Analyzing the toughest games on the 2024 schedule for Rutgers football.
The 2024 college schedule for Rutgers football is set with the Scarlet Knights opening up the season against Howard on Thursday, August 29. The Scarlet Knights’ schedule is more forgiving this season than previous years with Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State off their schedule in 2024.
According to 247Sports, Rutgers is nowhere near the top 15 toughest schedules heading into the 2024 season. This year will be slightly different for the Scarlet Knights, as they historically had one of the toughest schedules year after year since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014. Last year, Rutgers finished with the fourth toughest strength of schedule, according to ESPN.
Ranking in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten is never bad for this Rutgers program as they look to make a big improvement in 2024. After years of trying to climb out of the basement, Head Coach Greg Schiano has an inspired program that plays tough defense and a strong running game. With last year’s quarterback Gavin Wimsatt gone, Rutgers’ offense can provide more stability under Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis.
Three Toughest Games for Rutgers in 2024
Week 3 – Washington at Rutgers
Rutgers football will have its first test during the 2024 season when they host Washington on Friday, September 27 in their first Big Ten game. The Scarlet Knights could enter their Week 3 matchup against the Huskies with a 3-0 record, opening the season against Howard, Akron, and Virginia Tech. Washington has the advantage in this Big Ten showdown as the Huskies hold a 2-0 series lead entering the 2024 season.
In 2016, Washington hosted the Scarlet Knights in their first-ever matchup with the Huskies defeating Rutgers 48-13. The last time the two programs faced off was in 2017 when Washington defeated Rutgers 30-14. The 2024 season will be the first year with Washington in the Big Ten Conference and their matchup against Rutgers will be their second Big Ten game, playing Northwestern the week before.
Week 5 – Wisconsin at Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights will look to snap a five-game losing streak against Wisconsin when Rutgers host the Badgers on Saturday, October 12. Since joining the Big Ten in 2014, the Scarlet Knights have been winless against the Badgers. Wisconsin has averaged 38 points a game against Rutgers and their largest victory game in 2021 when the Badgers defeated the Scarlet Knights 52-3. In 2023, head coach Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights battled it out but fell short against the Badgers 24-13.
Week 7 – Rutgers at USC
On Friday, October 25, the USC Trojans and the Scarlet Knights will play in their first-ever football game when Rutgers travels to California. Rutgers’ Week 7 game will be the first time the Scarlet Knights will travel to California to battle on the gridiron. Even with the long-distance travel (2,752 miles), the Scarlet Knights will have a good chance to defeat the Trojans. According to On3, the over/under for USC’s 2024 win total is set at 7.5 and the Trojans have failed to win eight games in a season just three times since the 2001 season.
With star quarterback Caleb Williams leaving for the NFL, USC’s head coach Lincoln Riley will look to replace his Heisman-winning quarterback. Riley has proven over and over again that he can manufacture excellent quarterback play, which will put plenty of pressure on the Scarlet Knights’ defense and secondary.
Mike Cavallo
A sportswriter for The League Winners covering all Rutgers athletics. Follow my social media page for all coverage of Rutgers sports. X (Twitter): @M_Cavs55