Rutgers Prepares to “Chop” in Minnesota

For Rutgers and Minnesota it will be looking in a mirror.

When the two football programs meet for the first time since 2019, they will come into the game with identical 4-3 records, and identical 1-3 records against the Big Ten Conference.

Minnesota is riding a three-game losing streak. Rutger snapped its three-game losing streak just a week ago against Indiana.

So something has got to give this week between two teams looking to inch closer to bowl eligibility.

Minnesota is struggling offensively of late. Starting quarterback Tanner Morgan is still listed as out with a concussion; that would mean freshman Athan Kaliakmanis would get the start. He struggled last week in a loss to Penn State.

In fact, Minnesota has averaged only 13.7 points per game in its last three games.

This could be a huge for Rutgers which is one of the most improved defensive units in college football. RU is sixth nationally in rushing defense (87.4), seventh in total defense (283.9), eighth on third down (.278), 17th in interceptions (9) and 29th in passing yards against (196.4).

If Minnesota's offensive woes continue, it would be fascinating to see how Rutgers takes advantage.

On the flip side, Rutgers offense found some traction under new offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile as RU rallied off 24-unanswered points in last weeks win vs. Indiana.

Samuel Brown V ran for 101 yards and a touchdown in the victory, and Noah Vedral was solid in his first full start of the season.

If Rutgers is to win this game, they have to control the ground game, and force Minnesota into long down and distance situations.

Kick-off at 2:30, with coverage beginning on Fox Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM 1450 AM at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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