Rutgers Seek Bounceback Game Vs. Wisconsin

In week seven of the college football season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will return home to face the Wisconsin Badgers. Rutgers is coming off of a tough loss against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, falling to a 4-1 record. Despite the final score being 14-7, there were too many errors from the Scarlet Knights. Here is how Rutgers needs to bounce back against Wisconsin.

Get the Run Game Going

The heart of the Scarlet Knights offense is running the ball. Rutgers running back, Kyle Monangai is a tough player. Fellow running back, Samuel Brown V has also stepped up big time this year. Having both players healthy this year has been a major help for the Scarlet Knights offense. The earlier that those two players can get it going the better for Rutgers.

Against Nebraska, Monangai was limited to 78 yards and no touchdowns, according to ESPN. He did have two receptions for 18 yards. Brown rushed the ball just three times for 12 yards. There was only one touchdown in the game and it was by neither of them. 

Compared to past games, the Scarlet Knights did run the ball slightly less. Nebraska did well not allowing big breakaways and stuffing Monangai quickly. It will be big if Monangai and Brown can get a rhythm going against Wisconsin. 

Clean Up the Passing Game

If the Scarlet Knights can run the ball early and get a steady rhythm, that will open up the passing game. Rutgers quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis completed 15 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown against Nebraska, according to ESPN. While he completed 15 passes he attempted 37 and threw two interceptions. It was not the best game for Kaliakmanis and the Rutgers passing game.

Rutgers wide receiver Ben Black did catch a big touchdown reception to make the score 14-7. When Rutgers did complete passes, it was for some big plays. The issue was the amount of incompletions. Though Black did score the lone touchdown, he missed a big reception earlier in the game. The little mistake must be fixed.

Rutgers does not have to rely on the passing game, but they do have to clean it up. The Scarlet Knights need to play smart, and not force anything that can result in turnovers. They must focus on getting downfield and getting points on the board.

The Rutgers Defense Must Stay Consistent

The Rutgers defense played pretty well against Nebraska. Limiting the Cornhuskers to just two touchdowns in the game, and forcing them to be scoreless in the second half is big. The Defense did everything they could do to win the game. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola completed just 13 passes for 134 yards, according to ESPN. He did not throw any touchdowns but did throw an interception.

If the Scarlet Knights’s defense stays consistent and plays as they have been the Scarlet Knights are in a good position to win this game.

Coaching Calls

Rutgers will make aggressive play calls. If it is a fourth and short, expect the Scarlet Knights to go for it. While they should not avoid that, if it is close enough they should go for the points sometimes. While that is a simple thing to say, Rutgers kicker, Jai Patel did miss a field goal, which is a factor in coaching decisions. If Rutgers is in Patel’s range and it is a closer game, sometimes kicking the field goal is okay. It is still important to not take away the aggression though.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano should not be afraid to pull out the challenge flag. There was a questionable ball placement against Nebraska. While that is on officiating, Schiano could have thrown the challenge flag. It could have helped Rutgers get points on the board earlier.

The 4-1 Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face the 3-2 Wisconsin Badgers at Noon EST. Oct. 12. The game will be held at SHI Stadium in New Jersey. Both teams are seeking bowl eligibility, and this is set to be a fun matchup.