No. 17 Indiana at Rutgers Game Thread

How To Watch, Stream & Listen

Indiana at Rutgers

Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

Kick-off: Saturday, October 31 at 3:30 PM ET

Weather: 48 degrees, sunny with a 0% chance of rain, 4 mph winds

TV: FS1 with Joe Beninati (play-by-play), Matt Millen (color), and Coley Harvey (sideline)

Stream: FOX Sports App

Radio: RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network (WCTC 1450-AM, WOR 710-AM, WENJ 97.3-FM, XM 195, Sirius 136) with Chris Carlin (play-by-play), Eric LeGrand, Ray Lucas, and Anthony Fucilli (sideline).

Current Spread: Indiana -13

Series History: Indiana leads 4-2; last season Indiana shutout Rutgers 35-0.

SB Nation Indiana site: The Crimson Quarry

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Q&A The Daily Hoosier

Staff Predictions

The home opener and first game back on the banks with Greg Schiano as head coach is certainly not what we expected when he was hired back in December. Rutgers is 1-0 after a surprising double digit win at Michigan State and no fans will be able to officially welcome Schiano back due to the global pandemic. However, last week’s performance only stirred even more enthusiasm and hope across the fan base.

Today’s game against no. 17 Indiana is a huge opportunity to mark even more progress. The Hoosiers are riding high off an upset win over then no. 8 Penn State and are now ranked themselves for just the second time in the past quarter century. How both teams respond from last week in handling the emotions of this game will go a long way into determining the outcome.

If the Rutgers defense can continue to play aggressively and be effective with its swarm and strip mentality, the Scarlet Knights will at worst be competitive in this game. Although almost two touchdown underdogs, they played IU very tough in its last two trips to Piscataway with lesser teams. Containing Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and getting pressure off the edge is key. Of course, Noah Vedral and the new look offense need to continue to make progress and sustain drives while also execute in the red zone to win this game.

Keep expectations in check, as Rutgers hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent in 11 seasons, the longest drought of any power five conference team. Breaking that streak today would be glorious, but remember the expectations before the season and the big picture.

Settle in, hope for a spirited effort that signals continued progress at worst and join us during the game in the comment section.