Rutgers Football: 2018 season game-by-game predictions
Michigan State poses as another team that Rutgers can fall to in decisive fashion. At the same time, a loss to close out the regular season might not be the worst thing in the world. As long as Rutgers has six wins by the time it plays the Spartans, the Scarlet Knights can make a bowl game for the first time since the 2014 season.
Similarly to some of the other aforementioned teams on this year’s slate of games, Rutgers has never won against Michigan State in Big Ten play. The Spartans are definitely on the upswing as a resurgent 2017 team made an about-face from a 3-9 finish in 2016 to a winning 10-3 season last year.
According to ESPN, Michigan State will sit right around the four spot in the Big Ten power rankings and based on the same source, the Spartans only lost four starters from last year’s squad.
Brian Lewerke returns at quarterback after throwing for 20 touchdowns last season. He also has an ability to run somewhat and tallied five rushing touchdowns in 2017. Additionally, the team’s leading rusher, LJ Scott returns as a senior and so do the top-two pass catchers, receivers Felton Davis III and Darrell Stewart Jr.
Post-spring top 25 projections. dark. Next
Rutgers will be challenged on defense with the experience that Michigan State has at the skill positions. This veteran experience will match up with a Rutgers secondary that has veteran pieces but doesn’t have the greatest depth.
The Spartans, like years prior, will win on their home field.
Final: Michigan State 35, Rutgers 14 (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten)