This week the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face the Penn State Nittany Lions. Rutgers did not score at all against Iowa last weekend, causing them to fall to a 6-4 record. They are going to face another tough defense this weekend against the Nittany Lions. After losing two in a row, here is what to watch for this weekend for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
What to Watch For
It is difficult to put up points when the offense turns over the ball. If Rutgers wants the win this weekend against Penn State, one of the top goals will be to not turn the ball over. There have been too many interceptions this season, and while the Scarlet Knights do have six wins this year, in order to get more, turnovers are not the way to do that. This makes smart decision-making key. Penn State has a good defense, and they may force them, but it cannot be because of Rutgers’ mistakes.
Wisconsin RB Jackson Acker (34) and Rutgers DB Flip Dixon (10) – Andy Manis/Freelancer/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Scarlet Knights defense played well last week, in a very low-scoring game. This is a tougher offense, but if they can put pressure on quarterback Drew Allar, they can find success. When Allar is under pressure, the offense gets lost. This was seen against Michigan, Ohio State, and partially even Indiana. Rutgers has a good defense, and if they pressure Allar, they can put up a fight.
The penalties against the Scarlet Knights last weekend against Iowa took away the chance for the offense to build momentum. The atmosphere completely through them off, causing false starts. The energy at Beaver Stadium is one of the most notable ones in college football. The team, especially the offense, will need to figure out how to play in that atmosphere and avoid penalties that cause numerous third and long plays.
Rutgers RB Jason Benjamin (20) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers Players to Watch
Ja’shon Benjamin
With there being a chance that Kyle Monangai does not play, it will be interesting to see which running back the Scarlet Knights prioritize. Based on previous trends, Ja’shon Benjamin will be the player to watch. This season Benjamin has had 43 rushing attempts for 174 yards and one touchdown, according to Sports Reference. He has also had four receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown. It will be interesting to see how he is used compared to other running backs on the offense, especially with Samuel Brown V seeing more game time.
Aaron Lewis
On the defense, Aaron Lewis will be the player to watch. If he gets pressure on Allar, the Scarlet Knights will have a chance this weekend. This season, Lewis has had 40 combined tackles, 12 solo, five tackles for loss, and three sacks, according to Sports Reference. Penn State is going through offensive changes, and this will be something to watch. He will be the player to watch for to get pressure on Allar.
Gavin Wimsatt
With all the talk online regarding the quarterback position, Wimsatt will be a crucial player to watch. Last week he could not connect with his receivers, this week he will need to. This season, Wimsatt has had 108 completions for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. This compares to six interceptions this season, three of which have been a pick-six. He also has rushed for 409 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. This needs to be a turnaround game for Wimsatt despite being a tough opponent.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Game Predictions
With this game taking place at Penn State, it is going to be hard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The predicted final score for this game is 32-10, with the win going to Penn State. This is the second to last game of the 2023 season, and the Scarlet Knights will want to show that they can at least fight against a tough opponent, similarly to how they did against Ohio State.
