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Notre Dame basketball: 3 reasons the Irish will beat Rutgers in the First Four

By Brad Weiss

Jan 26, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cormac Ryan (5) reacts after an offensive foul call against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cormac Ryan (5) reacts after an offensive foul call against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 11: Ron Harper Jr. #24 of the Rutgers Scarlett Knights looks to make a play during the second half of a Men’s Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Iowa Hawkeyes won the game 84-74 over the Rutgers Scarlett Knights. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 11: Ron Harper Jr. #24 of the Rutgers Scarlett Knights looks to make a play during the second half of a Men’s Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Iowa Hawkeyes won the game 84-74 over the Rutgers Scarlett Knights. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame basketball: 3 reasons the Irish will beat Rutgers in the First Four

No. 2: Rutgers struggles away from the RAC

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have had their fair share of highs this season, and inside their own building, they are one of the tougher teams in the country. Much like the Irish, the Scarlet Knights have dominated at home, putting together some of their biggest wins of the season.

Unfortunately, they struggle in a big way on the road, and while this is not technically a road game, they are still playing away from the RAC. Notre Dame has also had their share of issues on the road this season, including losing their last two, but they also showed themselves to be strong at times as well.

Big victories against Clemson and NC State on the road come to mind, as do some games where they had to pull away late. If they can get Rutgers on the ropes early on in this one, they have enough veteran leadership and experience to be able to hold on, as Rutgers won’t have the home faithful the way they would if they were in New Brunswick.