Rutgers was looking for its first-ever win over Wisconsin — and a 5-1 start — on Saturday at SHI Stadium.
The boos started with 19 seconds left in the first quarter, and honestly, give Rutgers fans credit for waiting that long. It was clear well before then that Greg Schiano did not have his team ready for this pivotal game against Wisconsin, that the Scarlet Knights were headed for a performance that would cast serious doubt on the direction of his program.
“I wish I knew that,” Schiano said when asked why the team wasn’t ready to play. “I know that’s my job to know that, but I can’t ignore that we weren’t ready to play. My mission in the next 48 hours is to figure that out. Somedays, you throw a clunker. This was a clunker.” “The team, the whole day, couldn’t chew gum and walk at the same time as a group,” Schiano said. “We just couldn’t get it going, coaching, playing, everything.
The defense, meanwhile, wasn’t much better. Rutgers gave up five plays longer than 30 yards in this game, which means this defense has allowed 17 of those in six games. It gave up just 13 all of last season. Even the most basic personnel changes seem like a challenge. Rutgers had 10 men on the field for one second-quarter play, with a defensive tackle running onto the field after the snap.
This is a gut-check moment for this team and its head coach. UCLA, probably the 17th best team in an 18-team conference, comes to New Jersey next weekend, then Rutgers has a five-game stretch that will determine where this season ends.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rutgers will try to bounce back from its first loss when it faces banged-up WisconsinRutgers will try to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it hosts Wisconsin on Saturday. After winning their first four games, the Scarlet Knights were edged by Nebraska on the road last weekend. Wisconsin comes into the game with a 3-2 record. The Badgers played their best game of the season last weekend, beating Purdue 52-6.
Read more »
Greg Schiano has ‘blind’ trust in Rutgers BOG to find President Jonathan Holloway’s successorRutgers head football coach Greg Schiano on Wednesday shared his reaction to President Jonathan Holloway's announcement that he will be stepping down.
Read more »
Rutgers’ Greg Schiano explains decisions during near meltdown against Virginia TechRutgers defeated Virginia Tech in Blacksburg for the first time on Saturday.
Read more »
Why Rutgers coach Greg Schiano did not challenge would-be Kyle Monangai touchdownRutgers running back Kyle Monangai appeared to score a touchdown against Nebraska, but he was called short. Greg Schiano did not challenge it. Here's why.
Read more »
Rutgers Rant: Previewing Scarlet Knights’ crucial meeting with wounded WisconsinThe Rutgers Rant is back to preview the Scarlet Knights' home game against Wisconsin on Saturday.
Read more »
Rutgers-Wisconsin picks, prediction: Will Scarlet Knights bounce back against beat-up Badgers?Rutgers (4-1, 1-1) will host Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1) at SHI Stadium in Piscataway on Saturday.
Read more »