Week 8 Game Predictions: Northwestern Vs. Rutgers

Northwestern football returns to New Ryan Field this Saturday for another important Big Ten matchup against Rutgers.

The No. 23 Wildcats enter the contest with a 5-1 record following a thrilling 24-21 road victory over Michigan State, while the Scarlet Knights are looking to build on their 37-30 victory over Maryland.

With Northwestern dealing with several key injuries, Rutgers showing signs of offensive improvement and a difficult stretch of games approaching for the Wildcats, there are plenty of storylines heading into Saturday’s matchup.

Here’s how our Northwestern Roundtable staff sees the game playing out.

Alex Kwiatkowski (6-0): Northwestern 38, Rutgers 24

After a tough road victory over Michigan State, Northwestern returns home to New Ryan Field, where I expect another electric atmosphere. However, the Wildcats cannot afford to overlook Rutgers, especially with a challenging stretch of games approaching.

I expect Chip Kelly and Aidan Chiles to keep their foot on the gas pedal offensively, putting up plenty of points and yards. With several key defensive players dealing with injuries, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rutgers creates some explosive plays and puts points on the board.

Still, David Braun understands the importance of taking care of business at home before the schedule gets significantly tougher. I expect Northwestern’s offense to lead the way as the Wildcats secure another convincing victory.

Prediction: Northwestern 38, Rutgers 24

Nick Meyer (3-1): Northwestern 35, Rutgers 17

Rutgers has been competitive for much of this season and has a few pockets of talent on its roster that can play up or down to the competition.

I expect a close game early, but Northwestern should eventually pull away behind the strength of its running game.

With Aidan Chiles settling into the matchup, I also expect him to have a big day through the air, helping the Wildcats take control and secure another Big Ten victory.

Prediction: Northwestern 35, Rutgers 17

Luke (2-0): Northwestern 28, Rutgers 21

There isn't much more to add to the discussion surrounding this game, other than the original 16.5-point spread favoring Northwestern being puzzling once again.

You can't necessarily call a conference matchup a trap game, especially considering how competitive Rutgers has been against several opponents this season. The Scarlet Knights have played USC, Boston College and Maryland in one-score games, demonstrating that their offense deserves respect despite some inconsistent results.

I believe there's an interception waiting to happen for Northwestern's secondary today. The question is which player will step up and make that play.

And as I've said numerous times, if Aidan Chiles and Northwestern's offense continue protecting the football the way they have all season, the game becomes much less complicated.

I expect Rutgers to keep things competitive, but Northwestern should ultimately find a way to secure another victory.

Prediction: Northwestern 28, Rutgers 21

Gavin Dorsey (3-1): Northwestern 42, Rutgers 13

There are several factors that I believe contributed to Northwestern’s disappointing performance in last week’s win over Michigan State. For starters, Aidan Chiles took some time to settle in against his former team, whose home crowd was heckling him throughout the game. And despite what David Braun and Pat Fitzgerald told the media about it being “just a game,” both sides clearly had some extra motivation to win. I think that intensity contributed to some questionable coaching decisions, including the fake punt.

Rutgers has played better lately after a brutal start to the season, but I expect Northwestern to handle the Scarlet Knights comfortably and improve to 6-1 ahead of a massive road matchup against Oregon.

Prediction: Northwestern 42, Rutgers 13