On Saturday, the Rutgers football team (4-2, 1-2) will look to snap a two-game losing streak as the Scarlet Knights hosts the UCLA Bruins (1-5, 0-4). Rutgers football takes on UCLA for the first time, marking the Scarlet Knights’ fifth game at SHI Stadium in seven outings to start the season.
Also, Rutgers is set to host its 90th annual Homecoming game on Saturday; RU holds a 55-3-1 Homecoming record. Rutgers’ Homecoming event has been held every season since 1933, except 1943 and 2020. Kickoff is set for noon, with TV coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports app.
Last week, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights lost to Wisconsin, 42-7, at SHI Stadium. Running back Kyle Monangai was the only Scarlet Knight to find the endzone, recording his seventh rushing touchdown of the season. He totaled 72 yards on the ground; meanwhile, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis recorded a career-high 48 rushing yards.
On defense, linebacker Dariel Djabome totaled 12 tackles to lead Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights forced two turnovers, including an interception from defensive back Shaquan Loyal and a forced fumble from Djabome, which defensive back Bo Mascoe recovered.
As for the Bruins, UCLA is coming off a 21-17 loss to Minnesota. UCLA shut out the Gophers in the first half, 10-0, with scores coming from a one-yard touchdown rush by running back Keegan Jones on the opening drive and a field goal by Mateen Bhaghani before the half.
In the second half, the Bruins recorded their longest scoring play of the season when quarterback Ethan Garbers found wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant for a 42-yard touchdown. On defense, linebacker Carson Schwesinger led the Bruins with 13 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. UCLA Bruins
On Saturday, Rutgers will play UCLA for the first time in their football program’s history. UCLA will join Cal (2001) and Fresno State (2008) as opponents from California to visit the Scarlet Knights throughout the history of Rutgers football. RU is 106-67-1 all-time when playing a team for the first time, with victories on the last four occasions (2022 Wagner, 2019 Liberty, 2018 Texas State, 2017 Purdue).
Key Players for the Scarlet Knights
During his weekly press conference, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is confident his offense will get back on track after an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin. Schiano and his staff have a one-week-at-a-time approach, looking to go 1-0 at the end of this week.
Rutgers’ offense starts with the quarterback, and Kaliakmanis has to have a bounce-back week. Kaliakmanis finished last week’s game with a 37.5 completion percentage and 103 passing yards. He completed 12 of his 32 attempts with one interception. Rutgers’ two losses came when Kaliakmanis recorded below a 41 percent completion rate, making him a key player for the Scarlet Knights’ success.
On defense, the Scarlet Knights have held opponents scoreless on six trips to the red zone. Djabome is the key to Rutgers’ success on defense. He leads the team with 56 tackles, ranking 16th nationally and third in the Big Ten with 9.3 tackles per game. The junior linebacker surpassed his career total by 41 tackles this season.
Key Players for the Bruins
Quarterback Ethan Garbers is a key player to watch for the Bruins in this matchup. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound quarterback has recorded 92 completions for 1,110 yards and four touchdowns. He has a strong arm and isn’t scared to let it loose. Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant is one of Garbers’s favorite targets this season. Sturdivant is coming off a strong performance last week, recording seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger is the anchor for UCLA. Schwesinger is the Big Ten leader and ranks second in the NCAA in solo tackles (47) and solo tackles per game (6.8). He is also tied for the Big Ten lead in total tackles (62) and total tackles per game (10.3). The 6-foot-2, 225-pound redshirt junior has led UCLA in tackles in all but one game this season (vs. Indiana).
Rutgers’ Keys to Victory
The Scarlet Knights’ defense needs to come ready to play on Saturday. Garbers has thrown nine interceptions this season, leading the Big Ten Conference. If Rutgers’ defense can cause multiple turnovers, RU can capture their fifth victory on the season. Since 2020, Rutgers has been 15-1 when not committing a turnover in a game. Saturday’s matchup is going to be the battle of the quarterbacks. Whichever quarterback plays better, their team will win 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