Rutgers Needs Bounce Back Game At Illinois

Rutgers had a bye week last week; a much needed one to say the least.

After a strong 3-0 start to the season, things took a turn as they headed into BIG Ten play.

A close loss to Michigan gave fans hope for a more competitive team this season, but that has not been the case.

Rutgers lost big to Ohio State and Michigan State at home, as the offense couldn't score more than 13 points.

With a chance to rebound against a struggling Northwestern team, Rutgers failed to score more than a touchdown, losing their first four games in Big Ten play. Now Rutgers has to win three out of the next five to become bowl eligible.

That will not be an easy task as they go into Illinois (3-5) tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Illinois was able to do something most teams wish they could do, get a win in Happy Valley.

Last Saturday, Penn State was ranked seventh in the nation and had high hopes to push for a college football playoff spot, but those hopes came to an end after a record breaking nine overtime lose to Illinois, 20-18.

Illinois lost its starting quarterback, Art Sitkowski, a former quarterback at Rutgers, for the rest of the year due to an arm injury he suffered against Penn State.

But Illinois was able to run for 357 yards last week, so look for their rushing attack to get started early to open up the game.

Rutgers defense has to be prepared for this Illinois team and look for Olakunle Fatukasi to lead the way for them as he is averaging 10 tackles a game which is seventh in the nation, and second in the Big Ten. This could be a good game for Rutgers to get back on track and in the win column.