The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 4-0 for the first time since 2012 as something special appears to be brewing within the program.
The Scarlet Knights defeated the Washington Huskies, 21-18, to secure a 4-0 record to kickoff the 2024 season. Rutgers also escaped another gritty game previously against the Virginia Tech Hokies, where the Scarlet Knights won 26-23. 23-points has been the most the Scarlet Knights defense has allowed through four games.
Coach Greg Schiano is not messing around, and has added plenty talent to the Rutgers roster via the transfer portal and the 2024 recruiting class. The most notable addition Schiano made was quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who previously started for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and showed flashes of promise. Thus far, Schiano has transformed Kaliakmanis into a solid quarterback that wins games and makes limited mistakes.
Rutgers is 4-0 for the first time since 2012📈 pic.twitter.com/qvYXSA8gwA
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 28, 2024
Running back Kyle Monangai has also been a pivotal part of the early success for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The running back has recorded 97 carries through four games, with 589-yards rushing and six touchdowns so far this season.
Perhaps the happiest and most excited people during this time for Rutgers have been the Scarlet Knights fans. Rutgers fans have taken over social media following the win over the Huskies to cherish the hot start.
Greg Schiano IS Rutgers football. Bill Snyder of Piscataway.
— Frankie 💣 LaTenna (In Kwesi we trust) (@teanna_la) September 28, 2024
Schiano is the man!
— The Good Man (@_The_Good_Man) September 28, 2024
Kyle monangai for president
— Halloween Jack (@scary_monstrs) September 28, 2024
Can the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Team Continue the Hot Run?
While the Rutgers Scarlet Knights may be 4-0 so far, many fans believe the success has been largely due to the schedule.
Rutgers notably will not play Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State this season as part of the conference schedule. Along with this, Rutgers also will not play Oregon, Iowa, or Indiana, all of whom are currently strong teams within the conference.
Rutgers is 4-0 and does not play Michigan, Penn State or Ohio State this season.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) September 28, 2024
However, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will have to play Nebraska next weekend, followed by Wisconsin, UCLA, and #13 USC. The Cornhuskers and Trojans should be tough matchups for Rutgers as they both have solid defensive units. Nebraska in particular has been working to stop the run, which could put Kaliakmanis into a tough position where he is forced to pass.
Many college football and Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans feel there is not much competition on the schedule this season, which could produce a double-digit win season.
Oregon is not even on the schedule for Rutgers. If Rutgers was to have a 9 or 10 win this season would be the best season to have one.
— Jackson Johnson (@JacksonVOCFB) September 28, 2024
Easiest schedule in the B1G by far.
— JP (@JPNittany17) September 28, 2024
Regardless of who is on the schedule for Rutgers, playing the same solid football moving forward is going to be key.
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