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 travels to Piscataway riding a four game winning streak. This will be the fourth meeting between the two programs. Minnesota has won the previous three meetings.
Huge thanks to Chris for giving us his thoughts!
1. The 2023 season for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights ended with a 31-24 victory over Miami (FL) in the Pinstripe Bowl. They finished the year with an overall record of 7-6 and a Big Ten record of 3-6. On paper, the Scarlet Knights entered the 2024 season with a good amount of impact players returning and a schedule that looked favorable. What were the expectations of this team heading into this season? Do you think they have met those expectations?
The expectations for this team were high coming into the season – both locally and nationally. Perhaps especially nationally with some pundits, like Kirk Herbstreit and a few others, saying Rutgers could be a “dark horse” for the CFP. Obviously, that always seemed far-fetched, especially to those around the team all the time. But still, reaching the eight-win mark seemed like a realistic goal for the Scarlet Knights. They had a better offense, an excellent defense and a more manageable Big Ten schedule. But amid injuries and underperformance at some spots on defense, that all fell apart. Rutgers has failed to meet those preseason expectations for multiple reasons.
2. One position Rutgers looked to upgrade in the offseason was quarterback. They went into the portal and got former Gophers starting QB Athan Kaliakmanis. Can you give Minnesota fans an update on how he has looked eight games into the season for the Scarlet Knights? How would you grade his performance so far this season?
Rutgers needed an upgrade at quarterback over Gavin Wimsatt and Athan Kaliakmanis has definitely provided that. Has he been perfect? Definitely not. He’s had some stretches this season, especially against Wisconsin, where he didn’t play well at all. But Kaliakmanis has largely been fine. He’s not going to wow anybody, but he’s been comfortable in the offense, he’s looked poised, he’s mostly been accurate. All good things. He has been victimized at times by drops by his receivers. Overall, I’d give him a B- for his performance this season.
3. Rutgers enters the game on Saturday with an overall record of 4-4. They started the season winning their first four games but then proceeded to drop their next four. What went right for the Scarlet Knights to start the season strong? What has gone wrong for them in their last four games?
Part of the four-game winning streak came down to opponents – Howard and Akron were clearly overmatched. And then Virginia Tech and Washington didn’t play well on their end. Rutgers took advantage. The Scarlet Knights nearly blew it in the second half against the Hokies, and then the Huskies made one costly mistake after another. The four-game losing streak has come down to injuries to key players – and several are playing through ailments – and underperformance on defense, where multiple young players have needed to step up. With inexperience comes mistakes. Rutgers has dealt with that during its skid.
4. Rutgers returned one of the best running backs in the nation in Kyle Monangai. He is second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game and touchdowns with 931 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rutgers have the fifth best rushing attack in the conference? What makes Kyle so special? How have teams found success with the Rutgers offense on the field?
Kyle Monangai had his breakout season last year when he led the Big Ten in rushing. He’s a really patient runner. He’s extremely tough, extremely explosive. He’s very, very difficult for defenders to bring down. The sight of him moving piles has become a common one for the Scarlet Knights. And perhaps more than anything, he wears defenses down so late in games, he can take advantage of any fatigue and make some big runs.
5. The defense ranks near the bottom of the conference in allowing 392 yards per game. While the defense against the pass sits in the middle of the Big Ten, Rutgers is near the bottom in rush defense. What has been the biggest contributing factor in Rutgers struggling against the run? Is it scheme, personnel, or injuries? A mixture of everything?
It’s a mix of everything. Not to keep harping on the injuries, but that’s been the biggest issue. The defensive line has been particularly disappointed – defensive end Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey have both been banged up. And some of the linebackers who have been getting significant playing time are young and have made some mistakes. So the injuries have led to personnel issues, and subsequently those mistakes on the field. All of it combined has been costly.
6. This Saturday’s game will be the fourth meeting between the two programs. Minnesota leads the all-time series, 3-0. The Scarlet Knights have lost their last four games, while Minnesota has won their last four. The Gophers travel to New Jersey as six-point favorites. What does Rutgers need to do to pull off an upset against the Gophers? What is your prediction for the game?
Rutgers needs to take care of the football, run the ball effectively and control the time of possession. It’s much-maligned defense also needs to tighten up and avoid surrendering big plays. That being said, I think Minnesota’s winning streak will continue. I think the Golden Gophers’ defense will be too tough. I’ll say Minnesota wins 27-14.
Extra Credit Question: For many people between the two programs, this is not just a regular game on the schedule. There are a ton of connections between the two teams. P.J. Fleck is facing off against one of his mentors, Greg Schiano. The Rutgers offense is led by former Gophers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and last year’s Minnesota starting QB Athan Kaliakmanis. Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak was on the Minnesota staff before going to Rutgers. Current Gophers DC Corey Hetherman served under Harasymiak last year until coming to Dinkytown. While Fleck said earlier this week that there is no extra emotion for this game, I don’t believe it. What’s the vibe like in Piscataway heading into this game? Are you getting the sense that this is not just a regular-season game?
Rutgers has expressed the same sentiment: That this is just another game. Athan Kaliakmanis said he treats every week the same. But I’m sure he has added motivation to have a big performance. Just on a human level, how could he not? As far as the other connections, I’m not sure it’ll make much of a difference. Schiano and Fleck have coached against each other before. Ciarrocca left Minnesota on his own to come to Rutgers. Hetherman and Harasymiak are close and worked together for a long time even before Rutgers. I think the Kaliakmanis angle is the most intriguing one.