There are many questions surrounding the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team in 2023. Can the team win five games? Will the offense gain any momentum? The Scarlet Knights only won four games in 2022 and have a lot they need to work on. They lost some solid players but overall have a similar team as last year. There are higher expectations this year than in the past. Here are five things to watch for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights next season.
1. Will the Rutgers Quarterbacks Get it Together?
It is no secret that the 2022 season was held back because of the quarterback position. The projected starter for 2023 will be Gavin Wimsatt, who will be heading into his third year playing with the Scarlet Knights. Evan Simon stepped up last season too though, causing more controversy on who should start. Yes, those two are not the only quarterbacks on the roster, but they are the two that fans can expect to see on the field this season.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt – Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Photo
Last season, Wimsatt faced injuries that held him back. The good news is that gave Simon more experience, which is needed in any position, especially for the quarterbacks. In 2022, Wimsatt played in eight games, where he had 65 completions out of 145 attempts for 757 yards, according to Sports Reference. The quarterback only passed for five touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Potentially a healthy season can help him improve. Wimsatt has a higher ceiling between him and Simon, but health is wealth.
As for Simon, he actually has played more games than Wimsatt for the Scarlet Knights, as he played more games in the past two seasons. In 2022, Simon played in nine games where he completed 79 passes out of 137 attempts for 777 yards, according to Sports Reference. He passed for four touchdowns compared to six interceptions. Either way, Wimsatt will be the player fans can expect to see on the field. He just needs to stay healthy and throw fewer interceptions.
2. Can the Rutgers Defense Force Turnovers
The Scarlet Knights’ defense was the best part of the 2022 season. They are the reason that Rutgers was able to keep it close until the second half. They lost a couple of players but mainly retained their team. What will help this team the most is an increase in turnovers. This will limit points scored by opposing teams and get the defense off the field. The worst thing that can happen for a defense is to constantly be on the field. It tires them out, and offenses score.
In 2022, the Scarlet Knights’ defense forced nine interceptions and five forced fumbles, according to ESPN. They recovered five fumbles as well. Two of the interceptions were pick-sixes, and if that could increase, it would be big for the team in 2023. The defense needs to get off the field quickly, and turnovers are the top way to do that.
Rutgers DBs Avery Young (0) and Christian Braswell (2) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
3. How Does the New Offensive Coordinator Change Things?
Following the 2022 season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights hired a new offensive coordinator, bringing in Kirk Ciarrocca. It will be interesting to see if Ciarrocca is able to bring out a new spark in the Scarlet Knights’ offense. It also is important that Wimsatt, the projected starter at quarterback, adapts to a new offensive coordinator. Sometimes it takes a while for an adjustment, and it will be important to monitor.
Ciarrocca is no stranger to Rutgers University. In 2008, Ciarrocca was the Scarlet Knights’ wide receivers coach, and in 2009 he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator. His most recent position was as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers went 9-4 in 2022, and the Scarlet Knights could use someone who is familiar with the Big Ten and knows how to get wins in the conference.
4. Increase in Time of Possession
Rutgers may have had a strong 2022 defense, but with a poor time of possession, the defense can tire out. The team’s offense will need to focus on keeping control of the game. Opposing offenses should not be able to run around the Scarlet Knights. The key to this is to improve the passing game but still rely on the run game. In 2022, with injuries, it was clear that the Scarlet Knights would run the ball as much as they could. Opposing defenses figured this out and forced many three-and-outs.
In 2022, the average time of possession for Rutgers was 29:11. In games that Rutgers could have won, such as their game against Nebraska in 2022, they did not dominate the time of possession. With a new offensive coordinator, perhaps this can change. If this does increase, the Scarlet Knights should be able to win at least five games next season.
Rutgers RB Samuel Brown (27) – Rich Schultz/Getty Images
5. Running Backs Take Control of the Offense
The Scarlet Knights offense could have a really good run game next year. They need to stay healthy, but they can do it, and it will be something to watch for in 2023. The top two running backs were Kyle Monangai and Samuel Brown V. Brown’s injuries held him back, but if he remains healthy, he can push this team to get more wins. The two of these players together, both healthy, can be something special.
In 2022, Monangai rushed for 445 yards and two touchdowns, while Brown rushed for 369 yards and three touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Brown only played in seven games compared to Monangai’s 12 games. Both running backs also have the ability to catch passes. Together, Rutgers should be able to dominate the game on the ground, making it easier on the passing game.
The 2023 season will begin at SHI stadium on September third against Northwestern. Be sure to watch for these five important aspects of the season for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights next year.
