Rutgers looks to snap scoring drought in Big Ten opener vs. Michigan State

Rutgers enters Big Ten play on Friday seeking an offensive reset after closing non-conference action with three straight draws. The Scarlet Knights are 2-0-3 overall and have not found the net in 191 minutes, with their last goal from open play coming 319 minutes ago. Defensively the group has been reliable, producing two clean sheets and surrendering only one goal during that stretch. Rutgers remains one of just two Big Ten teams — along with Illinois — to allow a single goal so far this season. Friday’s opponent, Michigan State, began the year with high expectations after receiving a No. 12 preseason ranking — the best in program history. The Spartans finished fourth in the Big Ten last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Michigan State is 3-2-2 and opened the campaign with two draws and three wins. However, the Spartans have dropped their last two matches and fell out of the national rankings after conceding eight goals across those defeats. Junior transfer Kennedy Bell leads Michigan State with four goals, while Bella Najera has contributed three goals and two assists. The Spartans have alternated between goalkeepers Noelle Henning and Kennedy Zorn, with He...