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Rutgers football, following a tough home loss a week ago to Wisconsin, bounced back in an impressive fashion on Saturday with a 38-3 win at Indiana. But immediately after the win, head coach Greg Schiano was quick to turn his attention to the game looming this weekend.
A game at Penn State (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten) for Rutgers (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten) that is big for both programs. For Rutgers, it means more than just a rivalry game (a rivalry that is still taking time to develop).
Penn State, while receiving votes in the most recent USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, has lost four of their last five games and is coming off a disappointing effort in a 21-17 home loss on Saturday to Michigan.
“So we got a huge game this week against Penn State at Penn State. And everything we got is going to go into that,” Schiano told reporters on Saturday following his team’s win at Indiana.
“They’re a good football team, really good. And we’re going to have to do everything we can to have a chance to win but that’s 100 percent of our focus is there now.”
Penn State has struggled over the past five months, with two of their losses coming to teams currently with losing records. But since Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014, Penn State has never lost to the Scarlet Knights.
This is a talented Nittany Lions team and one that, if they can close the season strong and with a bowl win, should be able to secure a top 25 finish.
The game has significance for Rutgers on the personnel front given the overlap in recruiting turf as well as for this season at large. Rutgers is one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time since 2014.
With a game at Penn State and the season finale against Maryland remaining, the Scarlet Knights need one win to go to the postseason.
“So, everybody knows right if you get to six, you get to go to a bowl game. Everybody knows that,” Schiano said. “We need to make sure that we are ready for a very good Penn State team at Penn State.”