Rutgers vs. Howard prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the Week 2 showdown between the Scarlet Knights and Bison.
Rutgers vs. Howard Game Preview
When: Saturday, Sept. 10 – Noon ET
Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, NJ.
Broadcast: Big Ten Network
First-year Rutgers coach Chris Ash has a lot of work to do with the Scarlet Knights before his squad will be competitive in the Big Ten, especially defensively. The Scarlet Knights trailed 24-0 after the first quarter against Washington last week, with each touchdown play going for at least 38 yards. They lost 48-13, with their only scores coming in the fourth quarter when the game was well out of reach.
Rutgers might get a reprieve against Howard, which is facing its second straight Big Ten foe after losing 52-13 at Maryland last week. Kalen Johnson and Jason Collins each threw a touchdown pass, but the Bison managed only 69 yards on the ground and didn’t score until they were down by 45.
What To Know About Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights defense doesn’t appear to be any better under Ash, who took the head job in the offseason after stints as defensive coordinator for Wisconsin and Arkansas prior to spending the last two seasons at Ohio State. The big plays killed them against Washington, which had only 380 total yards of offense because it scored twice on special teams. Quarterback Chris Laviano’s arm is going to get a workout this season having to throw so often with Rutgers playing from behind unless it gets its act together defensively.
What to Know About Howard
Luckily for Rutgers, the Bison’s offense isn’t nearly as talented as Washington’s. Howard, which won a single game last year while totaling 169 points, finished with 69 rushing yards and didn’t get on the board against Maryland until the Terrapins emptied their bench in the fourth quarter. True freshman receiver Kyle Anthony appears to be Howard’s biggest offensive threat after catching seven passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Advantages
Offense: Rutgers – Janarion Grant had 160 all-purpose yards against Washington, and his 3,756 are the most among active players in the Big Ten.
Defense: Rutgers – It gets the nod here because I believe Ash will have made some corrections following last week’s debacle.
Special Teams: Even – Rutgers gave up kick and punt returns for touchdowns, and Howard had a punt blocked that was returned for a TD.
Coaching: Rutgers – Ash is going to need some time to rebuild Rutgers, but he has a great reputation and should earn his first win in this one.
Intangibles: Rutgers – The Scarlet Knights have won the previous four meetings by a combined score of 165-39.
Matchup To Watch
Grant vs. Howard’s defense/special teams
Grant needs 76 all-purpose yards to move into fourth place on Rutgers’ all-time list. He’s a threat through the air and on the ground, and is also dangerous in the return game.
Betting Odds
Spread: No Line
Over/Under: No Line
Rutgers vs. Howard Prediction
Grant has a big day and Ash gets his defense on the same page to earn his first victory at Rutgers.
Rutgers vs. Howard Final Score Prediction: Rutgers 38, Howard 3
