Penn State football, now ranked #8, have their College Football Playoff hopes still alive. On Saturday, not only did Penn State win in Bloomington over Indiana, 45-31, but 3rd-ranked Michigan lost, 14-13 at the hands of unranked Iowa in Iowa City. This means that if Penn State wins against lowly Rutgers and Michigan State, and Michigan loses ¨The Game¨ to Ohio State, Penn State would be in the Big Ten Championship Game. But first up, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers Preview

Quarterback:

Penn State: Trace McSorley has done a great job leading the Lions to an 8-2 start and has used his legs effectively to complement the PSU passing game. He is a great dual-threat quarterback who can hurt you with his arm and his legs. Head coach James Franklin said that McSorely is "a tough sucker, he really is."

Rutgers: Giovanni Rescigno has started the last 3 games since taking over for redshirt junior Chris Laviano. The Scarlet Knights have lost all 3 games with Rescigno starting by an average of 19 points per game. Rescigno has averaged 127 yards per game passing and 21 yards per game rushing. He is a pocket passer and does not run very often.

Advantage: Penn State

Running Back:

Penn State: Saquon Barkley is one of the best players in college football and can break a big play at any moment. After a misstep against Indiana last week, he should be primed for a big day against Rutgers.

Rutgers: For Rutgers the top rushers have been Robert Martin (105 attempts, 5.2 yards per carry, 68.4 yards per game) and Justin Goodwin (98 attempts, 4.2 yards per carry, 41.4 yards per game) who should split time in the backfield. While the Scarlet Knights might have a pair of solid backs, Penn State holds a clear advantage at this position.

Advantage: Penn State

Receivers:

Penn State: Penn State has multiple receivers who can go to the next level and play on Sundays. Chris Godwin, DaeSean Hamilton, and Saeed Blacknall provide PSU a trio of versatile receivers who can catch the deep ball or make catches for solid gains of around 6 or 7 yards. Tight end Mike Gesicki has also been a dependable target this year, as he is the 2nd-leading receiver on the team this year.

Rutgers: Wide receivers Jawaun Harris, Andre Patton, Janarion Grant, and tight end Nick Arcidiacono have been the top targets for RU QBs so far this year. They have averaged 40, 36, 53, and 6 yards per game, respectively. Patton leads the team in touchdowns with 5.

Advantage: Penn State

Defense:

Penn State: Ever since the Michigan game, Penn State has had even more time to heal, and defensive coordinator Brent Pry has thrown as many as 10 different guys out to play on the defensive line. PSU's defensive line has reeked having on opposing offenses lately.

Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights defense has been manhandled lately, as they have allowed at least 33 points in their last 6 games, all losses. 3 of last year´s solid linebackers are gone, so they are not a defense that is going to give anyone a lot of headaches.

Advantage: Penn State

Special Teams:

Penn State: Joey Julius has proven to be a very valuable asset on kickoffs, as he has a 48% touchback percentage this season. As for field goals, Tyler Davis has gone 16-for-18 on field goals this season, and those 2 misses were both blocked. He has been one of the most solid kickers in the Big Ten so far this year. In the punting game, freshman Blake Gillikin has a 41 yard average, as he too has been towards the top of the conference at his position.

Rutgers: David Bonagura has been a solid kicker for RU to have, as he is 10-for-12 on the season with a long of 41. Michael Cintron has been dependable in the punting game as well, as he owns a 38 yard average.

Advantage: Penn State

Interesting Stats/Facts about the Scarlet Knights:

• Have been outscored 134-27 in the 1st quarter this season.

• Have converted a mere 32% on 3rd down and 46% on 4th down this season.

• Have blocked 3 kicks this season.

• The last time Penn State went to Piscataway to play RU, Penn State prevailed by only 3 points.

• Had a 4 year bowl streak snapped last season, going 4-8.

Overall Prediction: The defense stifles a poor Rutgers offense in the second half after Rutgers makes it a close game at halftime. Penn State pulls ahead in the second half for a blowout win.

Penn State 45 Rutgers 17