On Saturday, October 12, Rutgers football (4-1, 1-1) is back at SHI Stadium to host Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1) in a Big Ten Conference showdown. The Scarlet Knights have won eight of their last 10 home games as they prepare for Wisconsin. Rutgers will attempt to defeat the Badgers for the first time in program history. Kickoff is at noon, and coverage will be on the Big Ten Network and FOX Sports app.
Last week, Rutgers lost their first football game of the 2024 season in a 14-7 contest to Nebraska. Rutgers held Nebraska scoreless and 55 yards of total offense in the second half, but could not overcome the Cornhuskers’ two touchdowns in the first half in a 14-7 loss at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis found wide receiver Ben Black for an 11-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to capture the only points for RU. Kyle Monangai recorded 78 yards on 19 carries as the Cornhuskers held the former Big Ten rushing leader under 100 yards.
As for Wisconsin, the Badgers cruised past Purdue, 52-6, extending its winning streak over the Boilermakers to 18 games in a streak that dates back to 2004. The Badgers were propelled by 589 yards of total offense and their defense forced four turnovers. UW racked up its highest point total since a 66-3 win over New Mexico State in 2022 and its most points in a Big Ten game since 2021.
Rutgers Football vs. Wisconsin: Series History
Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014, the Scarlet Knights have failed to defeat the Badgers in five attempts. Last year in Madison, Rutgers outscored Wisconsin in the second half, 13-7, but couldn’t overcome a 17-0 halftime deficit in a 24-13 loss at Camp Randall Stadium. In the last five matchups, the Badgers have averaged 38.4 points per game, combining for 192 total points. Wisconsin’s largest victory came in 2021 when the Badgers defeated RU 52-3.
Rutgers game highs vs. Wisconsin:
- Rushing Yards: RB Josh Hicks, 72 (2015)
- Passing Yards: QB Artur Sitkowski, 261 (2018)
- Receiving Yards: WR Raheem Blackshear, 162 (2018)
Key Players for Rutgers
Entering their matchup against Wisconsin, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and his offensive weapons will prepare for a stout Badgers’ defense. UW is ranked No. 37 in total defense among FBS programs and will try to stop Kaliakmanis’s passing attack. Kaliakmanis has thrown eight touchdown passes and accumulated 947 yards through the air.
Wide receiver Dymere Miller is a must-watch for RU as he recorded multiple receptions in all five games. Miller leads the team with 262 receiving yards. Also, tight end Kenny Fletcher is a weapon in the passing game, pacing the offense with 19 catches. He ranks 19th nationally (third in Big Ten) among tight ends with 3.8 receptions per game.
On the ground, Monangai ranks fourth nationally with 133.4 rushing yards per game. He is now sixth on the program’s leaderboard with 2,609 career yards, needing 166 yards to tie Brian Leonard (2003-06) for fifth place.
On defense, Rutgers football is ranked No. 44 among FBS programs in total defense, recording 1,670 yards. Opponents are limited to 334 yards per game as Rutgers has held opponents scoreless on five trips to the red zone this year.
Linebacker Dariel Djabome leads RU with 44 tackles, ranking 32nd nationally and fourth in the Big Ten with 8.8 tackles per game. Also, defensive back Shaquan Loyal leads the team with five passes defended (four breakups, and one interception).
Key Players for Wisconsin
Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke threw for a career-high 359 yards against Purdue last week and will look to continue that trend against Rutgers. Locke connected on 21-of-30 attempts, becoming the first Badger quarterback to throw for 300 yards in a Big Ten game since Joel Stave did so in a win over Purdue on Oct. 17, 2015.
Also, keep an eye on running backs Tawee Walker and receiver Trech Kekahuna as they both had career games last week. Walker rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries and posted three touchdowns and Kekahuna finished the day with his first career touchdown, his first 100-yard game, and the first multi-touchdown game of his career.
Rutgers keys to victory
Rutgers is 15-1 since 2020 when not committing a turnover in a game and that trend needs to continue if RU wants a victory. Kaliakmanis and Monangai have been great at taking care of the football through the first five games. Monangai’s legs and Kaliakmanis’s ball security will be the keys to capturing a win. Rutgers has scored 63 non-offensive touchdowns under head coach Greg Schiano, as RU’s Special Teams will be a game-changer in this matchup.
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