NoelarBear
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Before every game, I’ll ask a reporter who covers the Gophers upcoming opponent to give us a view from the opponent’s perspective.
I asked Chris Iseman of the USA Today Network- New Jersey six questions about the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Minnesota takes on Rutgers in Minneapolis on October 30th.
Huge thanks to Chris for giving us his thoughts!
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisIseman
–> Follow Noel on Twitter: @n0elthompson
1. Greg Schiano is in the third year of his second stint as head coach at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights finished 4-3 last year and find themselves with the same record entering Saturday's contest. What were the expectations for Rutgers entering this season? How would you grade their season so far?
Of Greg Schiano’s first three seasons, this was definitely the one that had the biggest question marks entering training camp. There was uncertainty at quarterback, there were four new offensive line transfers, holes to fill on defense, especially at linebacker. There were jobs up for grabs. Young players would be stepping into bigger roles, but also some experienced players who had been in the program for a while were also getting expanded opportunities. But what everyone did know was that Rutgers was overall going to be young. Growing pains were going to come. I think most people expected this team to take a step back record-wise this season, but with the understanding that there was more talent on this team than in years past. Again, it was just young. I think right now I would grade it as a C+. The defense has been stellar, even if Rutgers has played some struggling offensive teams. But the offense has been a major issue that has dragged the grade down. It looked better against Indiana, but the Hoosiers’ defense isn’t good. We have to see a lot more to know whether the offense is truly improved.
2. What would you consider the strengths and weaknesses of this Rutgers team?
The strength of the team, again, is definitely the defense. It ranks seventh in the nation in total defense, sixth in rushing defense. There have been some younger players, like defensive ends Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey, who have made big impacts. And at linebacker, Rutgers’ depth was depleted entering the season because of departures and injuries. But Deion Jennings and Tyreem Powell have each done a really good job of stepping up and making an impact. Defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak has done a good job of putting his personnel into positions to succeed. The weakness, obviously, is the offense. That’s why Schiano fired former OC Sean Gleeson and replaced him with interim OC/QB coach Nunzio Campanile. The passing game has been largely non-existent. In the first six games, the Scarlet Knights struggled to move the ball, let alone score. The play-calling was too predictable at times. What was perplexing was that Rutgers does have some solid players on that side of the ball, but wasn’t getting the most out of them. Again, it improved against Indiana. True freshman Sam Brown has been very impressive. But we have to see what Rutgers can do against better defenses, starting against Minnesota.
3. It’s been a carousel at the starting quarterback position, but Noah Vedral looks healthy and played a full game against Indiana last week. Can you give us a scouting report on the Vedral? Do you see him taking 100% of the snaps against Minnesota?
Noah Vedral is not going to light up the stat sheet with huge passing yard numbers. He’s just not that type of quarterback. He doesn’t have the biggest arm. But what he has brought to the offense is stability and experience. He’s not going to make many bad decisions, meaning he’s not going to turn the ball over very much. Schiano places a huge emphasis on that—Rutgers simply isn’t a good enough team right now to overcome those mistakes. We saw that with the interceptions Evan Simon threw against Nebraska. But with Vedral, he’s going to manage the offense, he won't force things. He definitely can take off and run and make something happen with his legs if he needs to. Again, he’s not an explosive quarterback. But for Rutgers, he’s a reliable one. I’m not sure he’ll take all of the snaps against Minnesota—I think there’s a chance Gavin Wimsatt gets at least some. But I expect Vedral to get the overwhelming majority.
4. Who on the Rutgers offense and defense should Minnesota fans know about?
Offensively, the big topic among Rutgers fans has been the play of Sam Brown. He’s a 6-foot-1, 220-pound true freshman running back who runs with force. He had 101 yards on 28 carries against Indiana, by far the most he’s played. But even before that game, you could tell he had some real talent and potential. Wide receivers Aron Cruickshank and Sean Ryan are two other impact players to watch. Cruickshank’s speed is elite. Ryan, a West Virginia transfer, has been a good target. Of course, with the lack of a passing game, he hasn’t gotten too many chances yet. We’ll see whether that changes going forward. Defensively, I already mentioned Lewis and Bailey, both of whom have some explosiveness off the edge. Defensive back Christian Izien is second on the team in tackles and has been a big part of the success of the run defense. Rutgers cornerback Max Melton has potential to be Rutgers’ next player picked in the NFL Draft.
5. Like Minnesota, Rutgers enters this contest 4-3. Looking at their schedule ahead, they still have to face Michigan and Penn State. They close out the season at Maryland, which could be a tough game. Do you think this game against Minnesota is a must-win for the Scarlet Knights to become bowl eligible?
I’m not sure I’d go as far to call it a must-win, but it’s pretty darn close. The only reason I’d stop short of that is because Michigan State looks vulnerable, and I think Rutgers’ defense would give the team a shot against Maryland. That being said, the Scarlet Knights’ margin for error is already extremely thin. A loss to Minnesota? It becomes virtually nonexistent.
6. Minnesota enters this game as two touchdown favorites as both teams square off at a rare 1:30 p.m. local game time. What does Rutgers need to know to pull off a win in Minneapolis? What is your prediction for the game?
Rutgers is going to need to limit (I won’t say "stop" because that seems impossible) Mohamed Ibrahim defensively. The Scarlet Knights will probably need big plays on defense – an interception, a fumble recovery, something to help get the offense good field position. And then, offensively, run the ball, take shots down the field when opportunities present themselves, and figure out a way to just enough to get the win. If Rutgers win, it’s not going to be a blowout. It’s going to be a grind-it-out game. But in the end, I’m not sure Rutgers will get this win. I think Minnesota’s defense will make it too difficult. I’m going to say Minnesota wins it 21-10.
I asked Chris Iseman of the USA Today Network- New Jersey six questions about the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Minnesota takes on Rutgers in Minneapolis on October 30th.
Huge thanks to Chris for giving us his thoughts!
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisIseman
–> Follow Noel on Twitter: @n0elthompson
1. Greg Schiano is in the third year of his second stint as head coach at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights finished 4-3 last year and find themselves with the same record entering Saturday's contest. What were the expectations for Rutgers entering this season? How would you grade their season so far?
Of Greg Schiano’s first three seasons, this was definitely the one that had the biggest question marks entering training camp. There was uncertainty at quarterback, there were four new offensive line transfers, holes to fill on defense, especially at linebacker. There were jobs up for grabs. Young players would be stepping into bigger roles, but also some experienced players who had been in the program for a while were also getting expanded opportunities. But what everyone did know was that Rutgers was overall going to be young. Growing pains were going to come. I think most people expected this team to take a step back record-wise this season, but with the understanding that there was more talent on this team than in years past. Again, it was just young. I think right now I would grade it as a C+. The defense has been stellar, even if Rutgers has played some struggling offensive teams. But the offense has been a major issue that has dragged the grade down. It looked better against Indiana, but the Hoosiers’ defense isn’t good. We have to see a lot more to know whether the offense is truly improved.
2. What would you consider the strengths and weaknesses of this Rutgers team?
The strength of the team, again, is definitely the defense. It ranks seventh in the nation in total defense, sixth in rushing defense. There have been some younger players, like defensive ends Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey, who have made big impacts. And at linebacker, Rutgers’ depth was depleted entering the season because of departures and injuries. But Deion Jennings and Tyreem Powell have each done a really good job of stepping up and making an impact. Defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak has done a good job of putting his personnel into positions to succeed. The weakness, obviously, is the offense. That’s why Schiano fired former OC Sean Gleeson and replaced him with interim OC/QB coach Nunzio Campanile. The passing game has been largely non-existent. In the first six games, the Scarlet Knights struggled to move the ball, let alone score. The play-calling was too predictable at times. What was perplexing was that Rutgers does have some solid players on that side of the ball, but wasn’t getting the most out of them. Again, it improved against Indiana. True freshman Sam Brown has been very impressive. But we have to see what Rutgers can do against better defenses, starting against Minnesota.
3. It’s been a carousel at the starting quarterback position, but Noah Vedral looks healthy and played a full game against Indiana last week. Can you give us a scouting report on the Vedral? Do you see him taking 100% of the snaps against Minnesota?
Noah Vedral is not going to light up the stat sheet with huge passing yard numbers. He’s just not that type of quarterback. He doesn’t have the biggest arm. But what he has brought to the offense is stability and experience. He’s not going to make many bad decisions, meaning he’s not going to turn the ball over very much. Schiano places a huge emphasis on that—Rutgers simply isn’t a good enough team right now to overcome those mistakes. We saw that with the interceptions Evan Simon threw against Nebraska. But with Vedral, he’s going to manage the offense, he won't force things. He definitely can take off and run and make something happen with his legs if he needs to. Again, he’s not an explosive quarterback. But for Rutgers, he’s a reliable one. I’m not sure he’ll take all of the snaps against Minnesota—I think there’s a chance Gavin Wimsatt gets at least some. But I expect Vedral to get the overwhelming majority.
4. Who on the Rutgers offense and defense should Minnesota fans know about?
Offensively, the big topic among Rutgers fans has been the play of Sam Brown. He’s a 6-foot-1, 220-pound true freshman running back who runs with force. He had 101 yards on 28 carries against Indiana, by far the most he’s played. But even before that game, you could tell he had some real talent and potential. Wide receivers Aron Cruickshank and Sean Ryan are two other impact players to watch. Cruickshank’s speed is elite. Ryan, a West Virginia transfer, has been a good target. Of course, with the lack of a passing game, he hasn’t gotten too many chances yet. We’ll see whether that changes going forward. Defensively, I already mentioned Lewis and Bailey, both of whom have some explosiveness off the edge. Defensive back Christian Izien is second on the team in tackles and has been a big part of the success of the run defense. Rutgers cornerback Max Melton has potential to be Rutgers’ next player picked in the NFL Draft.
5. Like Minnesota, Rutgers enters this contest 4-3. Looking at their schedule ahead, they still have to face Michigan and Penn State. They close out the season at Maryland, which could be a tough game. Do you think this game against Minnesota is a must-win for the Scarlet Knights to become bowl eligible?
I’m not sure I’d go as far to call it a must-win, but it’s pretty darn close. The only reason I’d stop short of that is because Michigan State looks vulnerable, and I think Rutgers’ defense would give the team a shot against Maryland. That being said, the Scarlet Knights’ margin for error is already extremely thin. A loss to Minnesota? It becomes virtually nonexistent.
6. Minnesota enters this game as two touchdown favorites as both teams square off at a rare 1:30 p.m. local game time. What does Rutgers need to know to pull off a win in Minneapolis? What is your prediction for the game?
Rutgers is going to need to limit (I won’t say "stop" because that seems impossible) Mohamed Ibrahim defensively. The Scarlet Knights will probably need big plays on defense – an interception, a fumble recovery, something to help get the offense good field position. And then, offensively, run the ball, take shots down the field when opportunities present themselves, and figure out a way to just enough to get the win. If Rutgers win, it’s not going to be a blowout. It’s going to be a grind-it-out game. But in the end, I’m not sure Rutgers will get this win. I think Minnesota’s defense will make it too difficult. I’m going to say Minnesota wins it 21-10.
