Penn State at Rutgers Prediction Roundtable

Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Jesse James (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Penn State heads to New Jersey to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a primetime conference game. The environment is sure to be a tough one for the Nittany Lions, as the game is the first ever for Rutgers as a member of the Big Ten.

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Below you’ll find the VBR staff’s predictions for the upcoming Big Ten clash.

Lead Editor Barry Leonard Jr.

Nornally I would always pick Penn State to roll over Rutgers, even on the road. However, the fact that’s it’s a night game, and now a conference battle, will make things a bit tougher. Throw in all of the recent New Jersey recruits who have subbed Rutgers for Penn State, and the Scarlet Knights have a lot to play for.

I am fully expecting the Nittany Lions to come out a bit slow on offense, as that’s been a trend so far in 2014. I’m not scared of the Rutgers offense, although its put up some good numbers, it has been against bad teams. Penn State’s defense has been solid this year, allowing chunks of yards, but denying points when needed.

Don’t be surprised if Penn State finds itself down in the first quarter and even halftime. However, Christian Hackenberg will take over in the second half. Something in the neighborhood of 27-21 Penn State sounds reasonable.

Staff Writer Corey Hunter

Penn State received some major news this week from the NCAA in the form of the immediate withdrawal of punitive sanctions stemming from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. This makes the Nittany Lions immediately able to be considered for postseason bowl eligibility. Also, beginning next year, Penn State will have their full allotment of 85 scholarships at their disposal. To say the mood in Happy Valley has been upbeat this week would probably be an understatement.

All of this news comes on the heels of their game preparation for BTPR (Big Ten Powerhouse Rutgers). The team from New Jersey has been hyping this game all year as it is their first ever Big Ten game and the kickoff is set for 8 PM. They have even asked everyone for an all-stadium “black-out”. BTPR does enter the contest 2-0, but they are coming off a lackluster performance against Howard (a team Akron – PSU’s opponent last week – beat 41-0).

These games are usually difficult to predict simply because of the emotion involved. No doubt BTPR will be charged up, but I think the Nittany Lions will be able to counterpunch each of their shots. The PSU running game is a mess and the Wildcat has only been slightly successful this far. So, once again I see Hack throwing for over 300 yards, 2-3 TDs and probably a pick or two. On the flip side, PSU’s defense has been stout against the run, and they’ll have to be to stop RB Paul James who is currently 4th in the Big Ten in rushing at 108 yards per game.

In the end, Penn State spoils all the festivities in Piscataway this weekend, and they edge our self-imposed rivals to the East by a score of 27-23.

Staff Writer Eric Sion

After all the trash talk on social media between the two fan bases, the Penn State-Rutgers game is finally here. This is the first Big Ten game of the season and some members of the Rutgers football media contingent have dubbed it as Rutgers’ biggest game since their thrilling win against No. 3 Louisville back in 2006.

I think this will be a close, competitive and physical contest. Penn State seems to have the edge at most positions, but that obviously doesn’t guarantee a victory. Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova has gotten off to a pretty good start, as has his running back Paul James and his top wide receiver Leonte Carroo. On defense for the Scarlet Knights, defensive lineman Darius Hamilton and linebacker Steve Longa are really good players who could give Penn State’s offense troubles.

One thing that the Nittany Lions should be able to exploit is Rutgers’ weak secondary. In Rutgers’ season-opening win against Washington State, they let WSU quarterback Connor Halliday throw for 532 yards. Expect lots of passes all over the field from Christian Hackenberg to his receivers and tight ends. Both defenses are solid against the run so if either team can get its running game going, it goes without saying that that team will have a big advantage.

High Point Solutions Stadium should be rocking and Penn State will be well represented throughout the stadium. After last week’s inconsistent offensive performance against Akron, the Nittany Lion offense needs to play a much better game in order to win this one. The secondary can’t let Nova and Carroo beat them over the top and Hackenberg won’t be able to get away with dumb interceptions this time.

With all that said, I think Rutgers edges out Penn State by a score of 31-28.

Staff Writer Ryan Lance

Penn State enters Big Ten play with a 2-0 record as they travel to New Jersey to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. In what promises to be a hostile environment, the Nittany Lions will need to bring their ‘A’ game if they hope to have a chance to win. Last week’s game was a little closer than we all would have liked and it proved that the Nittany Lions are still a work in progress.

As we enter Big Ten play, it’s imperative that we establish a running game and cut down on the turnovers. Through our first two games, our rushing offense is ranked 116 out of 127 in the country and we have turned the ball over four times. Heading into this weeks game, you have to like the matchup for the Penn State offense and our passing game. Over the last two weeks the Rutgers defense has surrendered a total of 700 yards passing and 265 yards rushing to their first two opponents – Washington State and Howard.

If Penn State can establish a running game, whether it’s the wildcat or not (don’t think it’ll work as effective in the Big Ten), it’ll help alleviate some of the pressure on Hackenberg and the passing game. Hackenberg and crew should have a big night throwing the ball regardless, but if we can establish some sort of running game to keep the defense on their toes, it has the potential to get ugly. The keys to this weekend’s matchup are winning the turnover battle, stopping Rutgers running game, finishing drives to put points on the board, and establishing a better balance of run-pass on offense.

I think Rutgers is going to start out fast as they will feed off of the energy of the home crowd. But with Christian Hackenberg under center and our potent passing attack, I think we will bounce right back.

The Penn State defense is ranked No. 15 in the country in total defense and when it’s all said and done I think that will be the deciding factor in this ball game.

Because of our defense, who has played very well in the first two games of the season, I think Penn State wins in a closer game than some may expect, 27-21.

Staff Writer Jeff Jezewski

There seems to be a lot of hostility between these two fan bases, but it remains to be seen if that hostility will transfer to the playing field. As far as actually playing goes, I believe the Nittany Lions will come out jacked up after the news of their sanctions being lifted. The key for Penn State is to channel that energy and stay within themselves early on and continue to harness that energy throughout the game.

Gary Nova has progressed for the Scarlet Knights and has looked sharp thus far. Paul James is an absolute tank and will be tough to stop, but the Nittany Lions run defense, albeit against inferior rushers, has looked stellar. If the Bob Shoop coached defense can get pressure on Nova and keep James somewhat in check, they should be able to pull out the victory.

Offensively, Christian Hackenberg is primed for a big game. The Rutgers secondary is shaky and the receivers have looked explosive to this point. If the offensive line gives Hack time to find his open receivers, the offense should flourish. The Nittany Lions will try to establish the run game, but to this point, that aspect of the offense doesn’t seem promising.

I think Rutgers will come out hyped up for their first Big Ten matchup, but that won’t quite be enough to take down the Nittany Lions. Look for a close one in prime time, Penn State wins 27-20.

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