OTB Staff Roundup, Week 1 Predictions: Akron at Rutgers

We're in Week 2. The Scarlet Knights are 1-0 and return home to host Akron on Saturday afternoon.

The Zips' tour of the Big Ten continues after a trip to Columbus on the opening week of the season. Rutgers took down Howard on the first Thursday night of the season. How will it go this weekend?

Greg Patuto: The score was deceptive, but Akron struggled against Ohio State in Week 1. There were turnovers that accounted for nearly 17 of the Buckeyes' points. Let's put it this way: Akron won't win Saturday's game, but it will compete at its highest level. There is some talent, especially on defense, and that means a low-scoring game could be in store. We know how Rutgers will play. The running game will once again be king as the Scarlet Knights look to sustain drives and get into the end zone. It's big numbers again this weekend, and don't be surprised if the Zips score but Rutgers comes away with a 2-0 win. Rutgers 26, Akron 10

Type of stone: Akron is not without talent and plays tough, hard football. They are very well coached and will not be intimidated coming into SHI Stadium after their game in Columbus last week. Much will depend on whether Ben Finley is available. If Finley can't make it, the Knights will have to contend with New Jersey native Tahj Bullock, who offers them a dual threat. However, Rutgers has more depth and talent than the Zips. The Zips have a strong defense, but if Rutgers can run the ball successfully, they should head to Blacksburg 2-0. Rutgers 31, Akron 16.

Oven: Never underestimate a MAC team. The Zips fought hard against OSU for a half last week. Then Ohio State's defense scored two touchdowns and the lack of talent started to show. Rutgers can't afford another slow start and needs to find ways to get down the field on offense. They should be successful in the run game, but at some point Athan will have to throw the ball down the field. With inclement weather expected Saturday, I don't know if fans will see verticality in the passing game in this game. I'm confident Rutgers' defense will do its job on Saturday, but I'd be even more confident if the starters who were missing last week are healthy and return (I'm not excited about that). If Taj Bullock starts at QB, Rutgers will need to find a way to shut down his running ability. Howard's QB Ja'Shawn Scroggins was a threat with his legs all game and found ways to extend drives with his legs. I do NOT want a repeat of that. I wouldn't be surprised if this game turned ugly. The defense took over in the second half and Monangai ended the game early in the fourth quarter. Rutgers 27, Akron 9.

Francis Hearne: Get ready for MACtion in Piscataway. Akron is a solid MAC team. Their defense was able to stop Ohio State's strong offense a few times early on, but was ultimately overwhelmed. They could start with backup QB Tahj Bullock, a New Jersey native, whose ability to threaten the defense could create some problems for our defense. As we saw last week, Rutgers' defense had trouble keeping a mobile QB in check. That said, I expect Rutgers to show us all the difference between a B1G school and a MAC school (no offense, I really enjoy watching the MAC). Look forward to another heavy dose of Kyle Monangai and Sam Brown V. I'll be watching to see if Athan can make the smart plays again, but I'd like to see Kirk loosen up the offense a bit. The defense should dominate again, and I expect another stellar performance from the special teams. It's very hard to game plan for all the different guises and subtleties that Rutgers' punt blocking team displays, especially when you're not used to playing against them. Rutgers gets the win before the first BYE week. Rutgers 31, Akron 13.

Gregg Podolski: I'll be at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on Saturday to sign copies of my novel, The Recruiter (subliminal message: go buy a copy), and won't be able to watch this game live. Thankfully, I'll probably only miss another warmup, albeit one that's perhaps a bit more challenging than Howard. (Although the Bisons' quarterback was a real pain in the ass last week.) By the time the recording on my DVR finishes, I'll probably have witnessed another RU win. Once again, health will be the biggest victory as we head into our off week and prepare for the season to really begin. Rutgers 35, Akron 14.

Ed Rosero: This week, the Scarlet Knights take on the Akron Zips in what should be another dominant performance against an inferior team. Again, I'd really like to see more of the passing game before we have to rely on Monangai. That being said, Rutgers wins easily, but I don't expect the point difference to be that big. (Although it was 110-0 when I played this game on my PS5. #goals). Rutgers 38, Akron 10.