Rutgers doesn't have to win this game. But given that this is the best remaining chance for a victory this season, and given that head coach Chris Ash doesn't want the perception that his team actually took a step back in his second year in charge, winning this game would make everyone breath a little easier.
So, on the list of eight things I want to see from the Scarlet Knights as they head to Illinois for the first time as a Big Ten team, No. 1 is easy:
Illinois is in the same boat as Rutgers, going all in on a youth movement under head coach Lovie Smith with the nation's youngest team.