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Illinois Football at Rutgers: Early Week 13 Weather Report and Game Conditions

The weather should be fairly cooperative for all Saturday in New Brunswick, if a bit blustery

Jason Langendorf

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Helicopters fly over the field at SHI Stadium before a game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Helicopters fly over the field at SHI Stadium before a game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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The weather has been exceptionally kind to Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) and its fans all season, and the early prognosis looks like more of the same for the Illini's Week 13 game at Rutgers (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten) on Saturday in New Brunswick, New Jersey (11 a.m. CT, on Peacock).

Roughly four days in advance, the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, with only a 6 percent chance of precipitation, and a high of 54 degrees at the Scarlet Knights SHI Stadium. You can't ask for more from a mid-November college football game in the country's Mid-Atlantic region.

What could be problematic are high winds – up to 19 mph, according to Weather.com – which wouldn't be ideal for Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer and kicker David Olano. Just remember that the wind doesn't blow for only one side. With that in mind, wagerers, maybe take a longer look at the under in this one.

Also, the Scarlet Knights are allowing a Big Ten-worst 3.8 yards per carry, and the Illini are coming off what could be characterized as a breakthrough for its offensive line and run game. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.'s unit always seems to achieve peak form through balance, but don't be surprised if running backs Josh McCray, Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine get a few extra carries and the Illini are a bit more determined than usual to make something happen on the ground against Rutgers.

In any case, SHI Stadium on Saturday should be a crisp but utterly palatable day for taking in a ball game. Just be sure to pack that wind breaker.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football Bowl Projections: Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss Are Possible Foes

Illinois Football Makes AP Top 25 Return Entering Game vs. Rutgers

Big Ten Football Week 13 Power Rankings: Illinois, Rutgers Rising as Saturday Clash Nears

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Jason Langendorf
JASON LANGENDORF

Jason Langendorf is a longtime journalist who has covered football and basketball, among other sports, for ESPN, Sporting News, the Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications.

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