Big Ten Football - 2021 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview
Our Rutgers Scarlet Knights preview 2021 observes that in the past five years this team has not had a winning season. In fact, the most games they’ve won in a single season total four. From 2011 through 2014, the Scarlet Knights appeared in four bowl games going 2-2. In 2020, Rutgers went 3-6 and finished fifth in the Big Ten East. They struggled on offense and defense. The Knights were 13th in the conference and 105th in the nation in total offensive and 13th and 104th in total defensive. They scored 26.7 PPG (8th Big Ten, 80th Nationally) and allowed 32.1 PPG (11th Big Ten, 83rd Nationally). Their PF/PA differential came out to minus 5.4.
Rutgers Offense
A note, last season’s eighth-place Big Ten finish in scoring was a huge improvement for this team which in the prior four seasons finished dead-last in that category. In eight games last year, the Scarlet Knights scored at least 20 points. In their first 52 games in the Big Ten, they reached that mark a total of 12 times. Last season, quarterback Noah Vedral, who came to Rutgers from Nebraska, completed 61.5% of his passes for 1,253 yards. He tossed nine TDs and eight interceptions. The top six receivers from last season come back, including Bo Melton. Melton led the Scarlet Knights with 47 catches for 638 yards, six scores, and an average of 13.6 YPC.
The two top running backs, Isaih Pacheo and Johnny Langan, are a solid tandem. Pacheo, who last season averaged 4.4 YPA and gained 515 yards, scored three TDs, while Langan, who was good for 3.6 YPA and 201 yards, broke into the end zone four times. The entire frontline returns, including two three-year starters.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview 2021 - Defense
Last season on defense, the Scarlet Knights recorded two impressive stats. They posted 19 turnovers, which ranked 18th in the nation, and 7.9 TFL per game, which was 11th. The frontline includes two dynamic and experienced seniors, Mike Tverdov (40 TKLs, 4 SCKs, 6.5 TFL, 5 QBH) and Julius Turner (35 TKLs, 8 TFL, 1 QBH).
The linebacking unit, which is talented and skilled, includes senior WLB Olakunle Fatukasi who led the team with 101 tackles. He also notched three sacks, eight TFL, one PBU, and two QBH. MLB Tyshon Fogg, who was second in tackles with 70, recorded 3.5 TFL, one sack, and one PBU. Strong safety Christian Izien, who last season had four picks and four PBU, anchors the secondary. Free safety Avery Young was good for 58 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and three PBU. Corner Tre Avery returns after breaking up seven passes and intercepting one last season.
Specialists
Our Rutgers Scarlet Knights preview 2021 notes that receiver Aron Cruickshank, last year’s Big Ten Specialist of the Year, returned two kicks for scores while averaging 26.8 YPR. Joshua Young, who joins the team from Kansas State, was the Big 12’s top special team’s player in 2019. He should upgrade what is already a solid return game. Punter Adam Korsak netted 42.3 YPP last season. That ranked eighth nationally. Also returning is placekicker Valentino Ambrosio. He was 15-of-16 on extra points and 9-of-11 on field goals.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview 2021 - Projection
With 11 starters returning on offense and 10 on defense, this Scarlet Knights team is certainly experienced. They’ve added depth and each area includes talented, standout players. Our Rutgers Scarlet Knights preview 2021 observes that if this team can find consistency, they could become a real force in the conference. Although Rutgers probably won’t have a winning season, five wins are not out of the question.
Big Ten Football - Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - Big Ten East
No Bowl Berth