Penn State-Rutgers Predictions: Will Lions finish regular season with a win?

Penn State is one game away from clinching bowl eligibility. Following a six-game losing streak to open conference play, that felt unlikely just a few weeks ago.

Now, following the win over Nebraska, Penn State climbed from a 10.5-point favorite against Rutgers to 13.5 points, according to BetMGM.

All-time, Penn State is 32-2 against the Scarlet Knights. They’re also undefeated against Rutgers since they joined the Big Ten.

Will they make it happen on Saturday? Our staff provides their predictions below.

Matt Herb (Season Record: 8-3)

Athan Kaliakmanis looks to be the best quarterback Rutgers has had in ages, and with a good quarterback, all things are possible, including an upset win over an opponent you haven’t beaten since the Reagan era.

That said, Rutgers’ biggest weakness — its shaky run defense — dovetails nicely with Penn State’s greatest strength. The Scarlet Knights are last in the Big Ten and 127th in the FBS against the run, allowing 201.7 yards per game. They gave up 254 yards on the ground last week to Ohio State, 305 to Maryland and 414 to Oregon.

Penn State comes into the game having recommitted itself to running the football. That approach worked beautifully against Nebraska last week, and there’s no reason to think it won’t work again. Kaytron Allen needs just 46 yards to become the first 4,000-yard rusher in program history, and Nicholas Singleton needs one more rushing score to surpass Saquon Barkley and become the Lions’ all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (he currently has 43) and total TDs (53). Both seniors will have an excellent chance to reach those milestones on Saturday, and Penn State stands a good chance of extending its season.

Penn State: 34
Rutgers: 17

Greg Pickel (Season Record: 8-3)

Will Rutgers, and its top 40 passing offense, be able to throw on the Nittany Lions? That’s the only way we can see the Scarlet Knights keeping this game close. Penn State should be able to run all over the hosts Saturday at SHI Stadium. Expect Kaytron Allen to add to his records and for Nick Singleton to score at least once to set his own. The Lions get bowl-eligible easily in Piscataway.

Penn State: 35
Rutgers: 10

Ryan Snyder (Season Record: 8-3)

It’s no secret what Penn State plans to do offensively heading into its final regular season game against Rutgers. Over the past three games, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have averaged 35 carries combined. Allen, in particular, has been on a roll, totaling 395 yards and four touchdowns.

Last week, Penn State faced a Nebraska rushing defense that ranks No. 121 nationally in opponent yards per rush, allowing an average of 5.2 yards on the season following the 37-10 loss to Penn State. Now, they face a rushing defense that’s been even more porous, with Rutgers ranked dead last in the FBS at No. 136 in that same stat, allowing an average of 6.8 yards per carry.

When you add in the growth we’ve seen from Penn State’s defense in recent weeks, it’s hard for me to envision Rutgers surpassing 20 points.

Penn State: 34
Rutgers: 14