Inside the Matchup: Rutgers vs. Washington - Opponent Q&A with Greg Patuto
Expert Insights on Rutgers Football: Greg Patuto Breaks Down Scarlet Knights' Strengths, Key Players, and Big Ten Showdown with Washington Huskies
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For this week’s version of the Washington Huskies opponent Q&A we welcome Greg Patuto, Managing Editor of On The Banks to answer questions about Rutgers and its Friday night matchup with the Huskies.
KC: Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano is in his fifth season of his second stint with Rutgers. How would you evaluate his performance so far? Does he have the program on an upward trajectory?
GP: There was a lot of hype when Greg Schiano returned to Rutgers for his second stint because of what he did the first time around. Schiano turned Rutgers into a Top 10 team in the Big East before leaving for the NFL. He came back at rock bottom. If you ask any Rutgers' fan what rock bottom looks like, the answer will be Chris Ash.
It has been five years and the team has built a culture, which is the most important thing. You hear Schiano's staff and players constantly reference C.H.O.P. On the field, the Scarlet Knights run the ball well and play defense. Schiano has also recruited well and is expecting a deep 2025 class.
Schiano's performance as a whole has been all fans could hope for in terms of rebuilding the program. Now, there is a little to be desired with his work on the sidelines on game day. He makes some questionable decisions in-game but in terms of building a culture and rebuilding a program that was near the bottom of the nation in 2019, he has done a tremendous job.
KC: Rutgers enters Big Ten play undefeated, how do you feel about the team through three games?
GP: This will be a very telling game for Rutgers. The schedule was set up where the team took on Howard and Akron before an early bye week. This allowed for two wins while key members of the defense got three weeks to get healthy ahead of Virginia Tech. Rutgers took control of that game early but some aforementioned blunders by Schiano on game day helped Virginia Tech get back in. But hey, 3-0 is 3-0.
Fans should feel pretty good about this team through three games because its identity is showing again and the passing game is improved. Kyle Monangai is one of the best backs in the nation to start the season and the defense is good once again. Last season, the passing game was basically nonexistent. Athan Kaliakmanis looks comfortable this year. While his numbers have not jumped off the page, he has just one turnover this season and provides a threat. That is the most important thing.
Rutgers is still far from a perfect entity. The way it has been put is that the Scarlet Knights have high expectations and could win a lot of games this season, but could also lose on any given week. All in all, the team has been living up to expectations and the victory in Blacksburg was very important.
KC: What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of this Rutgers team?
GP: The strength is the run game and the defense. Like I said above, this has been the team's identity. Monangai led the Big Ten in rushing last season. He returned in the backfield, along with a strong offensive line, and this gives Rutgers its workhorse back. The defense is full of seniors and with Tyreem Powell back and healthy, the linebackers are elite.
The weakness is getting to the quarterback. Last season, Rutgers was among quarterback pressures in the conference but at the bottom in sacks. This has been a front that has not been able to finish the job when getting to the quarterback. That has been the same this season as the team has just four sacks in three games. Now, they have faced mobile quarterbacks each week but this is not a new issue for the front seven.
KC: Besides running back Kyle Monangai, who are the key players to watch on the Scarlet Knights' offense?
GP: Rutgers was in dire need of downfield threats offensively. Dymere Miller was a major addition in the transfer portal after he led the FCS in receiving at Monmouth last season. He has been the team's leading receiver with 13 catches for 212 yards. Again, numbers will not jump off the page at you but Miller has proven to be a threat in the Big Ten because of his speed and ability to catch the football.
Kenny Fletcher also emerged last week against Virginia Tech. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca gave Kaliakmanis many run-pass options and he found Fletcher in the flat for big gains all afternoon. Virginia Tech did not adjust to this play. Fletcher, by the way, is a converted defensive end so has great size and is an incredible athlete at the tight end position. In recent years, the automatic answer to the biggest weakness on the team has been the tight end. Last season, the tight ends did not register a catch. This season, Fletcher has brought a presence to the position.
KC: The Rutgers defense returns eight starters from last season. Who have been the top performers on defense so far this season?
GP: One of the best performers this season through three games has been a young linebacker among all the returners. DJ Djabome leads the team in tackles with 22 and has a forced fumble this season. Djabome has been extremely important because Rutgers has dealt with injuries at the position. Mohamed Toure is out for the year with a torn ACL and Tyreem Powell missed the first two weeks recovering from a torn Achilles. He has made up for the loss of Toure, giving Rutgers a strong No. 2 with Powell back on the field.
KC: Moving to this week’s matchup, what are the keys for Rutgers to beat Washington?
GP: This will be a tough matchup for both teams. It will be the first Big Ten game for Rutgers and Washington will have to come across the country. The Huskies have struggled a bit with penalties but have performed well for a completely new regime. The keys for Rutgers are what they are each week. The offense must be able to run the ball effectively and take care of the football. The defense is good enough to keep the team in the game but turnovers can change the trajectory of any game.
KC: What’s your prediction?
GP: Because of where this game is being played, I give a slight edge to Rutgers, similar to Vegas' line of three points. That seems to be in the ballpark of where this game will be played. I also do not expect a shootout but a well-played, chess-match type of game.
Final: Rutgers 24, Washington 18
You can follow Greg’s coverage of Rutgers on X (@GregPatuto) and at On the Banks.
After reading this, I think the Husky defense has a chance to carry the day. Two turnovers and holding Rutgers to under 125 yards rushing I think would be enough for the Huskies to earn a tough road win.
Kevin, I’d tend to agree with you, especially if the rain falls (55% chance) as that would press Scarlet Knights into run game even more. Can see KamFab running downhill and smacking some dudes.