The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will be facing the Temple Owls this weekend. The 2023 Scarlet Knights defeated Northwestern last weekend and are looking to go on a win streak this weekend. They won 24-7, having a big game and already showing improvement on both sides of the ball. It is a night game for Rutgers, and the energy is already high for the game. Here is a look at everything to watch for as the Scarlet Knights take on the Owls.
What to Watch For
The first thing to watch this weekend for is the defense. Last Sunday, the Scarlet Knights defense dominated. Northwestern barely had the opportunity to breathe out there on the field. If the Rutgers’ defense can do that again this week, the Scarlet Knights should be able to win at ease. Last weekend, Rutgers ended the game with five sacks, eight tackles for loss, and five pass deflections, according to ESPN. They also had two interceptions, which really helped their team win. If they can play like this against Temple, they will be just fine.
Rutgers TE Johnny Langan (21) – Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media
Heading into the game, as of Tuesday, Rutgers are 9.5-point favorites. It will be fun to see what the offense can do. Last weekend, the offense looked good, controlling the game. There were, of course, moments that could have been better, such as getting the ball out earlier, but this could be the opportunity to fix that. The offensive line looked much better, and week two can continue well with the momentum built up. Hopefully, there will be more explosive plays.
Although it may not be the biggest theme night in college sports, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will be having a blackout on Saturday. Head Coach Greg Schiano announced he would like all the fans to wear black, and the team will even be breaking out black helmets. The fans can really help this team get the win by bringing the energy.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Players to Watch
Chris Long
Wide receiver Chris Long will be a player to watch this weekend. Long only had two receptions last weekend, but for 28 yards, according to ESPN. He averaged 14 yards in those two receptions. Even if he is not a top target, he could be a clutch player for quarterback Gavin Wimsatt to get the ball to this weekend.
Robert Longerbeam
Defensive back, Robert Longerbeam could be a fun player to watch this weekend against the Temple Owls. He had just two solo tackles, according to ESPN, but he also had one pass deflection and one interception. The Scarlet Knights have a pretty strong group of defensive backs, and Longerbeam is an example of this. The defense had a dominant game, and he was a big reason. It will be fun to see how he can continue with his momentum.
Ian Strong
Wide receiver Ian Strong is going to have a bright future. He is just a freshman, but Rutgers’ fans are already excited about what he will bring to this offense. Similarly to Long, Strong had just two receptions in the game. He ended up with 24 yards, according to ESPN, but he did catch a big touchdown for the team. This was a great catch based on how he was able to get one foot down and could turn into a big target moving forward. A video of the reception can be watched here on ESPN.
Game Predictions
Rutgers will have a big game this weekend against Temple. The Owls are also coming off of a win, but Rutgers will be playing at home with the blackout. The energy will be much higher, giving them the edge. A score prediction for the game is 27-10, with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights getting the win. If the defense plays as well as they can, there is a chance that Temple’s score is a little less, but time will tell. The game will take place this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at SHI Stadium.
