Rutgers Football: Scarlet Knights Disassemble RedHawks in Week 2

After a monster Week 1 by the Rutgers rushing corps, it seemed as if the receivers claimed Week 2 as their own in the football game against Miami (OH). Career-high games came across the board; while defensive adjustments, and a game-chaining interception all led to an impressive 45-17 Scarlet Knights blowout of Miami (OH).

Rutgers Football: Scarlet Knights Week 2 Game Recap

Getting Comfortable

A big key to the Rutgers offense this season was that senior quarterback Athan Kaliakamanis would be returning to New Jersey. With a season under his belt and a new receiver entering the mix, Kaliakmanis was bound to have another big season.

Well, a big season he is having so far. And with him are wide receivers Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and DT Sheffield, who have shown to be huge parts of what has made Rutgers so successful through two games.

Strong, now a sophomore, led the trio with a career high 116 yards and two touchdowns in the game. The receiver seems to be becoming a reliable option on most offensive plays.

KJ Duff and DT Shefiiled had 71 and 37 yards, respectively, and each picked up a touchdown as well.

In total, Rutgers combined for four touchdowns and 259 yards in the air in their college football matchup in Week 2. It is no doubt partly thanks to the growing familiarity between the quarterback and receivers.

(Another) Dual Threat

Despite just barely surviving another duel-threat QB in Parker Navarro in week one, the Rutgers defense seemed to fare better versus another one in Dequan Finn.

Finn, in his seventh year of college football, certainly knows his way around. He threw for 251 yards was able to pick up 85 yards and a touchdown on the ground. However, late in the game, the Scarlet Knights’ defense was able to really lock in, forcing a game-changing interception.

In Week 2, the Rutgers defense adjusted as any great college football team should be able to. And overall, the defensive line and secondaries specifically looked much more in-tune and comfortable with such an “all over the place” quarterback at the helm.

Turning Point

The real turning point came early on as Miami (OH) was knocking on the doorstep of Rutgers in the redzone. With a score, the RedHawks would be down by just one score again, which could have been detrimental to a defense that was already struggling up to that point.

Fortunately, defensive back Bo Mascoe made an incredible read and popped up to grab an errant pass from Finn. The defensive back took it 68 yards back downfield, setting Rutgers up for an easy score.

A one-score game could have resulted in a completely different outcome. Yet with the interception, Rutgers was able to prevent a touchdown, and quickly gain one of their own just a few plays later.

Keep Growing

Rutgers has one of the hardest Big Ten schedules. They are set to play each of the currently ranked Big Ten opponents, as well as other top programs across their slate. Fortunately, with a one-week FCS matchup buffer ahead, head coach Greg Schiano still has time to fine-tune the team into a complete Big Ten product.

Schiano has done a great job of taking risks, so next week will be the time to push limits and find the plays that will chew up their conference opponents.

There will always be room for growth. As Kaliakmanis and the receivers get closer, as the defense gets more comfortable. And once Schiano realizes the strength of the team he has built, Rutgers is set to keep on winning.

What’s Next for Rutgers?

FCS Norfolk State is next up for the Scarlet Knights in Week 3. Coach Schiano will take on Michael Vick and the Spartans at home with a 3:30 kickoff on Saturday, September 13.