Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football vs. Wagner Preview
Last week the Scarlet Knights opened up their season at Boston College. They were able to come out with a tough win 22-21. The Scarlet Knights will play at SHI Stadium for the first time this season. They will host Wagner in the “Back to the Birthplace Game.”
Against Boston College Rutgers had two quarterbacks in rotation with incumbent starter Noah Vedral out with an upper-body injury. Sophomores Gavin Wimsatt and Evan Simon were the two quarterbacks for the Scarlet Knights. The two combined for 110 yards and an interception. The offense rushed for 212 yards and scored three touchdowns as well. On the final drive, Rutgers used 12-plays to march down 96 yards and score to take the lead with 2:43 remaining. Running back Al-Shadee Salaam rushed for 49 of the 96 yards. He scored the final touchdown for Rutgers and it was his first career touchdown.
On the defensive side Rutgers help Boston College to 29 rushing yards (-8 in the second half). This is the 11th time the Scarlet Knights under Schiano held opponents to 30 rushing yards or less, all were victories. Wesley Bailey recorded 1.5 sacks and recovered a fumble. Two defensive backs Christian Braswell and Robert Longerbeam both recorded interceptions giving them three takeovers. The Knights scored 12 points off of turnovers.
Against Wagner, the Scarlet Knights will be bigger at every position. They had a hard time throwing the ball against Boston College causing them to switch quarterbacks a lot. Expect both quarterbacks to find a groove and build confidence against Wagner. Rutgers offensive line dominated Boston College, especially on the last drive and expect the same thing in this next game. Last week the Rutgers secondary allowed Boston College’s receiver Zay Flowers 10 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
The game will be on Saturday at 4 p.m. Watch the game on the Big Ten Network or listen live on our radio station Fox Sports New Jersey 93.5-FM/1450-AM.
