The Washington State Cougars try to turn their season around against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. We evaluate their chances below in the Washington State vs. Rutgers prediction and game preview.

Washington State vs. Rutgers Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

If the bloom isn’t off Wazzu coach Mike Leach’s rose, it sure is getting there. After going 3-9 a year ago, Leach began his critical fourth season on the Palouse by losing to FCS Portland State. And if his Cougars are going to rebound, they’ll have to do so almost 3,000 miles away in New Jersey. Rutgers used a strong second half to blow past Norfolk State, 63-13, mercifully returning to the field following a tumultuous and scandalous summer involving players and coach Kyle Flood.

Why Washington State Will Win

The Cougar offense needs to surge after scoring just 17 points on Portland State. Wazzu ought to like the matchup of its deep receiving corps versus a very young and depleted Rutgers secondary. The passing game stumbled last week, but QB Luke Falk has had a good week of practice, and receivers Gabe Marks, River Cracraft and Dom Williams are all proven playmakers.

Why Rutgers Will Win

The Scarlet Knights plan to slow the game down and wear the Cougars down with a physical, ball-control offense. Where Washington State is deep at receiver, Rutgers is well-stocked in the backfield with Paul James, Josh Hicks and Robert Martin. Plus, Leonte Carroo is the best receiver in the building, and a lethal option on play-action.

Player Who Matters

Rutgers QB Chris Laviano was nearly perfect last week after serving a first-half suspension. He completed 4-of-4 for 138 yards and three touchdowns to Carroo in a seven-minute span. This week, Laviano gets his first career start against a sub par Washington State secondary that’ll struggle to contain Carroo and Andre Patton.

What’s Going To Happen?

Wazzu by air. Rutgers by ground. Advantage Knights. Rutgers will allow more points this week to Falk & Co. But the Knights will move the chains as well, mixing body blows from the backs with long strikes to Carroo. It’ll be a typical Cougar Saturday—good news for fantasy owners, bad news for fans.

Washington State vs. Rutgers Score Prediction

Drum roll, please … the Washington State vs. Rutgers prediction is …

Final Score: Rutgers 38, Washington State 31

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field 1 – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2

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