Kyle Monangai has been a beast for the Scarlet Knights through games. Photo credit Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers football is off to a 2-0 start with an injury riddled Virginia Tech team coming to Piscataway on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights haven’t been perfect, but certainly look improved in the early part of the 2023 season.
We don’t know how good this team is yet. However, there are obvious signs that they have made progress. All three phases have shown specific strengths. Gavin Wimsatt is a work in progress but developing. Running backs have been a strength we expected them to be. Wide receivers have had some flashes. The offensive line remains a major concern.
On the defensive side of things, Rutgers has been strong upfront and the hoped for depth appears legitimate. The linebackers are playing very well and the secondary is taking a step forward.
The specialists have been strong as well.
I also think Rutgers has shown they are well coached and Schiano trusts his staff in a positive way.
On Monday’s podcast episode, topics include the 2-0 start, the golden opportunity against a beat up Virginia Tech team, why preseason expectations appear higher now, the areas where Rutgers is definitely improved and much more.
Also I include a brief update on how the Rutgers fall sports programs are doing less than a month into their respective seasons.
Listen and watch below to this episode of the The Scarlet Faithful podcast.
Audio
Video
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I can understand the usual trepidation when it comes to Rutgers football and the VT game. Schiano talks about the VT defense and his concerns about the game, etc. But, the reality is that the VT offense doesn’t seem to have a running game, their best receivers are injured and their reserve QB (most likely to play) is an unknown quantity, although supposedly a dual threat. Seems made to order for the Rutgers defense, no? So, this seems to me to be where the chances are very good that the VT offense goes three & out – a lot! Can the VT defense be expected stop Rutgers’ offense for 4 quarters if it spends most of the game on the field? I like Rutgers’ chances in this game. Allowing for VT’s deep defensive line that Schiano says is the best they will have faced so far, I still like Rutgers 20 – 3 (okay, I’ll allow VT up to 10pts for the game). Once again, I’ll repeat, the defense will only get better. And, the offense will make gradual progress led by the OL. Ciarrocca will open up the offense commensurate to the offense’s progress and the opposing team’s strengths/weaknesses. That’s how I dreamed it last night, anyway.
Thanks again for another well done podcast. I think this is exactly why GS came out and said that the D is capable of better. Coaches fear overconfidence and complacency and with a trip to the Big House looming, I am sure that this feels like a trap game to the staff.
pj43
September 12, 2023 at 4:59 pm
I can understand the usual trepidation when it comes to Rutgers football and the VT game. Schiano talks about the VT defense and his concerns about the game, etc. But, the reality is that the VT offense doesn’t seem to have a running game, their best receivers are injured and their reserve QB (most likely to play) is an unknown quantity, although supposedly a dual threat. Seems made to order for the Rutgers defense, no? So, this seems to me to be where the chances are very good that the VT offense goes three & out – a lot! Can the VT defense be expected stop Rutgers’ offense for 4 quarters if it spends most of the game on the field? I like Rutgers’ chances in this game. Allowing for VT’s deep defensive line that Schiano says is the best they will have faced so far, I still like Rutgers 20 – 3 (okay, I’ll allow VT up to 10pts for the game). Once again, I’ll repeat, the defense will only get better. And, the offense will make gradual progress led by the OL. Ciarrocca will open up the offense commensurate to the offense’s progress and the opposing team’s strengths/weaknesses. That’s how I dreamed it last night, anyway.
BataliBoli98
September 12, 2023 at 9:34 pm
Thanks again for another well done podcast. I think this is exactly why GS came out and said that the D is capable of better. Coaches fear overconfidence and complacency and with a trip to the Big House looming, I am sure that this feels like a trap game to the staff.
SailingEngineerSF
September 12, 2023 at 9:50 pm
Agreed with PJ43- VT doesnt look good. Not sure why Rutgers fans are so worried. Time to be confident beating teams that we know we should