The Big Ten Conference announced home and away opponents for the 2023-2024 season on Tuesday. Rutgers will face eight league foes once again. Dates and times will be announced in the future.
The Scarlet Knights will host Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota and Ohio State. Road matches will be against Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Purdue.
Rutgers avoids two Big Ten Powers
Rutgers will not face league powers Iowa and Nebraska, who finished No. 2 and No. 8 respectively at nationals last season. The Huskers finished No. 4 in the polls as well. While it would certainly be fun to see the Scarlet Knights challenge these programs on the mat, it does improve the overall ceiling for RU next winter by avoiding them. They still face national champion Penn State, as well as very tough programs in Ohio State, Michigan and Minnesota. The Buckeyes finished No. 4 at nationals while the Wolverines finished No. 6.
Difficult but Manageable Slate
It’s never, ever easy in the Big Ten. That being said, with dodging the bullet mentioned above, Rutgers has four matches on paper that they will be or could ultimately be favored to win. Maryland and Purdue are two matches Rutgers will need to win to make progress. While RU beat Michigan State last season, it’s no given next year. However, it’s certainly a match the Scarlet Knights have the talent to win and could be favored in on the road. The same can be said for Indiana, who were improved and beat Rutgers last season. The Hoosiers come to the RAC next winter and the matchup should have some extra juice as RU looks for payback.
Optimism for next season
After a No. 22 final national ranking, a 10-7 campaign and seven national qualifiers, last season was still viewed a disappointment. It speaks to the expectations for the program after Scott Goodale has made Rutgers nationally relevant over the past decade. Goodale always keeps it straight with fans and was honest in expressing his own frustrations. RU was just 2-6 in the Big Ten. However, with many key performers back along with three transfers expected to have big roles in the lineup, there should be hope that 2023-2024 will be a step forward for the program. After finishing fourth in the country in averaging 5,018 fans per home match at Jersey Mike’s Arena last winter, the Rutgers faithful should be back in full force once again. To purchase season tickets for the 2023-24 season, click here.
2023-24 Big Ten Opponents
Home
Indiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Ohio State
Away
Michigan
Michigan State
Penn State
Purdue
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