Rutgers could make history or be apart of it for no other reason than showing up.
The Scarlet Knights will try to improve to 5-0 with their first win in seven tries against Nebraska. Whether Rutgers wins on the field, may or may not make a difference for the record books, however.
Temperatures are expected to soar to record-setting highs in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, where the Scarlet Knights will be faced with preparing for a tough task on the field and tougher elements throughout the game. Forecasts call for a high temperature of 95 degrees, matched with winds of 20-30 miles per hour when Rutgers (4-0, 1-0 in Big Ten play) kicks off against Nebraska (4-1, 1-1) at 4 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium.
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“We’re always on hydration, rest and food, but we’re doubling down on that, tripling down if there’s such a thing,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said Wednesday. “And then we have some things that we do through sports science that I’m not going to get into, but however you slice it, it’s going to be rough.”
The high temperature for October 5 at the Lincoln Airport is 89 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Additionally, there has never been a day recorded over 95 degrees in October at that location, according to data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
If an October temperature record gets shattered Saturday, it would be due to a ridge of high atmospheric pressure in the upper Midwest, combining with a high-pressure system in the Detroit, Michigan area and low-pressure system in Manitoba, Canada, creating a tight air-pressure gradient over Nebraska, according to meteorologist Joe Martucci, president of Cup A Joe Weather and Drone in Monmouth County.
“It’s going to be hot, it’s going to be windy, and it’s going to be a dry wind,” Martucci said. “It’s like a blowtorch that’s coming at you on Saturday.”
Rutgers practiced in morning temperatures ranging from the 65-70 degrees, typical New Jersey weather this week. What the Scarlet Knights will face in Nebraska may be unlike anything they’ve faced before.
“Anytime, it’s high temperatures, you need to hydrate, but when it’s dry and hot, this is like playing at UNLV or Arizona or something like that,” Martucci said. “Sweat will evaporate pretty quickly, but you won’t feel that sweat because it’s a dry heat.”
Rutgers senior defensive end Aaron Lewis said he and his teammates know what they’re preparing for from a weather standpoint.
“Coach Schiano has really been emphasizing the weather, preparation and hydration,” Lewis said. “I feel like our team has done a good job taking that seriously. We’re practicing in 60-70 degree weather here, and it’s going to be up to 99 there so it’s a completely different environment. We’ve taken every precaution for that. We’re trending up when it comes to our hydration.”
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Patrick Lanni may be reached at planni@njadvancemedia.com.
