Saturday. Athan Kaliakmanis will follow up his previous performance with 250 yards and two touchdowns. The defense has stepped up lately for the Knights and I expect them to tally two tackles for a loss and a takeaway."

"Ultimately, Rutgers is primed for another strong offensive performance, leading to a busy day for junior kicker Jai Patel, converting at least two extra points and one field goal attempt en route to a 25-17 victory for the Knights."

Philip Jaccoma, correspondent:

"Rutgers wins 24-21. Kaliakmanis throws a pair and Strong is the recipient of both. Jai Patel kicks one through from more than 30 yards. The defense manages one turnover."

James Mertz, contributing writer:

"Rutgers has turned their season around and even clinched themselves a bowl game. On Saturday, the Scarlet Knights have a chance to check another accomplishment off the list when they face No. 24 ranked Illinois."

"The program hasn't defeated a ranked opponent in 15 years but that ends this Saturday led by a vintage rushing performance by Kyle Monangai on his Senior Day. He's primed for a 100 yard rushing day and punching in 2 touchdowns."

"The Fighting Illini offense had been balanced all year but with the Rutgers defense firing on all cylinders they'll force at least one interception on Illinois' Luke Altmyer. And the special teams will provide a blocked punt — a staple of Greg Schiano-coached teams — in a 27-17 victory."

Lucas Tang, contributing writer:

"Rutgers looks to increase its win streak to two against Illinois after their bowl clinching game against Maryland last Saturday. I predict that the Scarlet Knights will defeat the Fighting Illini 38-30. Athan Kaliakmanis to pass for two touchdowns and Kyle Monangai to record 100 hundred yards and two touchdowns."

Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer:

"This one will be close but I think Illinois will leave with a win 31-24. Kaliakmanis will again have another more than 200 yard game with his arm. Dymere Miller and Monangai will both have a TD. The Rutgers defense will hold Illinois to under 80 yards on the ground. Both teams will have two turnovers for a back and forth battle."

Saturday's game will kick off at noon and will be broadcast on Peacock and 88.7 WRSU-FM.