Masse’s Rutgers game breakdown
Chris Masse analyzes the matchups at Rutgers
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Penn State
Offense: Why did it take a new head coach and 10 games for PSU to realize what it had in the backfield, to keep it simple and ride those two backs? I don't care how hyped Drew Allar was, run the ball with your two dynamic weapons and let everything feed off that. Makes sense why James Franklin is now in Blacksburg.
Defense: Nebraska had failed to reach 20 points just once in its first 10 games and, take away an improvisational play and it would not have even reached 10 against PSU. The Lions have allowed just 10 points over the last six quarters. Yes, they have not been against world beaters but it's an impressive turnaround. It's also Exhibit A for being glad Nebraska locked up Matt Rhule.
Special teams: Ryan Baker showed his human side and missed an extra point for the first time this season. He still has missed just one field goal and that came via block. Punter Gabe Nwosu remains second in the Big Ten, averaging 46 yards per kick. The return game even has broken out of the doldrums and Trebor Pena returned a punt 21 yards against Nebraska.
Coaching/intangibles: To those saying they want Terry Smith as the full-time coach I say, cool it. He has done excellent job in a difficult situation, but let's not get carried away with two wins against a below average team and a mediocre one. I get the sentimental impact with Smith being a PSU guy, but the program needs someone with head-coaching experience and experience building a program.
Rutgers
Offense: Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is third among Big Ten passers with 2,786 yards, more than Heisman candidate Francisco Mendoza. He surpassed last year's total a week ago and needs two touchdowns to reach a career-high of 19. Rutgers has good balance with
Antwan Raymond third among Big Ten rushers at 1,052 yards and
12 touchdowns. Receiver KJ Duff needs 43 yards to reach 1,000 yards.
Defense: Rutgers has allowed 20 or more points in every league game, even 24 in a close call against doormat Purdue. Scarlet Knights are last in the Big Ten, allowing 425.9 yards per game. Hard to believe, but they actually allow more points per game than Purdue and only UCLA allows more than the 31.1 that Rutgers does. They also have just 10 sacks.
Special teams: Jai Patel has missed five of 18 field-goal tries as well as two extra points. He has been outstanding from 40-49 yards the last three years, however, going 10-for-12. Punter Jakob Anderson averages 44.1 yards per punt, but has only four of 50 or more yards, ranking among the bottom in that category in the Big Ten.
Coaching/intangibles: Greg Schiano did a super job building the Rutgers program from 2001-11 before a disastrous NFL stint with the Buccaneers, but rebuilding the Knights in the Big Ten is a much taller order. He has led Rutgers to two straight bowl game appearances but needs a win today to make it three straight. If Rutgers loses, it will be step back and show the rebuild has hit a roadblock.
Advantages: PSU for offense, defense, special teams. Rutgers for coaching.
Prediction record: 9-2
Prediction: Call this the Desperation Bowl with the loser eliminated from competing in a bowl game and the winner earning
a berth. Following last week's performance, it's easy to say PSU romps here, but that's one reason I don't think it will.
Look for Rutgers to put up a fight for a half but for Lions to grind them down in the second half. Penn State 34, Rutgers 19.