Before every game, I ask a reporter who covers the Gophers’ upcoming opponent to give us a view from the opponent’s perspective.
This week, I asked Chris Iseman from USA TODAY Network-New Jersey six questions about the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Minnesota begins Big Ten Play when Rutgers comes into Minneapolis this Saturday. This will be the fifth meeting between the two programs. Minnesota is 3-1 all-time against the Scarlet Knights.
Huge thanks to Chris for sharing his thoughts with us!
1. The Scarlet Knights are coming off two straight seasons where they finished 7-6 and went to a bowl game. It is now year six for Greg Schiano in Piscataway. Rutgers returns a good number of starters from last season and has seen a few impact players join the team via the transfer portal. The 2025 schedule includes Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State. What were the expectations of this team heading into this season? I know it’s early, but in your opinion, have they been meeting those expectations so far?
The expectations were definitely lower than last year because as you said, the schedule is far more difficult. The second half of the season is a gauntlet. I think most people believed seven wins was likely the ceiling for this team, especially considering who they lost from last year. I think so far they’ve largely met expectations – the loss to Iowa was certainly a disappointing one for most fans, though. Where I think Rutgers has failed to meet expectations so far is its defense, which just hasn’t played that well. I think the offense has actually surpassed my expectations, though – Athan Kaliakmanis has played much better than I thought he would. But the defense, which is supposed to be the backbone of Greg Schiano-coached teams, has been disappointing.
2. Rutgers is coming off a 10-point loss to Iowa last week. It was a close game until the Hawkeyes pulled away in the fourth quarter. What went right for the Scarlet Knights against Iowa? What are some areas that caused some concern?
The offense definitely went right against Iowa. Rutgers scored 28 points after never having scored more than 10 in four previous meetings with the Hawkeyes. Kaliakmanis had a great game. But the defense again caused concern, and so did Rutgers’ special teams – those are two areas that are supposed to be a strength.
3. Former Gophers starting QB Athan Kaliakmanis returns as the Rutgers play caller for the second year in a row. He is off to a hot start this season. His 287 yards per game rank 15th in the country. Can you provide us with a scouting report on Rutgers’ passing game? Who are the playmakers Athan has around him?
As I said, Athan Kaliakmanis has played great through the early portion of the season. His weapons certainly help. Ian Strong is the Rutgers receiver to watch in this game. He’s off to a tremendous start to the season. He’s a big, physical receiver who has an NFL future. DT Sheffield is a playmaking, fast slot receiver and KJ Duff is another tall, physical receiver like Strong. Those are the biggest weapons Minnesota’s defense will need to limit.
4. The Rutgers defense is allowing 343 yards per game, which ranks 60th in the country. Four games into the season, they are allowing 24 points a game. What are the strengths of the Scarlet Knights’ defense? What are some areas where you would like to see some improvement?
Lately the Rutgers defense hasn’t had many strengths. The expectation was that it’s pass rush would be better with the addition of DE’s Bradley Weaver and Eric O’Neill but that hasn’t really happened. It’s linebacker depth has been tested due to injuries and it’s secondary has been inconsistent. The transfers haven’t added the boost Rutgers needed. The combination of new personnel with new co-coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber have made it tough for the defense to find consistency. Overall the unit needs to be much better.
5. The Gophers have already had some players battle some injuries this season. Are there any players on Rutgers who could potentially miss the game this weekend due to injury?
Rutgers is banged up, having already lost several players for the season due to injury. The status of starting linebacker Moses Walker is unclear for this game after he got hurt against Iowa.
6. The game this Saturday will be the fifth all-time meeting between Minnesota and Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights won their first game against Minnesota last season in a 26-19 victory in Piscataway. Currently, the Gophers are five-point favorites in their Big Ten opener. What does Rutgers need to do to leave Minneapolis with a victory? What is your prediction for the game?
Rutgers is going to need to play better defensively than it has been. That’s for sure. But the Scarlet Knights will also need to find a way to move the ball against a solid Minnesota defense. If they can and Kaliakmanis is able to have another big passing performance with Strong continuing his hot start, I think Rutgers will manage to get past the Golden Gophers with a close victory – 24-20.