The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to face the Minnesota Gophers this Saturday. Can Rutgers continue to beat Big Ten teams? Minnesota is a decent opponent that they should beat and both teams sit at a 4-3 record. Here are three Scarlet Knights to watch in the big matchup.
Scarlet Knights: Samuel Brown V
Freshman running back Samuel Brown V is one of the best offensive weapons on this Rutgers team. Every game, win or lose, he has had an impact. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a win and will be in hopes of another against a much tougher opponent this weekend. Brown is the player to watch on the Rutgers offense this weekend.
This Season
Brown has been a top running back with great stats this season. According to Sports Reference, Brown has rushed for 369 yards so far with 85 total carries. He even has the ability to catch having four receptions for 17 yards. The lowest aspect of his game is that Brown has only scored three touchdowns this season. If Brown can score more this weekend against Minnesota, he can really help the Scarlet Knights put up a fight.
VS Indiana
In Rutgers game vs Indiana that led to the Scarlet Knights’ first home win since 2017 vs a Big Ten opponent was also Brown’s first start for the team. The young running back was a huge aspect of the win as a big playmaker. ESPN has Brown rushing for 101 yards with 28 attempts, the longest being for 12 yards. Brown even scored a touchdown in the matchup. The running back did exit the game due to an ankle injury and had to get it taped. Despite the injury, he should still be playing against the Gophers.
Scarlet Knights: Deion Jennings
Deion Jennings is a senior linebacker for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and his pressure was felt against Indiana. Jennings is a solid defender for this team and has the potential to make a major impact vs Minnesota.
This Season
This season Jennings has totaled 56 tackles, 34 of which were solo according to Sports Reference. He has also had 5.5 tackles for loss. An important stat is that he has had three pass deflections this season. If he can prevent the Minnesota Quarterback, from completing passes, Jennings will greatly improve his team’s chances of winning. Pass deflections do not always mean incompletions, they can be tipped for an interception as well. Any turnovers will be beneficial for Rutgers.
VS Indiana
Jennings is a player to watch this weekend because of the impact he had in the Rutgers victory over Indiana. His stats may not sound great, but it was a true team win by the Scarlet Knights, and he was a huge help. According to ESPN, Jennings totaled nine tackles, and six were solo. He had the second most solo tackles with Christian Izien having three more at nine. It is the defense that is the strength of this Scarlet Knights roster, and they will need to do everything they can to prevent Minnesota from scoring.
Scarlet Knights: Aaron Lewis
Sophomore Defensive Lineman Aaron Lewis has had an up-and-down season so far. His best game has been against Temple where he had 11 total tackles, according to ESPN. Last week against Indiana, it was evident Lewis put in more effort. If Lewis can keep up the momentum, he will be a threat to Minesota this weekend.
This Season
This season, Jennings has totaled 25 tackles, ten of which were solo. The solo tackles need to improve, but his momentum is slowly building up. He also has one sack and a forced fumble according to Sports Reference. Putting Minnesota’s quarterback under pressure will be key this weekend. Between two Golden Gophers’ quarterbacks, there have been eight interceptions thrown. Turnovers will be key to the Scarlet Knights success.
VS Indiana
Jennings began building his momentum last week vs Indiana totaling four total tackles, according to ESPN. It was not just the tackles that made him stand out, it was the two tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. Lewis may not be the best defender for the Scarlet Knights, but if Rutgers wants to win this weekend, everyone will need to step up. Jennings can make a strong impact, especially with the Minnesota offense being distracted by other Rutgers defensive players.
The Scarlet Knights will face The Minnesota Gophers at 2:30 pm Eastern this Saturday and try to continue their winning record, proving they can be a competitive team.
For more NFL and NCAA football content:
Check out my most recent article on which Penn State players to watch this weekend. Also, check out this Penn State article about what went wrong in the student section of the 2022 White Out and how dangerous it was for students. For NFL Content, check out my most recent underestimated player spotlight.
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