Final score predictions and thoughts for Penn State vs. Rutgers

Penn State is looking to wrap up the regular season on a winning note and a winning streak this weekend on the road at Rutgers. Penn State has historically dominated the series with the Scarlet Knights, but Saturday afternoon's contest presents a must-win situation for both teams if they wish to keep their season alive with a bowl game. Penn State and Rutgers each need to win Saturday in order to reach the minimum number of wins to be eligible for postseason play.

This is far from where this Penn State season was supposed to be heading, but that does not appear to be stopping this team from right now embracing the leadership of interim head coach Terry Smith. Smith continues to build momentum to be named the permanent head coach after good showings by the team over the past couple of weeks. Getting this team to a bowl game would certainly enhance his outlook, one might think.

Here are our final score predictions and other thoughts on this week's game.

Christopher: Penn State 27, Rutgers 21

• Offensive Player of the Game: Ethan Grunkemeyer

• Defensive Player of the Game: Yvan Kemajou

In a must-win game for bowl eligibility, this game will signify a coronation of sorts for the new leaders of the Nittany Lions. Last week, it was all about the seniors on their special night. This week, on the road against one of the more dynamic offenses in the Big Ten, it will be about the young talent that Penn State has been bringing up through the ranks. Look for Ethan Grunkemeyer to prove that he can be the guy next year to lead this offense and for Yvan Kemajou to announce himself as the potential next great Penn State D-lineman. It won't be an easy game, but the Nittany Lions have come a long way this year.

Sam: Penn State 35, Rutgers 17

• Player of the Game: Nicholas Singleton

In their last two wins, Penn State showed the talent and potential that made them ranked so highly going into the season. This team is hot and motivated behind Terry Smith, and I think they take care of Rutgers behind a great running game and a defense that's coming into its own. The Scarlet Knights will hang around in the first half, like they did against Ohio State and Illinois, but I expect the Nittany Lions to put them away in the second half.

Andrew: Penn State 38, Rutgers 10

• Offensive player of the game: Nick Singleton

• Defensive player of the game: Amare Campbell

Penn State is rolling after a blowout win against Nebraska. The Nittany Lions face an opponent they've dominated throughout the years and this year should be no different. The offense continues to make strides under Ethan Grunkemeyer, and Nick Singleton breaks free for some big runs, including a record-breaking touchdown to surpass two records of Saquon Barkley's. The defense shuts down an offense led by a familiar quarterback, with Amare Campbell flying around on defense in the blue and white.

Kevin: Penn State 26, Rutgers 13

• Offensive MVP: Nicholas Singleton

• Defensive MVP: Dani Dennis-Sutton

After the way the running game has taken over the last couple of weeks, and with how the defense has turned things up over the last three games, I do fully expect Penn State to go out and handle its business to obtain bowl eligibility. At the same time, if this series has taught me anything, we should not expect a ton of offensive highlights. A few good runs here and there, maybe, but this series has been rough to watch, and I don't see that changing this week. The big highlight will be seeing Nicholas Singleton break the tie with Saquon Barkley for the school's all-time rushing touchdown record. He needs just one more to own the record himself.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Final score predictions for Penn State vs. Rutgers in Week 14