Rutgers’ Greg Schiano Turns Focus to Northwestern and Week 1

Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano spoke to reporters for his first weekly press conference of the regular season as Rutgers prepares to open the season against Big Ten rival Northwestern.

"They have a lot of experienced players on defense, they are strong up the middle. The two safeties and two linebackers. We are talking about fourth-year starters. They will be ready to play," Schiano said in praise of the Wildcats, who have had a wild off-season this year with the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was dismissed over hazing allegations.

Northwestern named David Braun its new head coach shortly after the dismissal of Fitzgerald.

"He has climbed the ranks and done it the right way. He was brought in there initially to fix the defense, but has gotten more on his plate obviously. From a schematic standpoint, it will be more of the same."

Rutgers enters Week 1 with full knowledge of who their starting quarterback will be: Gavin Wimsatt. Schiano didn't get into much about it, but it is huge for the Scarlet Knights. Last year Rutgers had a quarterback roulette, and the team struggled to find its footing offensively in a 4-8 campaign.

"As I have watched them in practice it's a better product, now we got to take it to the field," Schiano added about his players.

The season opener against Northwestern is the start of a three-game homestand. Rutgers will face Temple in Week 2, September 9, and Virginia Tech in Week 3 on September 16.

"I love playing at home. I love our fans," Schiano said. "They will bring a huge home-field advantage this week. I have been here a long time; we have some loyal fans and we will provide what they are looking for."

Rutgers will be the only team in action on Sunday afternoon when it kicks off at 12 noon. We will have live coverage on Fox Sports New Jersey beginning at 9:30 a.m. with Rutgers Tailgate, followed by the Rutgers Game Day Pregame Show at 10:30.