EWB Football Predictions – September 7-8, Giants, Jets, Rutgers, SNF
By Ed Stein
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Iowa
Matthew Travis
In their second game of 2019, Iowa will win once again kick off their season 2-0, while Rutgers will fall to 1-1. The Hawkeyes were powered last week, thanks in part to quarterback Nate Stanley’s stellar performance. The senior threw for over 250 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. Against a Rutgers team that let up 21 points to UMass last week, the Hawkeyes roll 38-10.
Ed Easton Jr.
Rutgers will play Iowa tough, taking full advantage of the various injuries suffered by Hawkeyes players. McLane Carter and the offense will be ready for the task but won’t have enough to capitalize on the weakened Big Ten powerhouse. The game will be close and probably come down to a field goal with Iowa surviving 24-21.
Dan Schmelzer
As per usual, the Hawkeyes are loaded with productive and talented players on both the offensive and defensive line. It will prove to be a major advantage for them in this game. I expect Iowa to control the clock with a strong rushing attack on offense and give quarterback McLane Carter fits when Rutgers has the ball.
Carter threw three interceptions last week and Iowa should be able to create consistent pressure on the Rutgers quarterback in this one, making life for him even more difficult. Plus, their “bend, but don’t break” defense will force him to be patient. I simply do not see Carter being able to play a clean enough game against this defense. Iowa wins an easy one.
Ed Stein
Last week the Scarlet Knights almost got caught with their pants down against UMass in the season opener. Massachusetts jumped out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead before the mental lights turned on for Rutgers. Once they realized they were the better team, it was an RU blowout.
The Knights will need a near-perfect performance to beat Iowa on the road. The Hawkeyes have a great team this year and start the season among the top-20. As we saw last week, in terms of execution and keeping their wits about them, Rutgers is far from perfect. It’s not a stretch to see RU cover the 19.5 point spread, however.