Rutgers football vs. Penn State scouting report: Who will get bowl bid?

PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football knows exactly what’s at stake as it prepares to host Penn State in the final game of the regular season.

Just don’t think any of the Scarlet Knights are paying much attention to it – publicly at least.

“We’re definitely excited,” quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. “But we’ve really got to live for right now. That’s what we’re focused on. Those are distractions. We know what’s at stake but we’re living in the now and enjoying every moment.”

What’s at stake is the chance to play another game.

The Scarlet Knights will go up against the Nittany Lions on Saturday, Nov. 29 (3:30 p.m., BTN) at SHI Stadium with both teams needing one more win to secure bowl eligibility.

So whoever wins will earn the right to play another game.

The loser will see its season end in disappointing fashion.

“When you have a situation like that, I think the worst thing I can do is make a big deal of it,” coach Greg Schiano said. “They know. These guys are elite competitors. They know what’s at stake and they know what they want to do.”

Same can be said for both teams.

The Nittany Lions are riding a two-game winning streak, while trying to salvage a disastrous season that’s included the firing of head coach James Franklin.

Rutgers is trying to go to a bowl for a third-straight year and make something of a season that’s fallen short of expectations.

“It’s all going to be about execution, it’s all going to be about the preparation that we put in this week,” Schiano said. “And what kind of execution that leads to on Saturday.”

Rutgers vs. Penn State scouting report

Why Penn State has an advantage: The Nittany Lions have two dynamic running backs in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Allen has rushed for 1,077 yards on 188 carries (5.7 yards per attempt) with 14 touchdowns this season − he became the program's all-time leading rusher in Penn State's win over Nebraska − while Singleton has rushed for 463 yards on 114 carries (4.1 yards per attempt) with 11 scores. They're going to test a Rutgers defense that's allowing 201.7 yards on the ground per game, which ranks last in the Big Ten.

"They're excellent running backs, they're NFL running backs," Schiano said. "Probably high draft picks. They have an exceptional offensive line as well, so it's not just good running backs. And they have excellent tight ends as well. So when you put it all together it's a very formidable running game to defend. Certainly keeping us up at night trying to find a way to do that."

If the Scarlet Knights struggle to slow those backs down, it could be a long day for Rutgers.

Why Rutgers has an advantage: Rutgers has the better and more productive offense between the two teams. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has had a fine season and he has outstanding weapons in wide receivers KJ Duff and Ian Strong, not to mention the Scarlet Knights' 1,000-yard rusher in Antwan Raymond. Penn State's defense ranks eighth in the Big Ten, yielding 325 yards per game. And the unit has especially played well over the last couple weeks. But if Rutgers can avoid turning the ball over, chew up some clock and hit on a few big plays, it should be in decent position for a win. And if you want to throw in another advantage, playing at home should also help. Although it's going to be interesting to see just how many Penn State fans get their way into SHI Stadium.

Rutgers vs. Penn State prediction

Even the most critical Rutgers observer would have to admit the Scarlet Knights have shown improvement in the latter portion of the season. The Scarlet Knights' defense put up a fight against Ohio State in the second half on Nov. 22, but just ultimately couldn't keep up in the 42-9 blowout loss. Still, there were enough signs to show that maybe, just maybe, Rutgers is figuring it out at the right time. But on the other side of the equation is a Penn State team that seems to be peaking right when it needs to, and is playing hard for interim head coach Terry Smith. The defense was especially impressive in the Nittany Lions' win over Nebraska. And that came two weeks after Penn State pushed No. 2 Indiana in an eventual three-point loss. That's why I think ultimately the Nittany Lions will beat Rutgers. They're having a down year but they still have talent on defense, they have momentum, they have something to prove and now they have a bowl game on the line. I do think the Scarlet Knights will have a solid showing, but this looks like the type of game where the Nittany Lions make a few big plays late with the help of a strong game from Kaytron Allen to escape with a win and earn bowl eligibility. Score prediction: Penn State 34, Rutgers 20

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football vs. Penn State scouting report, prediction, preview