If Penn State moves to 6-6, does Terry Smith expect his veterans to play in a bowl game?

Penn State has never lost to Rutgers in Big Ten play.

The Nittany Lions have dominated a series that dates to 1918.

Both 5-6 programs have plenty of incentive to win Saturday afternoon’s matchup in Piscataway, N.J.

The winner qualifies for a bowl game.

The loser preps for winter workouts.

Penn State is loaded with draft-eligible players who should be selected in the 2026 NFL draft. A few could go early.

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith was asked Monday if he believes the Lions’ seniors and leaders will play in a bowl game.

“I would anticipate that our guys are gonna play,” said Smith, whose team beat Nebraska 37-10 on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium.

“I’m sure there may be a one-off or two-off here or there, with some type of circumstance. We’ll just work through that.