Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. - Peter Casey/Pmagn Images
In week five of the college football season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face the Washington Huskies. This is the first in-conference opponent for the Scarlet Knights and an important one. The game will take place Friday night on Sept. 27. Here is a look at what it will take for Rutgers to win, and the implications of the results.
Rutgers Not Letting Foot off of the Gas Pedal
The Scarlet Knights defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies in week four, 26-23. While Rutgers completely dominated the beginning of the game, the team allowed the Hokies to catch up to them. It became a much closer game than it needed to be. This is something that the Scarlet Knights must avoid not just against Washinton, but throughout the remainder of the season.
Washington already has one loss this year, but they are still a strong football team. The key to success for the Scarlet Knights will be to not let the foot off of the gas pedal. The game will be held at SHI Stadium. The crowd is expected to turn up for a Black Out. The energy is set to be high, and the football team should take advantage of it.
The Scarlet Knights will need to score early and on as many drives as possible. They cannot slow down once they have the lead. The matchup will take an all-around team effort. The offense needs to keep moving downfield, the defense must make the stops, and the special teams need to hit each field goal try, and make sure Washington does not start with good field positioning.
Implications of a Rutgers Scarlet Knights Win
A win will mean everything for the football program. The Scarlet Knights are a team that is slowly being discussed more this season. It will be important to keep proving that Rutgers can win against tougher matchups. Rutgers running back, Kyle Monangai is no longer underappreciated. He is a known name and one of the top running backs in college football. With a healthy Samuel Brown V, Rutgers can run the ball with rested legs. This has been opening up the passing game more too.
The Huskies are a completely different team than they were in 2023. Washington is not the team that made the national championship game, but they are still a tough competitor. If Rutgers gets the win against Washington, the Scarlet Knights will likely be recognized as a competitor this year. They will move to a 4-0 record, and be on their way to a better Bowl Game this year.
The Scarlet Knights offense may be surprising people this year. Although the run game is continuously strong, the passing game is doing well. The offense is opening up more this year than in the past. It may not be the best in the nation, but they are moving the ball down the field and getting into the endzone.
Rutgers quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis has 45 completions for 646 yards and six touchdowns, according to ESPN. He has thrown just one interception. He has also been sacked just three times. Avoiding the sack and not losing yards is a big boost for the Rutgers offense. The offensive line is holding its own, and Kaliakmanis is playing smart.
How to Win
As long as Rutgers avoids turnovers and does not play recklessly, they could get the win in week five. Getting a conference win early, especially against Washington, will be a big momentum boost. The Scarlet Knights proved doubters wrong against Virginia Tech. Now it is time to see if they can continue to prove people wrong against Washington.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face the Washington Huskies on Sept. 27.
