RB Kyle Monangai
The Big Ten’s leading rusher has to crack this list. Monangai rushed for a tremendous 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns last season and hopes to duplicate that in 2024. It will be essential for the Scarlet Knights to establish him early in this game, which will open up the passing game and receivers such as Dymere Miller down the line.
RB Jarrett Hunter
Howard’s Jarrett Hunter was a big reason the Bison reached their first bowl game since 2017. Hunter is not only a threat to run the ball, being the team’s second-leading rusher last season, but also a receiver, as he was third on the team in receiving yards. He will play a crucial role in this game if the Bison want any shot of winning this game.
LB Terrance Hollon
The defensive game plan for Howard will most definitely revolve around stopping Monangai and the Scarlet Knight run game. And Hollon will play a huge role in that, as he was second on the team in solo tackles last season. Look for Hollon to be active at the line of scrimmage come Thursday.
FS Flip Dixon
Dixon returns to Piscataway ranking third on the team last year in pass deflections. The Rutgers secondary has lots of experience, even though they lost cornerback Max Melton, who the Arizona Cardinals selected in the NFL draft. With Howard being without last year’s starting quarterback, Quinton Williams, takeaways from Dixon and the secondary should be a big factor in this one.