The “Win B1G In Lincoln” Game Thread: Rutgers at Nebraska

How To Watch, Stream & Listen

Rutgers (1-2) At Nebraska (1-2)

Where: Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska (Seating Capacity: 90,000)

Kick-off: Saturday, September 23rd at 3:30 p.m. ET

TV: BTN

Note: primary channel in NJ/NY/Philly area; non-local area click here for BTN channel finder

Stream: BTN2GO

Radio: Rutgers IMG Sports Network with Chris Carlin, Ray Lucas, Eric LeGrand, and Anthony Fucilli - WCTC 1450-AM, ESPN NY 98.7-FM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM

Current Spread: Nebraska - 12

Series History: Nebraska leads 3-0, winning 42-24 in 2014 and 31-14 in 2015. There was also a 28-0 victory in 1920 played at the Polo Grounds.

NOTE: This is the homecoming game for Nebraska

SB Nation Nebraska Site: Corn Nation

Game Preview

Nebraska Injury Update:

Wow, this team is really banged up entering Saturday’s matchup with Rutgers. On offense, starting running back Tre Bryant, who rushed for 299 yards in the first two games of this season, is out with a knee injury. Top receiver Stanley Morgan has a neck issue and is questionable to play. Starting offensive lineman Matt Farniok is out with a wrist injury. Another starter on the line, David Knevel, is unlikely to play, as head coach Mike Riley said on Thursday he is “at best an emergency type guy”.

On defense, starting outside linebacker Marcus Newby is out with a hamstring issue. Starting safety Joshua Kalu is also out with his own hamstring issue.

Rutgers Injury Update:

On offense, the good news is starting center Jonah Jackson is set to start on Saturday after missing last week’s game with an injury. In regards to concerning news, Janarion Grant is nursing some type of injury after hobbling off the field in the first half against Morgan State. Head coach Chris Ash had this to say on Grant’s status to NJ Advance Media’s Ryan Dunleavy on Thursday:

"We hope so," Ash said after Thursday's practice. "Don't know yet. Time will tell."

UPDATE: It’s been reported Janarion Grant will miss the game.

On defense, starting lineman Job Bateky has missed the past two games and no word on whether he will play against Nebraska. Backup lineman Jimmy Hogan also missed the past two games and it’s unclear if he will return for Saturday’s game.

Pregame Thoughts

The Rutgers defense has allowed just three touchdowns in three games this season, after allowing ten through the same period last season. That included surrendering three touchdown passes in the first game of the season to Washington’s Jake Browning in 2016. There is no doubt this unit is improved and they are currently third in the Big Ten in opponent’s third down conversion rate. Turnover margin is so important in this game and the Rutgers secondary needs to step up and take advantage of Nebraska’s turnover prone quarterback, Tanner Lee. The offensive line of Nebraska is missing two starters and their top running back, Tre Bryant, is out with a knee injury. It is so important that Rutgers start strong and don’t fall behind by multiple scores in this game. The defense needs to continue to build on a solid start to the season with their best performance today.

As for the offense, quarterback Kyle Bolin needs to prove the type of leader he is today. He has played in difficult road environments in the ACC and needs to make sure the younger players on offense keep their composure. Bolin also needs to be accurate and assertive on the field. He needs his guys on offense to believe they can score against an improving Nebraska defense, one that has only allowed one touchdown in the past six quarters. Getting the ball in the passing game to playmakers Janarion Grant and Jerome Washington is essential. Hopefully, Bolin can connect on some deep balls to Bo Melton and Jawuan Harris as well. Of course, establishing the run game with Gus Edwards, Robert Martin, and Raheem Blackshear is the key to controlling time of possession and moving the chains in this game.

Join us in the comment section during the game and I’ll be live tweeting from our OTB account as well. Rutgers has lost 14 Big Ten games in a row, when they last beat Indiana in an epic 25 point comeback on October 17, 2015. After breaking an FBS worst 11 game losing streak last weekend, let’s hope Rutgers can end this conference losign streak as well!