Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half in front of Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong (44) at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers (3-0) resumes Big Ten play on Saturday against No. 2 Michigan (3-0) in Ann Arbor. It’s the first road game of the season for RU and the first conference game for the Wolverines.
The last time RU visited the Big House, Michigan escaped with a 20-13 victory. The Rutgers defense held UM without a first down for most of the second half including forcing four three and outs in a row.
Whether the Scarlet Knights can challenge the two time defending Big Ten champs in Ann Arbor this time around remains to be seen. However, there is a path to victory that is possible.
Of course, Rutgers will need to make several big plays to have a chance. But it’s the way they’ve been winning that gives hope. The defense has been disruptive and the offense has capitalized on opponent mistakes. Controlling the clock and the game on the ground has been huge. Minimizing mistakes like turnovers, penalties, dropped balls and missed tackles has to show up as well in this game.
It’s a huge opportunity for the program and would be a perception shifting upset if Rutgers was able to pull it off. It will be a major challenge, but as fans we should embrace these moments.
Tuesday’s podcast episode dives into these themes and more ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
Topics include why even though it’s unlikely, there is a realistic way in which Rutgers can stun the Wolverines in the Big House on Saturday. Also a discussion on why fans need to embrace this opportunity and worry less.
Listen and watch below.
Audio
Video
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Agreed. At least +2 in the turnover battle and a busted play or two from Michigan’s D. While obviously a very difficult game to win, RU will enter the contest with confidence on the defensive side of the ball and with their ground attack. This game is why the perennial power coaches do not like the rule change of the running clock which is very similar to the NFL. It means fewer possessions and plays from scrimmage which, in turn, gives the underdog a better chance. Why not RU?
thevinman
September 19, 2023 at 10:55 pm
Yes there is a path. We need to win the turnover battle by a lot and hit a few long plays that flip the field and generate scores.
BataliBoli98
September 20, 2023 at 9:22 pm
Agreed. At least +2 in the turnover battle and a busted play or two from Michigan’s D. While obviously a very difficult game to win, RU will enter the contest with confidence on the defensive side of the ball and with their ground attack. This game is why the perennial power coaches do not like the rule change of the running clock which is very similar to the NFL. It means fewer possessions and plays from scrimmage which, in turn, gives the underdog a better chance. Why not RU?