'What is a Terrapin?': Targum predicts Rutgers football versus Maryland

Fire up, Rutgers fans: the train is back on the tracks. The Rutgers football team finally ended its losing skid by knocking off Minnesota last weekend. 

Are the Scarlet Knights (5-4, 2-4) officially back? The Daily Targum is torn over that question.

Josh Meyers, head sports editor:

"Rutgers has not fared well against Maryland in past seasons. Fans of the Scarlet Knights would love to forget the regular season finale last year against the Terrapins at SHI Stadium. While I do think Rutgers will win one of their next three games to make a second straight bowl game, I don't think it's coming in College Park."

"Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. will have a field day in the passing game, with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns each. Tai Felton will lead the Terrapins with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown as Maryland wins 27-20."

Camden Markel, associate sports editor:

"It feels like Maryland owns Rutgers, at least as long as I've been a student here. With the Taulia Tagovailoa era finally over for the Terrapins, perhaps the Knights stand a chance with the known Rutgers killer out of the picture. Maryland trots out Billy Edwards Jr., who isn’t as stellar as Tagovailoa was, but Edwards' mobility worries me."

"We've seen quarterbacks, not even scrambling quarterbacks, get out of the pocket and run all over the Knights this season. I'm afraid that returns this week, and Edwards gets the best of Rutgers. Maryland wins 27-23."

Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:

"What is a Terrapin?"

Nick Hart, associate sports editor in training:

"With three games left in the season, this is the best chance that Rutgers has to win a game to become bowl-eligible. The Knights are currently on a three-game losing streak against Maryland, but this is the year to change those fortunes."

"Last week against Minnesota, Rutgers played a brand of football that fans knew was possible, and for the first time all season, played a full four-quarter game. After throwing for 240 yards and three touchdowns last week, expect a similar game from Kaliakmanis with 275 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ian Strong was a deep ball target for Kaliakmanis last week, and the same will be true this week, with Strong tallying 50 yards and a touchdown. With the unknown status of Kyle Monangai this week, expect to see a lot of Antwan Raymond with at least 15 carries and 60 yards."

"Even in a strong offensive showing last week, the Knights punted five times. Jakob Anderson will have three or more punts for 150 yards, with one inside the 20-yard line. Ultimately, Rutgers comes out victorious in this one 24-16 and becomes bowl-eligible for the eighth time under head coach Greg Schiano."

Philip Jaccoma, correspondent:

"Rutgers loses 27-21. KJ Duff gets a touchdown, and Ian Strong gets more than 75 yards. Maryland is not a good team, but neither is Rutgers. I give the edge to the Terrapins due to the game being in Maryland."

James Mertz, contributing writer:

"Rutgers righted the ship last week in a much-needed team win versus Minnesota. This week the Knights play for bowl eligibility at Maryland."

"The offense stepped up big time last week in the absence of Kyle Monangai, especially in the passing game. As they play the Terrapins, who have been blown out in their last two games, I expect the passing offense to shine once again. Receivers KJ Duff and Ian Strong will go for more than 50 yards receiving each."

"On the defensive side, the Knights are coming off possibly their strongest game this season despite all the injuries that have piled up. They'll be able to pick off Maryland's Billy Edwards Jr. on Saturday en route to a Rutgers 24-16 victory."

Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer: 

"I'm going to say Rutgers gets its away win. Close game again. I think we see that Kaliakmanis can really throw the ball, so I’m predicting another three touchdowns and one interception for more than 200 yards passing. I think the team gets less than 100 rushing yards, as Monangai will still be out. Final score of 27-20. I think the defense forces a fumble in the second half to secure the game."

Rutgers and the Terrapins (4-5, 1-5) will kick off at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports 1 and 88.7 WRSU FM.