How to watch Rutgers vs. Washington State: Preview, TV schedule, odds

Usually, we’re not going to be overly-excited about a game featuring Rutgers and Washington State. But this is different. It’s a power conference matchup on a weekend that will mostly match power conference teams against cupcakes, and it gives us a look at two compelling storylines: How will Rutgers start its first season in the Big Ten, and will this Washington State team be Mike Leach’s Leachiest Wazzu team yet?

Both programs had similar seasons last year. They both had middling 6-6 seasons in 2013 and they both lost their bowl games. However, the mood surrounding the programs from a national perspective is a little bit different. There’s some optimism about the Cougars after they proved they could be successful on offense last year, and they showed they have the ability to eventually climb up the Pac-12 every few years. Meanwhile, Rutgers has been written off by many pundits as a perennial Big Ten doormat, even though the Scarlet Knights have yet to play a game in their new conference.

Both teams need to win this game if they want to improve this year, and the result could buck the preseason narratives surrounding them — if only for a little bit.

TV: 10 ET, Fox Sports 1

Radio: Rutgers: WOR 710-AM (New York City), WCTC 1450-AM (New Jersey); Washington State: IMG College Sports Network

Rankings and records: Both teams finished 6-7 last year with losses in their respective bowl games. Washington State went 4-5 in the Pac-12, while Rutgers went 3-5 in the American Athletic Conference. Rutgers moves to the Big Ten East Division this year.

Vegas: Washington State is an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 60.5 points. Vegas expects lots of scoring in this one.

Weather forecast: TBD

Connor Halliday, QB, Washington State: Halliday led the nation with 714 pass attempts last season, which was 55 more than anyone else in the country. The Cougars are going to go to the air a lot again this year, and this is Halliday’s first chance to show that he can be more polished with that kind of output. As SB Nation’s Bill Connelly pointed out, Halliday had too many “hero moments” last year, and he needs to be more efficient with the ball. Still, he’s a proven player who can put up points.

Gary Nova, QB, Rutgers: After lighting up Fresno State at the beginning of last season, Nova had a very average year. He finished with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and he threw the ball less than half as much as Halliday did. He had to throw downfield a lot and that undoubtedly caused for a low completion percentage. There’s a lot of experience coming back in the running back, so the 2014 season won’t entirely be on Nova’s shoulders, but for Rutgers to take a step up, their quarterback needs to, as well — particularly in what figures to be a high-scoring season opener.

Ralph Friedgen, OC, Rutgers: Friedgen is back in college football after being fired from Maryland in 2010. Now, he has the opportunity to turn Rutgers back into a consistent winner and help it shed the afterthought label that it’s been given entering the Big Ten. Can he play to Nova’s strengths and turn the offense into a respectable, productive unit? This season-opening shootout should be a good test.

1. Washington State had a whirlwind year last season, and while it was a lot of fun, it wasn’t a recipe for consistent success. The goal for the Cougars this season should be to win the games they should, then focus on using Mike Leach’s offensive powers to pull a few upsets along the way, and keep making the program a little more respectable each year. This isn’t going to be a great team, but it can’t afford a setback after the optimism that showed last season. To build on last year’s success, this game is a must-win.

2. Can Rutgers make any noise in its first year in the Big Ten? The Scarlet Knights have hardly moved the needle within the conference this off-season, and most people probably expect the same thing from the team in this game as they expect overall — a lot of “meh.” If Friedgen’s work with Nova and the offense turn this into a fun, late-night, shootout win, then perhaps Rutgers can get a little bit more respect before conference play.

Make sure to check out our Washington State site, Coug Center, and our Rutgers site, On the Banks, for more coverage.