Rutgers vs. Penn State (Senior Day Preview)

Senior Day at High Point Solutions Stadium will feature the Penn State Nittany Lions, currently the No. 8 team in the country. Penn State has a ton to play for as they are still very much in the mix to win the Big Ten East Division. Rutgers has the opportunity to play the role of spoiler against a recruiting nemesis, and send three-time captain Darius Hamilton and the other seniors out in style. Apart from it being Senior Day, the school will also honor the undefeated 1976 team during the first TV timeout from what I've heard.

As far as the importance of the game, head coach Chris Ash simply stated that Rutgers is "playing to try and get better"  and "we're playing for our seniors." Asked about Hamilton specifically, the coach stated "people listen to him" and that Darius buying into what the new coaching staff was trying to do "meant a lot."

Another senior discussed was Janarion Grant. The coach mentioned that Janarion will make a decision whether to be announced on Saturday. Sometime in December, Grant will decide if he's leaving for the NFL or staying for a 5th year provided that he is granted a medical redshirt from the NCAA. Ash said there has been no word on a decision regarding the medical redshirt.

Obviously, playing another top-team presents a huge challenge for the struggling Scarlet Knights. Hopefully with it being Senior Day at home under the primetime lights, Rutgers will have its best effort of the season. Of the Nittany Lions, Ash mentioned that they are a "good, confident football team." Defensive coordinator Jay Niemann is "concerned with the overall speed and athleticism of their skill people," especially tailback Saquon Barkley who Niemann noted is a "complete back" and "a real impressive player." Barkley currently has stockpiled 1,113 yards on the season at a 5.6 yards-per-carry clip. On offense, coordinator Drew Mehringer noted that his guys are excited about Penn State "coming to town" mostly because of the atmosphere. He said that Penn State has a "good defensive front" and that they "find ways to get to the quarterback." Mehringer also singled out the PSU defensive backs, particularly John Reid and "No. 15" Grant Haley.

For Rutgers to have any chance, they are going to have to run the ball effectively against Penn State. I think the rush defense is where PSU can be a little vulnerable. And then that can open up the downfield shots to Andre Patton. But Mehringer said that Robert Martin has only been 75% healthy, so the extent of his availability is a guessing game. Of course, that's the way the staff likes it.

On defense for Rutgers, the game is over before it starts if they don't stop the run. Barkley in my opinion is one of the top backs in the nation and Rutgers' run defense has been the worst in the conference and fifth worst in the nation. Although, the Purdue defense is not far behind. On the flip side, Rutgers still has a Top 25 pass defense, at No. 23.

Ash also confirmed that the staff is committed to Giovanni Rescigno as the starting quarterback, mentioning firmly "He's our starting quarterback. That won't change unless there's an injury."