Can Rutgers Turn it Around in Week 9?

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take on the USC Trojans on Oct. 25. It will be a Friday night game in California. This will also be the first time these two programs face off. Rutgers has been on a bit of a losing streak and looking to get the season back in order despite numerous injuries. Here is what to expect for the game.

When and Where is the Game?

The game will be held on Oct. 25 means that it is a Friday night matchup. Not only is it a night game but it will be 11 p.m. local time for Rutgers, 8 p.m. PT. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano spoke to the media ahead of the game where he stated that Rutgers will fly out Wednesday night. They will return right after the conclusion of the game.

“We generally never go out a day early. Just we stay on Rutgers time,” Schiano said. “When you have an 8 o’clock start pacific, I don’t think it’s prudent to stay on Rutgers time.”

How Will Location Affect Rutgers?

Teams on the East Coast playing on the West Coast because of the conference realignment have not done well this year. This is not always the case though. In week seven the Penn State Nittany Lions did defeat USC. The most challenging part will be how the Scarlet Knights adjust to the Time zone. 11 p.m. is challenging for an East Coast team. Even Schiano said in a press conference that he does not like his decision-making at 2 a.m., which will be the end of the game. The team is going into this game understanding that it could be a challenge to play in a game this late.

Keys to Victory for Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights offense has struggled for the past couple of weeks. With Rutgers running back Samuel Brown V out with an injury, it has made it harder on Kyle Monangai. Monangai is a strong running back but could get less rest time. The good news for Rutgers is the USC defense is pretty banged up too. This leaves room for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to get some momentum going.

On the defensive side of the ball, if Rutgers can put pressure on USC quarterback Miller Moss, they should be able to get the win. It will also be very important to stop USC running back Woody Marks. USC and Rutgers have one thing in common and that is that they have one running back that can run through teams. Stopping Marks early and forcing USC to pass the ball more will be key.

One of the most important times for Rutgers to step up in the last quarter. USC has been a part of numerous close games all coming down to the final minutes. USC is on a losing streak and their losses have come in the second half. If USC continues to struggle finishing games this is where the team should take advantage.

Importance of the Game

Both the Scarlet Knights and the Trojans are looking to turn their season around. Rutgers’ record is currently 4-3, needing just two more games to become bowl-eligible. Time is winding down with just five more games remaining. Defeating the USC Trojans could be a huge momentum boost for the Scarlet Knights to finish out their season.

Although going into the season it may have seemed that USC would be a dominant team compared to the Scarlet Knights, USC has lost to teams they should have won such as Maryland and Minnesota. The Scarlet Knights turning it around against USC could be just what they need to finish the season off strong

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the USC Trojans will kick off on Oct. 25 at 11 p.m. EST at Los Angeles Memorial Stadium.