Week 2 - Howard at Rutgers

Week 2 CFN Fearless Prediction - Howard at Rutgers

Howard (1-0) at Rutgers (1-0) Sept. 8, 3:30, SNY

Here’s The Deal: No, it was not pretty, but Rutgers still copped a much-needed victory over Tulane in New Orleans, handing Kyle Flood the first win of his head coaching career. The Scarlet Knights were sluggish throughout, waiting until the fourth quarter to shake loose from the Green Wave. They’ll use Week 2 to try and ignite an offense that stalled repeatedly in the Superdome. In a thriller, Howard opened its season by slipping past rival Morehouse in the second annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic.

Why Howard Might Win: The Bison will attack that laboring Rutgers offense with an aggressive and athletic D that likes to fly to the football. After having problems figuring out Tulane, it’s quite conceivable that Howard could present roadblocks, especially if next-level LB Keith Pough is able to return from suspension to join promising junior Tabrian Resby.

Why Rutgers Might Win: The Bison moved the ball in the opener despite the absence of suspended QB Greg McGhee. No matter who gets the nod, he’ll get stuffed by a suffocating Scarlet Knights defense. Rutgers yielded just one touchdown and eight rushing yards to Tulane, and corners Logan Ryan and Brandon Jones will make sure that the Knights produce a slew of picks and tipped balls.

What To Watch Out For: If there were any doubts about the health of Rutgers LB Khaseem Greene, who suffered a severe leg injury in last year’s bowl game, they were dismissed on Saturday. Looking lean and determined, the senior racked up 14 tackles and a sack to lead the Knights defense.

What Will Happen: A visit from Howard is exactly the remedy that the Rutgers offense needs this week. The Scarlet Knights will pummel the Bison on the ground with Jawan Jamison and Savon Huggins, mixing in some well-timed play-action from Gary Nova to rangy receivers Brandon Coleman and Mark Harrison.

CFN Prediction: Rutgers 49 … Howard 10
ATS Consultants Line (Click for more lines and picks) None O/U: None
Must Watch Rating (5 – Phineas & Ferb, 1 – Steve Harvey): 1