Penn State-Rutgers availability report: Who's out, questionable for the Nittany Lions?
No. 12 Penn State meets Rutgers (6-4) today at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions and Scarlet Knights both released their Big Ten mandated availability report at 10 a.m. For head coach James Franklin’s team, receivers Harrison Wallace III and Tyler Johnson are out. Linemen Ibrahim Traore and Alex Birchmeier are questionable. For Rutgers, running back Kyle Monangai and receiver JaQuae Jackson are questionable.
Saturday’s home team was planning to be without Wallace III, with Franklin saying this week that “We won’t see him this week [against Rutgers]. But, I’m not sure after that.” It seems unlikely that he will return for the final regular season game next week. But, an appearance in the team’s bowl game, wherever it may be, cannot be ruled out.
It is Senior Day in State College. The group will be celebrated on the field with a ceremony that begins at 11:30 a.m. ET.
“I hope it’s a great environment, [and] I hope the fans show their appreciation for all the hard work that these guys have put in representing the university the right way both on and off the field,” Franklin said this week. “So, yeah, I would love for them to get a feel for the sense of appreciation that we have for them. Play well, get a win, all those things included.
“It’s an emotional day. It’s kind of a weird day since COVID … it’s not as black and white as it used to be for some guys [because some have extra eligibility].”
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Game time, how to watch: Penn State football vs. Rutgers
Venue: Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.
Kick time: Noon ET
TV: FOX Sports One
Stream: Fox Sports LIVE
On the call: Chris Myers (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (color commentator).
Penn State radio: Steve Jones, Jack Ham, and Brian Tripp will call the Penn State Sports Network radio broadcast on Saturday. It airs on 99.5 & 103.7 FM/1450 AM locally and at GoPSUSports.com online.
Series facts: Penn State has won 16 straight games against the Scarlet Knights. All-time, the Lions hold 31-2 advantage.
What is the Penn State-Rutgers spread?
The Nittany Lions are nearly a three touchdowns favorite. The line sits at Penn State -20.5. And, the over/under betting total is 42.5.
How the Blue-White Illustrated staff is picking the game
Nate Bauer: Penn State 20, Rutgers 17
Sean Fitz: PSU 26, Rutgers 6
Thomas Frank Carr: Penn State 24, Rutgers 17
Matt Herb: PSU 27, Rutgers 14
Greg Pickel: PSU 40, Rutgers 3
Ryan Snyder: PSU 31, Rutgers 10
