'Knights or Spartans?': Targum predicts Rutgers football versus Michigan State
It doesn’t get much worse than a last-second, game-losing play. So maybe there’s nowhere to go but up from here for the Rutgers football team heading into its final regular season game.
The Daily Targum gives its predictions as the Scarlet Knights (6-5, 3-5) travel out to East Lansing, Michigan, to take on Michigan State.
Josh Meyers, head sports editor:
“The Rutgers football team will be entering its last game of the season with a chip on its shoulder after suffering a heartbreaking loss to Illinois on Senior Day. I believe the Knights will come out strong in a win over Michigan State. Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will toss two touchdowns - one being to Ben Black and the other to KJ Duff. The defense will force two interceptions on the way to a 27-17 victory.”
Camden Markel, associate sports editor:
“After last week’s heartbreaker, Rutgers must come out angry against Michigan State. I’ve been a pessimist lately and typically would say that they’re going to fall flat, but I think they will get it done Saturday.”
“I just took a heartbreaking loss in my Turkey Bowl Championship game here in my hometown in Michigan, so hopefully I’m the only Rutgers student taking an L in the Mitten this weekend. As long as the snow is cleared, I expect some good offense and the Scarlet Knights win 34-20. The Spartans are playing for bowl eligibility, though, so don’t be shocked if they come out firing.”
Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:
“Knights or Spartans? Give me the good guys in Scarlet. Rutgers wins 30-27.”
Nicholas Hart, associate sports editor in training:
“Despite a brutal loss last week Rutgers had one of its best offensive performances. Kaliakmanis will ride the momentum of his stellar game last week and rush for 35 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 270 or more yards and two touchdowns.”
“Ian Strong will be on the receiving end of one of those touchdowns. Outside of that, the cold weather will stifle both offenses, leading to a field position battle with five combined punts. Jai Patel will attempt at least one field goal and covert on at least two extra points in a 24-13 Rutgers win.”
Philip Jaccomma, correspondent:
“Rutgers wins 31-24. The Rutgers offense has been on fire the past few weeks and I think that keeps up Saturday with four touchdowns minimum. The defense will bounce back from last week and hold MSU to under 350 yards while also forcing a turnover.”
