This Saturday, the 3-0 Scarlet Knights are set to face the 2-1 Iowa Hawkeyes. This is a home game for Rutgers and they are looking to break a losing streak in their home stadium against Big Ten opponents. Despite an undefeated record, there are still questions remaining about the Rutgers football team. The Hawkeyes will be their toughest competitor yet. It is questionable if the Scarlet Knights can get the win this weekend.
Rutgers Football Previous Games
In the season debut, Rutgers headed to Boston College and won 22-21. Boston was the favorite to win, despite being the worst team in the ACC in the 2021 season. The Scarlet Knights were down 6-14 at halftime and it was not looking good for them. The second half of the game was when luck turned around. By outscoring their opponent and not letting Boston score in the fourth quarter, Rutgers went on to win the game.
The Scarlet Knights had a blowout win for their second match of the season. It was their home opener against the Wagner Seahawks and they won 66-7. This was supposed to be an easy win for Rutgers, and it was important for the team to prove they can dominate the field against an easy opponent.
The most recent game was a tough one for Rutgers Football. The team won 16-14 at Temple University. Only winning by two points was a bad look for Rutgers, bringing on more questions about the quality of the team. Those who follow the Big Ten believe the tight win demonstrates that Rutgers is not competitive when compared to others in the conference.
Unfortunately for Rutgers, sophomore quarterback Gavin Wimsatt went down with an injury in the first half of the game. Wimsatt did not return causing sophomore Evan Simon to take his place. With the injury, Rutgers came together and still won. If they want to win this weekend, they will have to do the same.
Offensive Questions
The biggest question for the game against the Hawkeyes will be who is Rutgers’ starting quarterback. Wimsatt is the better player, but if he is not completely healthy, he may not play his best. Rutgers cannot afford turnovers in a must-win game, and playing injured can risk that.
Simon has only played one game this season against Temple. Completing 27 out of 40 passes, Simon may have a difficult time if he has to face Iowa. The passing game may be the greatest weakness for Rutgers with uncertainty around the quarterback position.
With questions about who will be the starting quarterback, the run game will be even more important for the team. In the win against Temple, Rutgers only rushed for 142 yards. It will be difficult to beat Iowa with rushing yards this low. If Rutgers wants to remain undefeated, they have to get the run game going.
Defensive Needs
Rutgers’ defense will also have to stand strong against Iowa’s offense. Rutgers’ defense was able to hold Temple to only 49 rushing yards, but 215 passing yards. In Iowa’s week three game against Nevada, the Hawkeyes had 175 passing yards and 162 rushing yards.
According to ESPN, the Iowa Hawkeyes have a 56.9% chance of winning this Saturday. While it is still close, the Scarlet Knights are the underdogs this weekend.
Rutgers football will have to play as a team and make smart decisions if they want to beat the Iowa Hawkeyes this weekend.
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