This week is a big one for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. They will head to Indiana to face the Hoosiers. If the Scarlet Knights win, they will have six wins, making them bowl-eligible. Step one is of course to win. Here is everything to watch for as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights face the Indiana Hoosiers in week eight of the college football season.
What to Watch for
The past two games have ended the way they have because of the first half of the game. Against Wisconsin, Rutgers had to try to come back in the second half, but it was too late to come back. Last weekend against Michigan State, the Scarlet Knights had a wonderful fourth-quarter comeback for the win. As great as last weekend was, the Scarlet Knights will need to score early. They cannot keep having a rough first half, and be put in that position in the second half.
Wisconsin RB Jackson Acker (34) and Rutgers DB Flip Dixon (10) – Andy Manis/Freelancer/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The offense should not have to settle for field goals with the weapons that they have. If they are in the red zone, it should result in a touchdown more times than not. This team has three strong wide receivers and a stunning running back. The Scarlet Knights need to take advantage when they are there and get seven points on the board.
This may not be the hardest game on the Scarlet Knights’ schedule, but the one-week-at-a-time philosophy is true. There is never a guaranteed win in football. This means that if the team does have to go for a field goal, they need to get the easy ones in. Last week was a great example of being able to make each field goal attempt. Kicker Jai Patel was the reason for seven points in that game between field goal attempts and extra points. The team needs to put up points, obviously, but making the easy field goals will matter this weekend.
Rutgers LB Tyreem Powell (22) – Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media
Rutgers Players to Watch
Tyreem Powell
After being ejected last weekend, linebacker Tyreem Powell will be a player to watch this weekend. Because Powell was ejected in the first half of the game, it can be expected that he plays against Indiana. Many still believe that Powell should not have been forced out of the game, and he may be a big player this weekend, having to miss time last week and making up for it this weekend. This season, Powell has had 50 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also has had one pass deflection and one forced fumble. He could be a big playmaker this weekend.
Flip Dixon
In his first season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, defensive back Flip Dixon has been a big playmaker. In seven games, Dixon has had 44 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, and five pass deflections, according to Sports Reference. He also has had one interception this year. Expect him to make a big play, as no quarterback for Indiana has reached 1,000 passing yards yet.
Christian Dremel
Wide receiver Christian Dremel has been a stud this season. It is his fifth year with Rutgers, but he is truly making a name for himself. The Scarlet Knights have a solid receiving core, but Dremel still gets targets each game. This season, Dremel has had 21 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Watch for Dremel to make an impact this weekend for Rutgers.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Dustin Statloff/Rutgers Athletics
Game Predictions
The more difficult part of this game is going to be that Indiana is the home team. The Scarlet Knights have not yet won on the road. Still, the final score prediction is 27-15 with Rutgers getting the win. This team came together for a big win last week and will use that momentum and togetherness to defeat the Hoosiers. This matchup will be a noon kickoff.
