'The Golden Gophers present a golden opportunity': Targum predicts Rutgers football versus Minnesota

Things have fallen apart as of late for the Rutgers football team.

The Scarlet Knights (4-4, 1-4) started the fall with a 4-0 record with solid wins over Virginia Tech and Washington. Now, Rutgers rides a four-game losing streak, and the outlook for the final third of the season looks bleak.

Coming off last week's bye, Rutgers looks to get things right at home against a red-hot Minnesota team that has won its last four games. Here are The Daily Targum's predictions for the showdown with the Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2).

Josh Meyers, head sports editor:

"Here we are, Rutgers fans. It feels like this game against Minnesota is a must-win. Because it is. The Scarlet Knights are on a four-game losing streak, and the avalanche keeps heading downhill. It won't get any easier for Rutgers against a Golden Gophers squad is coming into Piscataway with a four-game winning streak and a ranked win over Illinois."

"Senior running back Kyle Monangai will be coming into the game with an injury and could either miss the contest altogether or play hobbled. Either way, it won't be pretty for a Knights defense who has allowed more than 1,400 yards in their last three matchups combined. A pass-first Minnesota squad led by Max Brosmer will torch Rutgers to the tune of 300 passing yards and three passing touchdowns — one to Elijah Spencer. Gophers win 31-17."

Camden Markel, associate sports editor:

"Yeah, nah, I don't see things getting better for Rutgers in this one. P.J. Fleck has this Minnesota team firing on all cylinders — it'd be nice if the Knights did that one of these days. Gophers win 30-20, and that's being optimistic, to be honest. Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis gets a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown."

Matthew Mangam, associate sports editor:

"The Golden Gophers present a golden opportunity. Rutgers will come off its bye week and take down a red-hot Minnesota team 27-26."

Nicholas Hart, associate sports editor in training:

"The path to Rutgers becoming bowl-eligible this season gets slimmer and slimmer with each passing week. The Knights need to focus on snapping a four-game skid before they can begin worrying about the possibility of a bowl game."

"Minnesota will be a difficult opponent for Rutgers as the Golden Gophers are a stellar offensive team, averaging approximately 337 yards per game. Overall, the Knights have to play a full four-quarter game to get their first win against Minnesota in program history. Offensively, Athan Kaliakmanis is playing against his former school and has the opportunity to get a win in his 'revenge' game. An ideal game for Kaliakmanis would be 280 yards and two touchdowns, with 75 yards going to senior wide receiver Dymere Miller and 50 yards to senior wide receiver Christian Dremel."

"Defensively, Rutgers needs to pressure the quarterback, with at least two sacks and force a turnover. With a struggling Knights offense, look to punter Jakob Anderson to be called on with at least three punts for 110 yards. When it is all said and done, Minnesota comes out victorious 27-14."

Philip Jaccoma, correspondent:

"It's cold in Minnesota but the Golden Gophers sure aren't. Minnesota's four-game hot streak will improve to five when it wins 35-17. This is the best defense Kaliakmanis has seen in weeks, so expect him to regress compared to his previous two outings. Kaliakmanis will be in the 150-200 yard range thanks to the weekly half dozen out routes to Dymere Miller. Monangai — although injured — will still manage to finish with more five yards per carry with a 'tud.' The defense will again give up at least 400 yards."

James Mertz, contributing writer:

"Even with the sky seemingly falling for Rutgers, there is still some time to salvage this season and become eligible for a bowl game. This week's matchup is another tough test for the Scarlet Knights as they are coming off a bye to host Minnesota, who has won four straight games."

"I expect that this week off will translate to a much more inspiring effort with healthy bodies, especially on the defensive side of the ball."

"It's Athan Kaliakmanis' revenge game against his former squad, and I think he'll exact that revenge with 150 yards passing and one touchdown through the air. Rutgers will get back to playing its brand of football and upset the Golden Gophers 24-21."

Jack Rabenhorst, contributing writer:

"Rutgers loses bad 28-10 but Kaliakmanis throws for at least 150 yards and Monangai gets a touchdown."

Jonathan Vasquez, contributing writer:

"Looking like no bowl game. Rutgers losing 27-17. Kaliakmanis will have a decent comeback with two touchdowns but throws a pick. The Knights will be down the whole game, with Minnesota scoring first."

Lucas Tang, contributing writer:

"I hate to say it, but I predict Rutgers will continue its downward slide with another loss against Minnesota. The Gophers have won their previous four games, while Rutgers lost its last four. Final score predictions: 34-20. Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai will rush for more than 100 yards and find the endzone twice."

Saturday's game will kick off from SHI Stadium on Busch campus at noon.