Penn State vs Rutgers: Prediction roundtable

Shane Lunnen, Contributor

The last two weeks have been heartbreaking to watch as Nittany Lion fans. Going from undefeated to two losses and out of the playoff hunt sucks. There is no other word to describe it that is appropriate for this writing at least. Just have to hope now the Lions win out. There is still a 10-win season and a respectable bowl game to play for.

Rutgers has won three of their last four games. Surprisingly the Scarlet Knights can still get to bowl eligibility if they win two of the final three games. They have been more competitive than last year and head coach Chris Ash seems to be moving the program in the right direction.

The Lions need to get Saquon Barkley and the rushing attack going again. While Rutgers is not as challenging on defense as Ohio State and Michigan State were, they have improved this year. If Joe Moorhead has not come up with any new looks this week, Rutgers can use the same strategy as the Buckeyes and Spartans did. The offensive line must do a better job this week in run blocking.

Most of the fan base is down right now, but there is no way I see this one being a victory for Rutgers. While Penn State may struggle early as they try to find their footing and shake off the last two weeks, they should put the Scarlet Knights away in the second half. Rutgers may be able to hang for some of the game, which will frustrate most, but they do not have the athletes to compete with Penn State this year for a whole four quarters. The Lions get their run game going in the second half and pull away.

Penn State 38
Rutgers 17