The 2023 Rutgers football season is less than a week away. This Sunday, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take the field for the new season against Northwestern. Last year, Rutgers ended the season with just four wins and is looking to do much better this year. Under a new offensive coordinator, could the Scarlet Knights go bowling? Here is a look at the 2023 Rutgers football schedule and the predicted results.
2023 Rutgers Football Outlook
The 2023 Rutgers football season is difficult to predict. There are some games where they could be projected to lose but pull off a win. It will also depend on the health of the team. While that goes for all football teams, the Scarlet Knights have had their fair share of injuries, especially to their quarterbacks in 2022. Some games may be labeled as a loss, but this team should not be underestimated.
Vs. Northwestern
WIN
This 2023 Rutgers football team will be opening up their season against Northwestern. It will also be a home game for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers are opening up as favorites, but only by a touchdown. The key to victory is to not underestimate Northwestern. Rutgers can have a strong team this year; they can open up the season with a big win. Northwestern’s program has gone through a lot throughout the offseason; teams may think that means they will not be in it this season. But, if Rutgers is focused, they will get the job done.
Vs. Temple
WIN
This is going to be a closer game for the Scarlet Knights, but they may be able to start their season 2-0. Last season, Rutgers played well against Temple. This season, the 2023 Rutgers football team will face Temple at home. This will give them the edge and ability to build a great deal of momentum. This could be just the win that Rutgers needs to boost their confidence ahead of the rest of the season.
Vs. Virginia Tech
WIN
Virginia Tech had a rough 2022 season. They ended up with a 3-8 overall record; Rutgers ended up with four wins last season, not much better. This year, both teams will want to prove themselves, but the 2023 Rutgers football team will have the edge. This will have them off to a hot start. If the Scarlet Knights are still healthy, this will be big for them. Last season, they started 3-0, but there were numerous quarterbacks rotating in and out. This year, if Wimsatt can go three games in a row as a healthy starter, it would be a big deal for them.
At Michigan
LOSS
This loss should not come as a surprise. Michigan is one of the top teams in college football and by game four, Jim Harbaugh will be back coaching for the Wolverines. This will also be held in Ann Arbor. That is a tough atmosphere to play in. It is safe to say this will be the Scarlet Knights’ first loss for the season. Now, if Rutgers pulls off the win somehow, there better be celebrations all over the state of New Jersey.
Vs. Wagner
WIN
This is the game that Rutgers will come back strong for another win, already matching their record from the 2022 season. This will be a home game against a team that they defeated well in 2022. Rutgers will come up on top and show everyone the team they can be. This may be the easiest team that they face for the remainder of the season, but if this 2023 Rutgers football team can make it to four wins this early, anything can happen in the remainder of the season.
At Wisconsin
LOSS
If the hype surrounding Wisconsin this season holds up, it will, unfortunately, be another loss for the Scarlet Knights. This is especially because it will be at Wisconsin, and home-field advantage is a real thing. It could turn into a tough matchup, though, and no one should completely count Rutgers out. If these projections stand true, Rutgers would be pushing for that fifth win of the season. They could put up a huge fight this game and surprise everyone. Ultimately, this 2023 Rutgers football game is predicted as a loss.
Vs. Michigan State
LOSS
This will go down as another loss for this 2023 Rutgers football team, but it may be much closer than people believe. Michigan State has not yet named a starting quarterback. If the Rutgers defense plays as strong as they know they can, they will be able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. If they can do that, there is a chance that the Scarlet Knights pull off the win. Right now, it will be projected as a loss, but do not be shocked if it goes the other way.
At Indiana
WIN
It may be an away game, and it may be a battle, but the Scarlet Knights will defeat Indiana. This will be a huge win for the team, especially being an away game at Indiana. Rutgers did defeat Indiana last season, and it was an important win. They should be able to get another win this season. It may be a fight, but it can definitely happen.
Vs. Ohio State
LOSS
It really should not be a surprise to have it predicted that Ohio State defeat this 2023 Rutgers football team. Now, if something were to happen and Ohio State’s new quarterback, Kyle McCord, is not the guy, maybe the Scarlet Knights defense could make this a closer game than expected. But it is only right to predict this as a Rutgers loss.
At Iowa
LOSS
Iowa is projected to be a solid team this season, already a ranked team on the AP Top 25 Poll. In addition to that, the game will be held in Iowa, which is not the easiest place to play. It will be a tough one for Rutgers, but they may be able to put up a fight. Ultimately, this will be a loss for the Scarlet Knights.
At Penn State
LOSS
It is no secret that it is insanely difficult to play at Beaver Stadium. This will also be the last home game for Penn State, which means the atmosphere will be loud. This will go down as a Rutgers loss. It’s going to be a rough one for the Scarlet Knights; their hope will be to put up a fight. Similarly to Michigan and Ohio State, though, it will most likely be a tough loss for this 2023 Rutgers football team.
Vs. Maryland
WIN
While this may be risky, Rutgers will defeat Maryland in the final game of the season. Mayland’s offense will not be the easiest to defeat, but this will mean more for Rutgers. It will be the final game at their home stadium. The energy will be high, and the Scarlet Knights will put their all in this. Coming with the future of the Big Ten, Maryland will be Rutgers’ protected opponent. These teams will be seeing a lot of each other, and Rutgers will make their mark on them this season.
2023 Rutgers Football Record Predictions
The final 2023 Rutgers football record d is predicted to sit at 6-6. This would not be a bad record, considering they only won four games in 2022. The Scarlet Knights will also play in a bowl game this season. The lowest prediction will once again be a 4-8. There is a chance that they could make it to a 7-5 season, though. The season for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will begin this Sunday against Northwestern.