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Rutgers has a clearer path to bowl eligibility without Ohio State or Oregon on the schedule, although Indiana, Michigan, Penn State and USC still form a difficult top tier of Big Ten games.

The source projects eight wins by combining three favorable nonconference games with winnable conference matchups against Maryland, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Michigan State.

New coordinator Travis Johansen inherits a defense that was historically poor over the past two seasons and must raise it to at least an adequate Big Ten level for the eight-win case to hold.

New quarterback Dylan Lonergan is supported by high-end skill options Antwan Raymond and KJ Duff plus an offensive line expected to be the best of Greg Schiano's current tenure.

Rutgers exited camp healthier than in recent years, but the roster still lacks enough depth at several positions to absorb major injuries without reducing its season ceiling.