Rutgers has its best offense in nearly two decades, but its offense could be the worst in the Big Ten since the turn of the century.
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights
That’s why the Scarlet Knights have both won five games and lost five games this season, according to Brian Fonseca, who covers Rutgers for NJ Advance Media (NJ.com and The Star-Ledger).
In our Q&A with Fonseca, the Rutgers beat writer explains what’s gone right on offense and what’s gone wrong on defense – particularly against the run – as well as why Greg Schiano’s job isn’t in any jeopardy yet, what must happen for the Scarlet Knights to become a Big Ten contender and why he expects a “respectable” final score on Saturday even though he doesn’t expect Rutgers to contend for a win.
At 5-5 with two games to go, how would you evaluate Rutgers’ performance relative to expectations this season?
Fonseca: The current record is roughly where Rutgers was expected to be at this point — a 6-6 season was practically the consensus prediction in Piscataway — but the way they got here has been a bit disappointing. Between quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, wide receivers Ian Strong and KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond, this is the best offense Rutgers has had since its record-setting 2007 season. But while the offense has been as good as advertised, the defense has been a disaster; allowing 7.83 yards per play in Big Ten play, it is on pace to beat out 2018 Illinois as the worst defense on a per-play basis in the league this century.
How secure is Greg Schiano’s job right now? Will his seat be hot entering 2026 if the Scarlet Knights don’t make a bowl game?
Fonseca: Pretty secure at this point. The new AD and President have publicly acknowledged their surprise at how well the program has done in the past couple of years considering its lack of NIL funds, which were raised almost entirely by Schiano and his staff themselves. I wouldn't say his seat would be hot entering next year if they don't get to a bowl game, but I do think there will be pressure to win a "big" game or outperform expectations if the new administration could do its part and get him funds necessary to compete in the transfer market. Given his contract (runs through 2030) and the cost it would take to fire him and his staff, he has — at the absolute least — two more years. But frankly, given his place in program history, barring a catastrophic fall where they go 2-10 for a couple of years, he will go out on his own terms.
It’s been more than a decade since Rutgers has won eight or more games in a season. What are the biggest things that need to improve for the Scarlet Knights to get back to that milestone?
Fonseca: For most of that time, the issue was the Scarlet Knights had three automatic losses (Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State) on its schedule because of the Big Ten's divisions. Now that the schedule's are different every year, Rutgers needs some scheduling luck — the 2024 layout is unlikely to repeat, but something like that — and to get both sides of the ball at a competent level. Since Schiano's been back, Rutgers has had an above-average defense (2023) and an above-average offense (2024/25), but never both at the same time.
Rutgers’ run defense has been the worst in the country, allowing 6.55 yards per rushing attempt. What’s caused the Scarlet Knights to struggle so badly against the run?
Fonseca: Rutgers has struggled to set the edge all year, is not good at tackling in space and often seems to be confused on their assignments (that has gotten better since Schiano took over defensive play-calling duties). The interior defensive line is not good — partly due to injury (starter Doug Blue-Eli is out for the year, rotation piece Darold DeNgohe has missed multiple games) at an already-thin position — and the linebackers have struggled immensely.
The result is a ton of big plays: six carries of 50-plus yards, for example.
Offensively, Rutgers ranks in the top half of the Big Ten. What makes the Scarlet Knights’ offense dangerous?
Fonseca: There are a few factors, but it starts with their two elite wide receivers. KJ Duff and Ian Strong use their big frames really well (they rank 1st and 2nd nationally in contested catches at 17 and 16, respectively) and are highly productive, combining for 1,639 yards and 11 touchdowns on 101 catches.
KJ Duff ranks second in the Big Ten this season with 923 receiving yards. (Photo: Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images)
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (2,774 yards, 17 touchdowns, 7 interceptions on 62.3% passing), who is on pace to become the third 3,000-yard passer in program history, is putting together a career year as a senior.
And running back Antwan Raymond is filling Kyle Monangai's shoes well, becoming the ninth 1,000-yard rusher in program history with a huge performance against Maryland two weeks ago (240 yards, 1 touchdown on 41 carries).
How do you see Saturday’s game playing out?
Fonseca: Ohio State is probably the best team in college football, with an elite defense that should shut down Rutgers' above-average offense and an offense with two Heisman candidates that should get whatever it wants against a historically bad Rutgers defense. It will be a matter of how long and how hard Ohio State puts its foot on the gas. Considering this is a week before The Game, I'd guess Ryan Day is likely to empty the bench earlier than usual, so I'll say this will be a "respectable" scoreline, something like 35-10 in a game where the result is never in doubt.
