The Rutgers Scarlet Knights dropped to a 4-2 record in week six of the season with a loss against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Rutgers’ offense struggled, especially in the first half of the game. The defense played well but continued to tire out. Here is a look back on the loss, and where the Rutgers’ offense will need to improve.
Rutgers’ Offense Can’t Stay On the Field
The Rutgers’ offense struggled big time with staying on the field. Whether it be the play calls, Gavin Wimsatt’s decision-making, or a struggling offensive line, the Scarlet Knights could not get any momentum going. Just two drives in the first half for the Scarlet Knights were for more than three plays. One of the two ended up being when Wimsatt threw the pick-six. When the Rutgers’ offense can’t stay on the field, the defense tires out quickly.
In the second half of the game, there were improvements. Rutgers was able to put up 13 points, but it was too little too late. They were able to stay on the field longer on most drives, which gave their defense a needed break. If they played like that in the first half, it may have been a much closer game.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – John Fisher/Getty Images
The loss could be blamed on a couple of different elements regarding the offense. The team should have tried running the ball in the endzone instead of that pass that resulted in a pick-six. The offensive line could have done a better job blocking, as this is a run-first team that totaled just 64 yards, according to ESPN. Kyle Monangai rushed the ball just eight times in the game. The playcalling could have been much better. There were a lot of issues in this game, and the Rutgers’ offense as a whole needs a better game plan moving forward.
In order to not keep the conversation too negative, wide receiver JaQuae Jackson continues to have big plays on Rutgers’ offense. When the ball is in the air, he is someone who is almost always going to catch the ball. According to ESPN, Jackson had three receptions for 46 yards. As the team continues to improve with their passing game, Jackson will be a player to watch.
Rutgers WR JaQuae Jackson (9) – Paul Sancya/Associated Press
Defense Stands Strong
The defense for the Scarlet Knights played very well in this game. There were moments that could have been better, but all around they played well. In the second half, Wisconsin was only able to score seven points, and credit does need to be given to Rutgers for that. By the end of the game, the Rutgers defense had 66 total tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss, according to ESPN. They also had a key fumble recovery in the endzone.
One player on the defense that should be highlighted is Flip Dixon. He was where he needed to be, and made a big pass deflection during a deep pass from Wisconsin. If Dixon’s movement was off by even just a second, that most likely would have resulted in a Badgers touchdown. Hopefully, he can keep this up next weekend.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (2) – Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Where the Scarlet Knights Go From Here
Next up, the Scarlet Knights will head home to face the Michigan State Spartans. While Wimsattt was cleared to return to the game after a helmet-to-helmet collision, hopefully, he is going to be just fine for next week. Aside from that, the Rutgers’ offense will need a better game plan than they had in week six. They need to play smarter and get another conference win this year.
The Scarlet Knights’ defense just has to keep up with how they have been, and maybe force an interception against the Spartans. Rutgers also needs to make sure their special teams are on the same page after missing a field goal this weekend. The game will take place at SHI Stadium at Noon Eastern.
