The regular-season finale at Rutgers could decide whether Penn State extends its bowl streak, adding urgency to a matchup that already carries recruiting and regional implications.
The Matchup: November 29 at Rutgers Stadium
Penn State will close the 2025 regular season at Rutgers on November 29, 2025, in a potential bowl eligibility decider. The Scarlet Knights enter the game with a 3-4 record and an 0-4 Big Ten conference mark, making this a critical matchup for both programs fighting for postseason play.
Rutgers’ Disappointing Season
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights, under 17th-year head coach Greg Schiano, have struggled significantly in 2025 with a 3-4 overall record and an 0-4 mark in Big Ten conference play. Despite Schiano’s long tenure and experience, Rutgers has been unable to compete in the Big Ten this season, losing conference matchups to stronger opponents.
With Rutgers’ season in jeopardy and bowl eligibility slipping away, they’ll be playing with desperation in this season finale. Even a struggling team at home can be dangerous when fighting for survival, and Penn State must respect the Scarlet Knights’ competitive nature.
Penn State’s Must-Win Scenario
Depending on their results against Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan State, and Nebraska, Penn State will arrive at Rutgers in one of two scenarios:
Best Case Scenario: Penn State is 5-6 after beating Indiana, Michigan State, and Nebraska, needing only a win at Rutgers to secure bowl eligibility at 6-6.
Worst Case Scenario: Penn State has lost to multiple opponents and is 3-8 or 4-7, in which case this game has limited relevance to their postseason hopes.
Either way, the game carries significant meaning, and Penn State will need to execute to finish the regular season on a positive note.
Ethan Grunkemeyer’s Season Arc
By November 29, Ethan Grunkemeyer will have completed his first starting stint as a redshirt freshman. Whether he’s had success or struggled through the month of November, this final regular-season game represents an opportunity to end on a high note heading into the offseason.
Against a struggling Rutgers defense that’s been unable to stop opponents all season, Grunkemeyer should have opportunities to find success and build confidence heading into the bowl game, assuming Penn State qualifies.
Kaytron Allen’s Legacy Game
Kaytron Allen will be looking to finish his regular season strongly in this matchup. By the end of November, Allen should be approaching or potentially surpassing significant career milestones. His powerful running style against a Rutgers defense struggling to stop the run could allow him to put up impressive numbers in this final regular-season game.
The Running Game Advantage
Penn State’s run game, led by Allen and Nicholas Singleton, should dominate a Rutgers defense that has struggled all season. Establishing control early with the ground attack could take pressure off Grunkemeyer and allow Penn State to control the tempo of the game.
With both teams fighting for bowl eligibility, the team that can establish the run game early will likely prevail.
Defensive Intensity
Penn State’s defense, which has been the program’s bright spot all season, will need to shut down Rutgers’ offense to secure the win. The Scarlet Knights’ offense has struggled in Big Ten play, providing an opportunity for Penn State’s defensive unit to end the regular season on a dominant note.
Leaders like Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton will be looking to finish strong and provide momentum heading into the postseason.
Home Crowd Challenges
While Rutgers’ struggles this season have dampened fan enthusiasm, playing in New Jersey can still present challenges for Penn State. The environment won’t be as hostile as Ohio State or top-tier Big Ten opponents, but Penn State must respect the situation and avoid emotional letdown.
The Bigger Picture
This season finale represents more than just bowl eligibility—it represents redemption and resilience for Penn State after a tumultuous few weeks. The program has endured a quarterback injury, coaching change, and a four-game losing streak. How the Nittany Lions respond in November will define the narrative of this 2025 season.
The Bottom Line
Rutgers represents Penn State’s best opportunity to secure bowl eligibility in the final game of the regular season. The Scarlet Knights are struggling, their defense has been ineffective, and the Nittany Lions’ run game should control the line of scrimmage. While no team should be overlooked, Penn State should enter this game as favorites to secure bowl eligibility and finish the regular season with a positive result. Conversely, a loss would be devastating and would overshadow any progress Penn State made late in the season under interim head coach Terry Smith.