First look at WSU football visit to Rutgers

When/Where: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.; High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

TV: ESPNU

Records: Rutgers (1-0), WSU (0-1)

Last time: Rutgers defeated Washington State 41-38 in Seattle (2014)

What it means for WSU: If the Cougars can leave New Jersey with a 1-1 record then they can still finish the nonconference portion of their schedule with a decent shot to make a bowl game. More importantly, a road win over Rutgers would reinforce the idea that last weekend’s loss to FCS Portland State was a fluke, instead of a harbinger of a long, unsuccessful season devoid of wins.

What it means for Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights took a nice, three-hour break from all the turmoil that’s surrounded the program on Saturday, beating Norfolk State 63-13. But issues such as the ongoing investigation into coach Kyle Flood’s contact with a faculty member and the recent dismissal of five players still linger. All five dismissed players were defensive backs, so if Rutgers is still able to stop the Air Raid offense, then the Scarlet Knights will be in good position to survive the current tempest.

Key matchup: Leonte Carroo vs. WSU secondary

Cougars fans were introduced to Carroo at CenturyLink Field a season ago, when he raced 78 yards for a touchdown on the game’s first play. Carroo’s knack for early-season scoring hasn’t gone anywhere: The receiver has already scored three touchdowns this season despite playing only in the second half of Rutgers’ blowout win. The WSU secondary hasn’t been challenged yet – Portland State only attempted 12 passes on Saturday – but will face a tough test in Carroo.

Jacob Thorpe