Northwestern-Rutgers predictions

Davis Rich: Northwestern 24, Rutgers 6

Drake Anderson scores his first career touchdown and NU’s defense pitches a shutout until the fourth quarter. It’s ugly, but Northwestern gets the job done ahead of a big matchup with Wisconsin next weekend.

Noah Coffman: Northwestern 31, Rutgers 10

I’d like to say I have any idea of what’s gonna happen in this one. If Northwestern runs the ball successfully or Thorson is good enough at mixing in short and deep passes to keep the ‘Ger off balance, NU might get to 50. The Knights of Scarlet could also run roughshod over a Northwestern front that is suddenly looking a bit vulnerable. Either way, Northwestern is definitely the better team in spite of plenty of injuries. What does that mean for the outcome? Who knows. One thing I will predict with confidence: breakout game for Chad Hanaoka.

Caleb Friedman: Northwestern 35, Rutgers 10

Northwestern is all-around better than Rutgers. It will show Saturday.

Avery Zimmerman: Northwestern 31, Rutgers 7

Northwestern steps up to the plate and easily disposes of a lesser opponent, setting up a huge matchup in Evanston the following week.

Eli Karp: Northwestern 34, Rutgers 13

Rutgers has been outscored by an average of 21 points per game, and I see no reason why it changes Saturday. While Rutgers QB Artur Sitkowski will surpass his eight-yard performance last week, the NU defense will force turnovers, and Clayton Thorson will find his groove for the third consecutive week.

Martin Oppegaard: Northwestern 28, Rutgers 14

Great teams cover.

Joe Weinberg: Northwestern 30, Rutgers 10

Luckenbaugh goes 3-of-3 on field goals and the Northwestern defense comes out ready to play. ‘Cats by 20.

Lia Assimakopoulos: Northwestern 28, Rutgers 13

Spencer Levitt: Northwestern 27, Rutgers 10

With Clayton Thorson at the helm, Northwestern stays hot and secures the expected win over Rutgers.