Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 5th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Despite their undefeated record in the first four games, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano acknowledges that his team will need to make significant progress in order to secure a Big Ten road victory against Nebraska on Saturday in Lincoln.
According to Schiano, the Big Ten is known as the most challenging conference in the country, and it demands continuous improvement from its teams. He emphasizes the importance of his team's growth leading up to the game, as failure to do so could result in being left behind by their opponents.
Nebraska, with a record of 4-1 and 1-1 in the Big Ten, boasts one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, Dylan Raiola. The freshman has impressive stats, completing 70.4% of his passes for 1,224 yards and nine touchdowns with only two interceptions.
See also:
"AP Top 25 Poll: Oregon Rises to Second Place, Penn State Claims Third Spot"
See also:
23-year-old North Carolina WR Tylee Craft passes away from cancer
Meanwhile, Rutgers has been dominant in their rushing game, averaging 237.8 yards and 35.0 points per game. Running back Kyle Monangai has been a key player, racking up 589 yards and six touchdowns on 97 carries. He currently ranks third in the nation for rushing yards per game with 147.2.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule praises Monangai's exceptional balance and ability to avoid being tackled, comparing him to a character in the movie "The Matrix." He also acknowledges the challenge of facing such a talented player.
In their previous game against Purdue, Nebraska's defense held their opponents to only 50 rushing yards, showcasing their strength in stopping the run. They have only allowed an average of 85.4 rushing yards and 12.2 points per game this season.
Schiano recognizes the talent and potential of Nebraska's quarterback Raiola, especially considering his young age. He praises Raiola's command of the offense and his versatility as a player, noting his strong throwing ability both in and out of the pocket.
While Nebraska has a positive turnover margin of plus-5, Rutgers has only committed two turnovers in their four games. This could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the game.
It is worth noting that Nebraska has won all six of their previous meetings with Rutgers and has a perfect record of 2-0 against them at home.
See also:
"Recap of Top 25 Matchup: No. 3 Oregon Edges No. 2 Ohio State with Late Field Goal"
See also:
"Colorado's Travis Hunter, DB/WR, Suffers Apparent Shoulder Injury and Leaves Game"