RUTGERS FOOTBALL TOP TRANSFER, BIGGEST TRANSFER LOSS
Is it possible that Rutgers has finally become the team in the Big Ten that no one wants to face? While the overall talent level is still average compared to the rest of the conference, their playing style makes them a tough opponent. No one wants to risk a game that could be decided by a single slip, mental error, or big play. Although they had too many penalties last year, their time of possession, offensive line play, turnover margin, special teams, and scoring defense were all strong points and should improve with more returning experience. Rutgers couldn’t beat the top teams in recent years, but they kept Michigan to 31 points, Ohio State to 35, and Penn State to 27—all three of which are not on their schedule this year. The passing game should improve, and with confidence boosted by their first winning season and bowl victory since 2014, they are a formidable team. Additionally, their location is a challenge for some Big Ten teams, particularly the former Pac-12 teams now facing long trips across time zones. This is Rutgers’ 11th year in the Big Ten, and they might finally achieve a winning conference record with just a bit more effort.
RUTGERS FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2024: OFFENSE
Rutgers’ offense is predictable: they run the ball well, aim to control the clock, and attempt to improve their passing game. Despite only surpassing 2,000 passing yards once in the last eight years and failing to complete half their passes last season, there’s hope with Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis. Though he struggled last season with 14 touchdown passes and nine interceptions, he’s a big, mobile quarterback with a strong arm.
The receiving corps is poised to be the best Rutgers has seen in a long time. Christian Dremel returns after catching 36 passes for 468 yards and three touchdowns. Dymere Miller, a veteran from Monmouth, is expected to be a significant contributor. Naseim Brantley, formerly of Western Illinois, is back and ready to be a dangerous target. Ian Strong adds depth to a group that could relieve pressure on the offense.
Rutgers will continue to rely on their ground game. Kyle Monangai rushed for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns, with Samuel V. Brown returning as the key backup. The offensive line, which allowed the fewest sacks in the Big Ten and just over four tackles for loss per game, returns four starters, including Hollin Pierce at left tackle and center Gus Zelinskas.
RUTGERS FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2024: DEFENSE
Rutgers’ defense consistently keeps the team competitive. Ranked 16th nationally, they allowed an average of just 21 points per game, despite having the worst pass rush in the Big Ten. The defensive ends, Wesley Bailey and Aaron Lewis, may not rack up sacks but are excellent against the run and generate significant pressure and hurries. The interior line will be solid with Kyonte Hamilton stepping up and Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray adding quickness and experience.
The secondary is tough and physical, allowing only four teams to surpass 200 passing yards and keeping opposing quarterbacks under a 65% completion rate. Robert Longerbeam is a standout with ten pass breakups last year. Safeties Shaquan Loyal, Flip Dixon, and Desmond Igbinosun return after combining for 205 tackles. Although leading tackler Deion Jennings has graduated, Mohamed Toure, who was second in tackles with 93, is back, along with Tyreem Powell, who was a force before missing the latter half of the season due to injury.
KEY TO THE RUTGERS FOOTBALL SEASON
Rutgers needs to throw effectively enough to avoid being completely ineffective. While this seems straightforward, it’s the key issue impacting everything else. The offensive line is solid, the ground game is strong, and the defense just needs some support from the offense to perform well. The problem arises when the passing attack falters. Rutgers failed to complete 50% of its passes in nine games. Despite this, they won most of those games but went 0-3 when they couldn’t even achieve a 40% completion rate.
RUTGERS KEY PLAYER
Athan Kaliakmanis, QB Jr., follows a line of Rutgers quarterbacks including Gavin Wimsett, Evan Simon, Noah Vedral, Johnny Langan, Artur Sitkowski, Kyle Bolin, Giovanni Rescigno, and Chris Laviano. Each had their moments of promise amid challenges. In 2015, Chris Laviano completed 61% of his passes for 2,247 yards and 16 touchdowns. If Kaliakmanis can achieve similar stats, Rutgers has a strong chance to reach a bowl game and possibly secure a big upset or two along the way.
**Top Transfer In:** Dymere Miller, WR Sr. The former Monmouth star is a prolific receiver, making 165 catches for 2,380 yards and 17 touchdowns over the last three seasons. He’s very quick and fast, poised to be a big play target on the outside for Rutgers.
**Top Transfer Out:** Gavin Wimsatt, QB Sr. Although he only threw nine touchdown passes against eight interceptions, he also ran for 11 touchdowns and was the team’s leading passer. While the offense needs more production through the air, Wimsatt would have been a solid backup option. Now he’s headed to Kentucky to try to find a role.
RUTGERS KEY GAME
**UCLA, Oct. 19:** Rutgers faces a tough start to their Big Ten schedule with games against Washington, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, followed by a trip to USC. UCLA travels 2,800 miles to Piscataway for the first-ever meeting between these two programs. Realistically, the Scarlet Knights need to win this game to keep their bowl game hopes alive.
10 BEST RUTGERS FOOTBALL PLAYERS
1. **Kyle Monangai, RB Sr.**
2. **Hollin Pierce, OT Sr.**
3. **Mohamed Toure, LB Sr.**
4. **Aaron Lewis, DE Sr.**
5. **Desmond Igbinosun, S Sr.**
6. **Flip Dixon, S Sr.**
7. **Dymere Miller, WR Sr.**
8. **Christian Dremel, WR Sr.**
9. **Jai Patel, PK Soph.**
10. **Gus Zilinskas, C Jr.**
RUTGERS 2023 FUN STATS
– **Rutgers 3rd Quarter Scoring:** 41 points
– **Rutgers 4th Quarter Scoring:** 110 points
– **Kickoff Return Average:** Rutgers 33 yards, Opponents 15.9 yards
RUTGERS FOOTBALL 2024 WIN TOTAL PREDICTION: WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON
There’s a lot to be optimistic about with Rutgers this season. Greg Schiano has assembled a team with significant experience and potential to secure some long-awaited big wins. The offensive and defensive lines are strong, the defense is solid, and special teams should contribute positively.
The 2024 schedule seems favorable for Rutgers. They are no longer in the Big Ten East, meaning they avoid Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State this year. Additionally, they don’t face Oregon or Iowa. While missing out on Indiana and Purdue is a loss, the schedule balances out with advantageous matchups.
Opponents like Washington and UCLA have to travel across the country to face Rutgers, and away games at Nebraska, Maryland, and Michigan State aren’t overly daunting. However, games at Virginia Tech and a late-night matchup against USC present challenges.
Considering the schedule, setting Rutgers’ win total at 6.5 seems reasonable:
– **Likely Wins:** Akron, Howard
– **50/50 Games:** Illinois, at Maryland, at Michigan State, Minnesota, at Nebraska, UCLA, at Virginia Tech, Washington, Wisconsin
– **Likely Loss:** at USC
With a good showing in the 50/50 games, Rutgers has a real chance to achieve back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011 and 2012.
2024 RUTGERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Here’s Rutgers’ 2024 football schedule:
– **Aug 31:** Howard
– **Sept 7:** Akron
– **Sept 14:** OPEN DATE
– **Sept 21:** at Virginia Tech
– **Sept 28:** Washington
– **Oct 5:** at Nebraska
– **Oct 12:** Wisconsin
– **Oct 19:** UCLA
– **Oct 26:** at USC
– **Nov 2:** OPEN DATE
– **Nov 9:** Minnesota
– **Nov 16:** at Maryland
– **Nov 23:** Illinois
– **Nov 30:** at Michigan State
Missing from the schedule are games against Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Purdue.