The final week of the college football 2025 season is here, and Penn State football turned its 14 weeks around enough to become one game away from bowl eligibility. The Nittany Lions (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) are on a two-game win streak under interim head coach Terry Smith and are set to take the road against Rutgers on Saturday. Kickoff against the Scarlett Knights (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game can be watched on FOX and the Big Ten Network.
Complete guide to Penn State at Rutgers: How to watch, odds, weather and more
Line: Penn State -13.5
Money Line: Penn State -620, Rutgers +460
Over/Under: 55.5
Here are our team's predictions for how Saturday's Nittany Lions at Scarlet Knights contest plays out:
Josh Yourish: Penn State 42, Rutgers 20
Sydney Ciano: Penn State 34, Rutgers 17
While both teams are fighting for bowl eligibility, Penn State proved over the past two weeks that it found its identity and how to win. The Nittany Lions improved week-to-week, and Smith knows they are bowl-worthy and he is determined to get them there.
Running back Kaytron Allen just set a record for most rushing yards in Penn State history against Nebraska, and the ground game will continue being dominant to put fellow senior rusher Nicholas Singleton in the record books as well. Singleton is tied for first in most rushing touchdowns in program history with running back Saquon Barkley. One more tips him over into that No. 1 spot by himself. The Nittany Lions won't deny him of that feat or deny what their team's identity is, which is rooted in the run game.
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer also took strides each week under center in his newfound starting role after quarterback Drew Allar broke his ankle against Northwestern. He comes off a performance against the Cornhuskers where he logged a 92 completion percentage off 11-of-12 passes. The pass game did not drive the contest, but Grunkemeyer was smart and effective with the calls given. He found his man, was confident, and put 181 yards in the air. Expect to see the same combination of the run and pass game, sprinkling in big plays that showcase what the redshirt freshman can provide for Penn State in the future.
On the opposite side of the field, the Nittany Lions' defense faces veteran quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Against No. 1 Ohio State in Week 13, Kaliakmanis threw 10-of-20 completions for just 81 yards. Throughout the season, he took a total of 33 sacks so far. Penn State's veteran-heavy defense will be all over Kaliakmanis, and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is itching for at least his seventh sack of the season.
The Scarlet Knights won't be shutout entirely, but they'll struggle catching up to the Nittany Lions who are still proving what they could have been in 2025.
Myles Hannak: Penn State 35, Rutgers 14