Both teams need a Big Ten win. Rutgers (1-4, 0-2) visits Maryland (2-4, 0-3) at 12:30 on BTN, and a loss would make the climb toward bowl eligibility much steeper.
Rutgers insider Vinny Scolari gives directions by Turnpike exit and has good news: quarterback Dylan Lonergan is back practicing and expected to play after leaving the Indiana game. KJ Duff, with 628 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, is the Knights' best weapon. Maryland insider Abigail "Abby" Chesapeake prescribes Old Bay for every problem. Her go-to seasoning this week is Malik Washington's volume passing to Chris Durr Jr., the team leader with 46 catches.
Both injury reports are long. Rutgers is missing safety Kaj Sanders and cornerbacks Kevin Levy and Zahmir Dawud. That's a big opening for Washington. Maryland is down three running backs, two offensive linemen, receivers Josiah Teasley and Sean Williams, and linebacker Zahir Mathis. Rutgers had two weeks off after a 47-15 loss to Indiana on Oct. 4. Maryland lost 45-16 at Ohio State last Saturday. Gusts near 37 mph could limit the deep throws both teams want to make.
Our call: Maryland 29, Rutgers 24.