TCR Staff Predictions: Illinois vs. Rutgers

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports Thumpasaurus: Illinois 19, Rutgers 16

This is gonna be a weird one. The Rutgers defense is not on the same level as Penn State’s defense, but they’re still top 30 in the country and did a good job to contain Michigan’s rushing attack well enough to keep Rutgers in that game. Their offense had several chances to tie the game at 20, but couldn’t get it done. Now yes, yes, I know the Illini ran the ball very effectively last week, but that stuff is all on tape now. Greg Schiano proved last year that he adapts and gameplans well for each opponent both before the game and at halftime. It’s also hard to get maximum effort, intensity and performance out of college…