Rutgers 2016 Season Game 2: Howard

                                                                                                        (AP Photo)

WHO: Howard (0-1, 0-0) at Rutgers (0-1, 0-0)

WHEN: Saturday at noon ET on Big Ten Network, High Point Solutions Stadium

COACHES: Howard: Gary Harrell (fifth season, 18-28). Rutgers: Chris Ash (first season, 0-1).

SERIES: The teams play for the fifth time in an all-time series Rutgers leads, 4-0. The Scarlet Knights have won those games by a combined score of 165-39. The last encounter was in the 2014 home opener, a 38-25 Rutgers victory.

LAST WEEK: Rutgers lost its opener at then-No. 14 Washington, 48-13, in Chris Ash’s head coaching debut. Howard fell at Maryland, Rutgers’ Big Ten rival, by the count of 52-13.

RUTGERS WINS IF: The Knights play relatively cleanly in all three phases. Rutgers turned it over three times last Saturday, twice via fumble, and yielded two touchdowns on special teams. With a few early scores and better field position for the defense, Rutgers will roll over its FCS foe. Depth is the difference in what will likely be a steamy afternoon in Piscataway.

HOWARD WINS IF: They play like the Green Bay Packers. Rutgers offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer said Monday that the Knights are treating Howard as such. Coach-speak aside, the Bison need their two-quarterback system to thrive against Rutgers’ growing secondary, absurdly good field position throughout and a perfect storm in all three phases.

EXTRA POINTS: Rutgers students in attendance will have the opportunity to win a share of $100,000. If the Knights return their opening kickoff for a touchdown, 100 students will be selected to each take home $1,000. ... Howard’s Chris Aikins, a junior defensive back, is a New Brunswick native and attended First Colonial High School.

PREDICTION: Rutgers 40, Howard 17

Game week stories

After humbling loss in Seattle opener, Rutgers needs emphatic win over Howard

A look at how Janarion Grant was utilized offensively in Rutgers' season opener

Despite blowout loss, Rutgers' Darius Hamilton plays at 'championship-caliber level' against Washington

Got a comment or feedback? You can tweet me @gregp_j or email gjohnson@trentonian.com. Enjoy Chris Ash's debut at High Point Solutions Stadium.

— Greg Johnson