Ohhhh so many storylines. Let’s run through them. First, Penn State doesn’t look good. The Nittany Lions got dominated by Temple, giving up 10 sacks in the process, and a number of former players took to Twitter to air their frustrations about the program. PSU at least beat Buffalo in week two, but the offense was still pretty dreadful, especially considering the quality of competition.
How to watch Rutgers vs. Penn State on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Schadenfreude all around.
Then then there’s Rutgers. Oh, Rutgers. Head coach Kyle Flood is being investigated for allegations of academic misconduct. Five players were dismissed at the start of the season for various charges relating to an armed robbery. The Scarlet Knights’ best player, wide receiver Leonte Carroo, was indefinitely suspended after being arrested for simple assault (he allegedly slammed a woman into concrete outside the stadium). That came after a loss to Washington State, which had previously lost to FCS Portland State this season. So yeah, not too good.
Penn State rallied from a 10-0 deficit to win this game 13-10 at Rutgers last year, and given the state of both programs, you probably shouldn’t expect any more offense than last year.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
Radio: Penn State, Rutgers
Online streaming: BTN2GO
Spread: Penn State is favored by 10 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Black Shoe Diaries for Penn State fans and On The Banks for Rutgers fans.
Three big things to know
1. What can the Rutgers offense do without Leonte Carroo? Offense hasn’t been the Scarlet Knights’ Achilles heel this year or in recent years, but losing your best wide receiver before facing a defense that is at least competent (unlike Norfolk State or Washington State) isn’t exactly ideal. But given the allegations, Rutgers will likely need to get used to life without its most dynamic playmaker.
2. So about that offense, Penn State. Things got a little bit on track against Buffalo, but that’s Buffalo. The offensive line is still a major concern, and the Nittany Lions simply have to find a way to start moving the ball.
3. What happens if Penn State loses to Rutgers? The Nittany Lions want to be back on top in the Big Ten East, but right now, they’re much closer to the bottom. If James Franklin starts the season with losses to both Temple and Rutgers, he might have a coup on his hands.
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