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After a trip through the Big Ten gauntlet, Rutgers opens the final stretch of the season with a key matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Scarlet Knights have been sitting pretty with five wins since October 4th, and can finally get number six against an IU team that is having injury issues at quarterback. During Indiana's loss to Iowa on October 11, both starter Nate Sudfeld and backup Chris Covington sustained season-ending injuries, leaving true freshman Zander Diamont as the lone option for the Hoosiers. The situation was already strained in the preseason when part-time starter Tre Roberson decided to transfer to Youngstown State.
Diamont has had a trial-by-fire for his first collegiate action, as he's been forced into action against the better defenses in the conference (Michigan State, Michigan, Penn State). As a true freshman, it's tough to really gauge how good or bad he really is, especially going up against the Spartans in his first game. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season, but he does have a touchdown run. The Knights should see a heavy dose of Tevin Coleman in this one, which would be a good test for a Rutgers defense that has been gashed the past three weeks.
Profile
Indiana Hoosiers (3-6, 0-5 B1G) Last week: Lost v. Penn State, 7-13
2013 Record: 5-7 (3-5 B1G)
Head Coach: Kevin Wilson (13-32 Indiana)
Location: Bloomington, IN
Series: First meeting
Broadcast Info
Saturday, November 15 - 3:30 PM
Channel: Big Ten Network
Line: Rutgers -6
Game Links
Knowing your enemy: Indiana Hoosiers - Looking back on what we expected from Indiana in the preseason.
RU opens as six-point favorites - The Scarlet Knights are favored for only the second time this season, and open with a low spread against a struggling Hoosier team.
Preparing for the Hoosiers - A look at how Rutgers used the bye week to get a jumpstart on the gameplan for Indiana.
Is IU football cursed? - David Woods of the Indianapolis Star asks this question among other tidbits from the Penn State loss.
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Rejoice #CHOPNation, it's not a noon start! And with any luck, we'll actually get some good weather for a fall Saturday in Piscataway when Rutgers is actually scheduled to play. With all due respect to Indiana, this game is by far the best opportunity for getting the sixth win for bowl eligibility. Will the fans show up to support the team? It's not Penn State or Michigan, but it's a chance for a competitive game and the program's second B1G win ever. Is that enough?