2021 First Glance Preview: Week Eleven (Rutgers Scarlet Knights)

/
Image: Indiana University Athletics

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by: Evan Orris

Week 4

Date & Time: November 13, 2021 Time: TBD

Venue: Memorial Stadium

TV: TBD 

Scarlet Knights at a Glance

Head Coach: Greg Schiano 

Entering his 11th total season with Rutgers; second season in his second stint

Record at RU last season: 3-6

Overall Record: 71-73

Last Season: 3-6 (3-6) 

Rutgers Returning Leaders

Passing: Noah Vedral  (1,253 yards, 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, 61.5%)

Rushing: Isaih Pancheco (515 yards and 3 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry)

Receiving: Bo Melton (47 receptions for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns)

Tackles: Olakunle Fatukasi (101 total tackles and 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries)

Rutgers Preseason Predictions

Athlon: Previews: 6th in the Big Ten East

Phil Steele: 5th in the Big Ten East

Impact Newcomers for the Hilltoppers

-Josh Youngblood (transfer from Kansas State)

-Brandon Sanders (transfer from Bucknell)

Biggest Questions Facing Western Kentucky

  1. Rutgers defense forced 19 turnovers last season, can they replicate that success?

  2. Who is their answer at quarterback?

  3. Can they seriously compete in the tough Big Ten East?

Program Preview

In his second season in his return to Rutgers, head coach Greg Schiano is looking to return the program back to the way he left in. When Schiano initially left the program after the 2011 season, he made Bowl games in six of his last seven seasons. He went 5-1 in those games and had the Scarlet Knights ranked as high as No. 10 in the AP poll in 2007. However, that was the Big East. Now, Schiano will look to compete in a tough Big East conference.

Last season, the Scarlet Knights finished with a 3-6 record. Their only wins were against

Offensive Preview

Usually, Rutgers is in the basement of the Big Ten when it comes to total points scored. However, this year they ranked eighth under offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson. Although, they averaged just 339 yards and 27 points per game. This season, they return 11 players, so expect the offense to look a touch better than last year.

Noah Vedral, the former UCF and Nebraska transfer, will presumably start for the Scarlet Knights. Last season, he threw for 1,253 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games. However, he made a ton of errant throws which cost him eight interceptions. His leading receiver, Bo Melton, returns. Melton led the team with 47 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns. Vedral will also have Josh Youngblood and Brandon Sanders as new weapons. As well as Isaih Pancheco in the run game.

The key to Rutgers’ offense will be their offensive line. Last season, the unit allowed 21 sacks. However, they return their five starters, who should be much improved with more experience. They will need to keep Vedral upright if the offense wants to score points.

Defensive Preview

Last season, the Scarlet Knights defense forced 19 turnovers. They return the one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten in Olakunle Fatukasi, who ended the season with 101 total tackles and three sacks. He combines with Tyshon Fogg (70 tackles) as a formidable duo that will wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Most of the defensive line--which compiled 21 sacks the most for the program since joining the Big Ten in 2014—as well. Mike Tverdov (4.0 sacks) and Mohamed Toure (4.5 sacks) led the way for the unit. There will be ongoing position battles in fall camp to decide who will join them in the trenches.

In the secondary, the unit is held down by Avery Young. Young has started in 30 of 33 games since his freshman year at the cornerback position. However, he may be deployed as a safety alongside Christian Izien. The two will be joined by transfers Patrice Rene and Christian Braswell.

Special Teams Preview

Rutgers will have one of the most explosive return games in the country. Arron Cruichshank returns for the Scarlet Knights as well as his two kickoff touchdowns, which earned him the Big Ten’s Specialist of the Year award. They also brought in Josh Youngblood, who was one of the best returners in the Big 12 in 2019 when he had three kick return touchdowns.

They also return one of the best punters in the nation. Adam Korsak pinned opponents inside their 20 a Big Ten-high 21 times in 2020. He also ranked eighth nationally in net punting with an average of 42.3 yards.

On the other hand, they will have Valentino Ambrosio kicking field goals. Ambrosio went 9-of-11 on his kicks. But, those two misses were at crucial points in the game. With a chance to upset Michigan, he missed a 45-yard field goal that would have cemented the win.