What Good Omen Does Rutgers Have Going Against Illinois, Plus How To Watch & Game Day Links

How To Watch Illinois At Rutgers

Location: High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey

Seating Capacity: 52,454

Kickoff: 12:00 ET

Television: ESPNews

Stream: WatchESPN

Radio: Rutgers/IMG Sports Network

WOR 710-AM, WCTC 1450-AM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM

Satellite Radio: Sirius 132; XM 196

Spread: Illinois - 4.5

Weather Forecast: 64 degrees & Sunny

Alright, we are here. It’s the start of the second half of the season and Rutgers is hosting Illinois in what is a winnable game on Homecoming. To say morale has been low on the banks lately would be a massive understatement. Chris Ash and his coaching staff need a win. The players need a win. The fans need a win. This game is crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season.

There is no denying this a must win for Rutgers. In order to have future success this season, they need to start piecing things back together today. Illinois is just 1-4 and haven’t beaten an FBS team yet. They are coming off a loss to Purdue, a team considered the worst in the Big Ten before winning against the Fighting Illini.

Rutgers took a lot of abuse after the past two weeks, both on and off the field. We need some hope restored and a victory today would certainly do that. I can’t even think about a loss. Desperate times call for desperate measures and I needed a sign that today will be a good day. I think I found it.

Good Omen Alert

Rutgers football legend Brian Leonard is being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame at halftime today. He was the first true star during the rebirth of this program. Leonard led with his talent, his relentless effort, his unselfishness by reducing his role for Ray Rice to shine. He truly was a great player and leader.

Brian Leonard is the signature player of the Greg Schiano era. However, the true sign that Rutgers has good vibes on it’s side today is when I remembered the moment when his iconic “Leonard Leap” gained notoriety. It became his thing for real when a specific play was #1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 highlights back in 2005. Who was the opponent that Rutgers played that day? Illinois.

Maybe I’m scared to death of this game and am looking for anything to give me confidence. Or maybe this truly is a good omen. Either way, congratulations to a true Rutgers legend and watch his leap that day for good luck. Let's hope today is a celebratory welcome home in more ways than one!

Game Day Links

On The Banks

Game Preview

Staff Predictions

Depth Chart

Opponent Preview

Know Thy Enemy

Q&A With Illinois Blog - The Champaign Room

Linebacker Depth An Issue

Rutgers Underdogs On Homecoming

Big Ten Week 7 Handicapping Preview

The Champaign Room

Q&A With On The Banks

Week 7 Viewing Guide

Lovie Smith Press Conference

Local Coverage

Rutgers Football Game Notes

5 Keys To Rutgers v. Illinois

Recruits Visiting For Rutgers v. Illinois

National Coverage

ESPN Week 7 Big Ten Predictions

Chris Ash’s Connection To Lovie Smith

Stadium Policies

Big Ten TV Schedule