It's Homecoming in Piscataway and for once the alumni are coming home to a winning streak. Sure sure, it's one game and was preceded by a long losing streak but today for one day, it's about the win.
A much improved Purdue team arrives today not looking like the automatic W for the opponent they used to be. Purdue, while improved, aren't exactly Ohio State yet either. They will come into RU hoping not to fall victim to the team most consider the worst in the B1G. Purdue has made some positive strides this season, those might be considered lost with a road loss to the Scarlet Knights.
Purdue is a road favorite for first time in 5 years today, coming in as 8 point favorites. Johnny thinks that's hogwash. RU has the momentum and again, Purdue isn't OSU or MSU or Wisconsin right now; They're a good up and coming story but there are still hurdles to clear before they even become Iowa or Indiana. Johnny thinks today could be one of those hurdles.
RU RB's Gus Edwards and Raheem Blackshear will need a similar effort as Illinois. Run the ball, shorten the game, makes it easy on Giovanni Rescigno should he see the majority of playing time again this week or Kyle Bolin in relief. Purdue will want to open and spread the field. Rutgers can't let them pass all day and cannot let the Boilers keep the ball. RU at the end of the day needs time of possession to land on their side of the ledger.
Purdue looking for bowl game eligibility which will give them plenty of emotion and fight though Johnny thinks the back tot he wall keep bowl hopes alive tend to come in weeks 10-11-12. So, somebody gets second conference win today and either way it will hopefully change impressions. A Purdue team looking to play in a bowl would change tat impression of being a dump program in a dump town. If RU can get their second win in a row maybe, just maybe Chris Ash can get some breathing room even for a week. Two wins in a row would be a high point for the program in the B1G and that chance comes today in High Point Stadium
So, a crossroads for two teams today in Piscataway. One looking to keep climbing and one looking to set their feet on solid ground. It's a glorious day for football in New Jersey today and Johnny sees no reason to spoil the party now.
Fearless Forecast
Rutgers 28
Purdue 25
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1 comment:
One big run a half just isn't going to be enough today and RU doesn't even have a second TD run yet. Gotta step it up in the 2nd half
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