Eric Boggs
As Rutgers football gears up for the 2024 season, excitement and anticipation fill the air in Piscataway, New Jersey. Head coach Greg Schiano, a name synonymous with Rutgers’ most successful football era, has returned to the helm and is once again poised to elevate the program. With a unique understanding of New Jersey’s culture and a deep-rooted connection to the Scarlet Knights, Schiano is set to lead Rutgers into what could be a defining season.
Schiano’s Jersey Mentality
Greg Schiano’s return to Rutgers has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his deep ties to New Jersey and an innate understanding of its people, Schiano has managed to tap into the pulse of the community, rallying support in a state often divided by allegiance to New York and Philadelphia sports teams. His ability to navigate the complexities of New Jersey’s diverse culture and bureaucracy has been pivotal in revitalizing the program.
During his first stint with Rutgers in the old Big East, Schiano led the team to unprecedented success. Now, in the highly competitive Big Ten, he faces new challenges but with a more unified and supportive university structure. The question remains: Can Schiano complete the job he started and bring Rutgers to prominence in the Big Ten?
Key Storylines: Depth, Resilience, and Uncertainty
One of the biggest storylines entering the 2024 season is the depth of the Rutgers roster. Unfortunately, the team suffered a significant blow with the loss of senior linebacker and captain Mo Toure, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. This injury, coupled with concerns about the health of the linebacker corps, raises questions about the team’s ability to withstand the grueling Big Ten schedule.
However, Schiano’s emphasis on developing a deep and resilient team is beginning to pay off. Rutgers has retained a significant number of players who could have moved on, creating a pipeline of talent ready to step up. The depth at key positions, particularly at wide receiver and running back, will be tested early and often, but there is optimism that the Scarlet Knights can absorb these challenges and continue to compete at a high level.
The quarterback situation is another major point of interest. Rutgers has transitioned from Gavin Wimsatt to Athen Kaliakmanis, a decision that could redefine the team’s offensive capabilities. Wimsatt, a highly touted recruit, struggled with accuracy, which limited the Scarlet Knights’ offensive production. In contrast, Kaliakmanis has shown promise as a more efficient and consistent passer, which could unlock the potential of Rutgers’ talented skill players.
Kaliakmanis, however, brings both excitement and questions. While he had a decent first year at Minnesota, his performance last season left much to be desired, with issues in passing accuracy and turnovers. For Rutgers to succeed, especially in their ball-control offense, Kaliakmanis needs to improve his completion percentage and reduce mistakes. The quarterback position remains a significant question mark.
The Monangai Factor
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers’ standout running back, is poised for a breakout season. A decisive, downhill runner with a relentless style, Monangai has the potential to be one of the Big Ten’s top offensive players. Last season, he emerged as a key contributor, consistently gaining yards and wearing down defenses. With Kaliakmanis under center, Monangai could find even more opportunities to shine, especially with a stronger passing game to keep defenses honest.
Monangai’s return to Rutgers was a huge win for the program. Despite the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft, Monangai chose to stay, demonstrating his commitment to the team and his belief in what they can accomplish this season. His leadership and production will be crucial as Rutgers navigates the challenges of the Big Ten.
Defensive Concerns: Injuries and Depth
Rutgers’ defense, particularly the front seven, faces challenges due to injuries. The linebacker corps is a particular concern, with key players like Powell dealing with injuries and the loss of one of their best linebackers, likely for the season. The defensive line, which struggled to generate sacks last year, now relies on a younger interior group, adding further uncertainty. The effectiveness of this defense, especially in the middle, will be crucial in determining Rutgers’ success this season.
The Schedule: A Mixed Bag
Rutgers’ 2024 schedule is both challenging and opportunistic. The season begins with winnable games against Howard and Akron, followed by a bye week and then a road game at Virginia Tech. This game rekindles an old Big East rivalry, and while Rutgers fans may see it as a significant matchup, it remains to be seen how seriously Virginia Tech views it. Rutgers managed to beat them last year, but this year’s game on the road will be a true test.
The stretch from late September to mid-October could define Rutgers’ season. They face Washington at home, followed by back-to-back road games at Nebraska and Wisconsin. Washington’s cross-country travel could give Rutgers an edge, but Nebraska and Wisconsin are tough opponents, especially in hostile environments. Nebraska, in particular, is seen as a team on the rise, similar to where Rutgers was a year ago, making that game a critical juncture for both programs.
The game against UCLA, who faces a brutal travel schedule this season, could be a favorable matchup for Rutgers. However, a Friday night game on the road at USC presents a daunting challenge, especially with an 11 p.m. Eastern kickoff time. This game could have major implications for both teams’ playoff hopes, depending on how the season unfolds.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Depth: Rutgers has built a deeper roster, especially at wide receiver and running back, which should help them endure the physical demands of a Big Ten schedule.
- Coaching: Greg Schiano’s experience and understanding of Rutgers and New Jersey culture give the Scarlet Knights a unique edge.
- Monangai’s Running Ability: With a powerful and determined runner like Monangai, Rutgers has a reliable offensive weapon to lean on.
Weaknesses:
- Linebacker Injuries: The loss of Mo Toure and concerns about the health of other linebackers could expose Rutgers’ defense, especially against the Big Ten’s powerful offenses.
- Quarterback Transition: While optimistic about Kaliakmanis, the quarterback change introduces uncertainty. If he struggles, Rutgers could face the same offensive issues that plagued them last season.
Potential Outcomes: Ceiling and Floor
The range of potential outcomes for Rutgers in 2024 is wide. At their best, Rutgers could finish with an impressive 11-1 record, contending for a spot in the Big Ten Championship and possibly even the College Football Playoff. This optimistic scenario hinges on staying healthy, winning key matchups against teams like Wisconsin and USC, and consistent performance from Kaliakmanis.
On the flip side, the floor for Rutgers could be as low as 5-7 if injuries pile up, key players underperform, and they struggle against tough opponents. The thin margin between these outcomes highlights the uncertainty surrounding the team. Games like those against Virginia Tech, Nebraska, and Wisconsin could go either way, and Rutgers must prove they can win these close contests to take the next step as a program.
Final Thoughts
As Rutgers prepares to kick off the 2024 season, the team stands at a crossroads. With Greg Schiano back in charge and a roster filled with potential, there is hope that the Scarlet Knights can rise in the Big Ten and perhaps pull off some surprises. The season will test the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to adapt to new leadership at quarterback. If Rutgers can overcome these challenges, the 2024 season could mark the beginning of a new era of success for the Scarlet Knights.
