Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano - Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 0-3 and still seeking their first win of the season. Rutgers will next face the Howard Bison. The Scarlet Knights are feeling the pressure and need to push for their first win.
The matchup will take place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The two programs will kick off at 7 p.m. EST on Friday, Sept. 24.
Biggest Key for the Rutgers Offense
One of the biggest keys for Rutgers to win this game is to avoid turnovers. Nine interceptions through three games will not result in wins. The offense will have to stay disciplined to win their first game of the year.
Making his return in week three for Rutgers was quarterback Dylan Lonergan. Lonergan has passed for 494 yards and five touchdowns through two games this season. Against USC, Lonergan was only sacked once, an improvement from his Week 1 performance.
Lonergan threw two interceptions against USC, one of which resulted in a pick six. The Rutgers quarterback will need to keep his composure and play smart to drive the offense down the field.
To no surprise, wide receiver KJ Duff continues to be Lonergan’s top target. Duff’s decision to return to Rutgers was big for the Scarlet Knights. The wide receiver continues to show off his skills amid a slow start to the year. Duff totals 24 receptions for 419 yards and six touchdowns.
Also returning to the Rutgers offense is junior running back Antwan Raymond. Raymond is the team’s leading rusher, totalling 298 yards off 62 carries. He has just one touchdown, looking for more.
Despite the loss, Rutgers scored 35 points against the Trojans. The Scarlet Knights need to use that fire to earn their first win of the season.
The Rutgers Defense Must Get Off the Field
The USC Trojans and Rutgers Scarlet Knights had a close, high-scoring game. While that creates an exciting matchup to watch, the Scarlet Knights defense allowed too many points.
Through three games, the lowest points allowed for Rutgers has been 28. This makes it challenging for the Scarlet Knights to win. With that, to defeat Howard, Rutgers has to get off the field quicker.
The defense pressured USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, but the team still has just two sacks on the season. Linebacker Moses Walker and defensive lineman Zaire Angoy both have one sack.
Walker has been a defensive play-maker, also forcing two interceptions this season, both in the team’s Week 2 game against Boston College. The senior linebacker will be one to watch against Howard.
As a whole, Rutgers is allowing 280.3 passing yards per game and has to slow down the explosive plays.
Looking at the Howard Bison
The Howard Bison are off to a 1-2 start, with their lone win against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. They are coming off a loss against the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers, with a final score of 55-0.
The Bison are led by quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins. He has gone 36-of -78 for 467 yards and four touchdowns. Scroggins has a 46.2 completion percentage with four passing touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also been sacked 10 times, something the Scarlet Knights defense could capitalize on.
Scroggins also has 79 rushing yards this season, and the Rutgers defense will need to be prepared for the quarterback to use his mobility to the Bison’s advantage.
Bison wide receiver Se’Quan Osborne leads the team with 112 receiving yards and one touchdown; however, tight end Nathanial Clark leads the team with 10 receptions. Clark also has one receiving touchdown. These will be the top receivers for the Scarlet Knights defense to watch for.
On the ground, two Howard running backs have been playing well. Running back Travis Kerney leads the team with 31 carries for 87 yards. Running back Billy Roberson II has 27 carries for 79 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, linebacker Rodney Roane is a playmaker for the Bison. The senior linebacker has racked up 16 total tackles. He has also forced two sackles, two fumbles, and one interception. Rutgers’ offense will have to be ready for the talented defensive player.
The last time Rutgers and Howard faced off was in 2024. The Scarlet Knights won 44-7.
Howard is the final non conference opponent on the Scarlet Knights schedule. After Rutgers plays Howard, the Scarlet Knights will face the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers, the reigning national champions.
