Greg Schiano can have his maximum gifted staff in years, and between that and a softer agenda than standard, expectancies in New Jersey are on the upward thrust.
The veteran Rutgers trainer will lead the Scarlet Knights into their season opener Thursday towards FCS guests Howard in Piscataway, N.J.
The Large Ten has expanded to 18 groups, and Rutgers cracked the highest part of the league within the preseason media ballot, voted 9th. The Scarlet Knights used to percentage a department with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State, 3 just about assured losses. Now there are not more divisions, and Rutgers would possibly not face any of the ones 3 combatants in 2024.
A program that is normally cast on protection and particular groups might pack some extra offensive firepower for a metamorphosis. Former Minnesota beginning quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (1,838 yards, 14 touchdowns in 2023) transferred to Rutgers to staff up together with his former offensive coordinator, Kirk Ciarrocca. Kaliakmanis received the Scarlet Knights’ beginning activity in spring observe.
But the most important risk is Kyle Monangai, who returns to Rutgers after main the Large Ten in dashing yards (1,262), together with 3 150-yard video games.
Most sensible linebacker Mohamed Toure tore an ACL throughout the preseason and can omit the marketing campaign. Schiano mentioned Monday that different gamers input the week banged up, with out divulging specifics.
“There may be an outdated pronouncing: You do not upward thrust to the instance, you sink to the extent of your coaching,” Schiano mentioned. “We now have were given to verify we are educated in the entirety we are doing after which we are able to play. Whoever’s wholesome, we’ve got were given to move out and play.”
Howard completed tied for first within the MEAC in each and every of the previous two seasons, and the Bison have been picked 2d within the convention’s preseason ballot.
Rutgers is the Bison’s simplest FBS opponent this season, however their nonconference agenda additionally options rival Hampton, Princeton and Tennessee State earlier than they target for some other league identify and a go back to the Party Bowl, considered because the HBCU nationwide championship sport.
“The agenda is for sure difficult,” trainer Larry Scott mentioned. “We’ve some very tricky video games at the nonconference a part of the agenda that may get ready for the ones 5 league video games. The object {that a} agenda like this does is assist get ready you for adversity. It places you in eventualities the place it’s a must to determine issues out.”
–Box Degree Media
