It’s been a while since Rutgers football began a much-anticipated season like the one it’s about to begin.
There are many reasons for this.
The Scarlet Knights are coming off their first winning season in 10 years. They return the Big Ten’s leading running back. Most of a stout defense is returning. And Greg Schiano’s team will face a schedule that isn’t all that daunting, with Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State not on the 2024 roster.
Simply put, Rutgers has made a lot of progress over the last few seasons under Schiano.
That will be a big topic this week as the Scarlet Knights and the rest of the Big Ten answer questions from reporters during the conference’s annual media days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
For the first time, it is a three-day event following the additions of Southern California, UCLA, Washington and Oregon.
Rutgers will face the media on Tuesday.
Here are five questions facing the Scarlet Knights as media days — and soon after training camp — are scheduled to begin:
What kind of production can Rutgers football get from Athan Kaliakmanis?
This is arguably the most important question facing the Scarlet Knights entering training camp. Schiano named Kaliakmanis as starter following the conclusion of spring practices, citing the Minnesota transfer’s accuracy and Kirk Ciarrocca’s command of the offense as big reasons why. The decision led Gavin Wimsatt to access the transfer portal – he landed at Kentucky soon after.
Rutgers needs Kaliakmanis to spark what has been a lackluster passing game in recent seasons. He’ll have one of the Big Ten’s best running backs to deliver in Kyle Monangai, as well as what appears to be a formidable number of weapons at wide receiver. He has to take advantage of all of this to boost the offense to the level Rutgers needs it to be at.
When will Tyreem Powell return?
The past year hasn’t been easy for Rutgers’ star linebacker. Powell broke his hand last season against Indiana and missed the final four regular-season games and the bowl game. After returning to winter training, Powell suffered a torn Achilles tendon. The good news for Rutgers was that the injury occurred early enough that Powell had much of the offseason to recover. Schiano said in the spring that the linebacker was expected to return early in the season. Even if that doesn’t happen, Rutgers has nonconference games against Howard and Akron and then a week off before Virginia Tech, its first big test of the season. That being said, the sooner the Scarlet Knights can get Powell back, the better.
How much better can the offensive line be?
Rutgers made progress on offense last season under offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, and the unit should continue that trajectory this season. The Scarlet Knights return left tackle Hollin Pierce, who has NFL potential, as well as center Gus Zilinskas, Tyler Needham, who started the first two games of the season at right tackle last season before a season-ending injury, the guard Bryan Felter, guard Kobe Asamoah and guard Reggie Sutton, among others. Rutgers also brought in Ohio transfer Shedrick Rhodes, who could be on the roster to start at right tackle. The Scarlet Knights have younger depth that includes Emir Stinette, Dominic Rivera, Taj White and Dantae Chin. So Rutgers has quality pieces to work with as it tries to limit the Big Ten’s big, physical defensive fronts. The Scarlet Knights’ O-line made progress last season. They need to continue that momentum this season.
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How good can wide receivers be?
It’s definitely an improved group. It all starts with the addition of Monmouth transfer Dymere Miller, who has broken several records at the FCS level. Naseim Brantley is finally eligible after missing all of last season because of NCAA inaction. Ian Strong is poised to build on what has been a true and promising freshman season, while Korey Duff Jr. and Benjamin Black have a chance to make their first impressions after a strong spring. Add the return of slot receiver Christian Dremel and Rutgers has weapons to throw the ball. On paper at least, this group has a lot of potential. How much of that potential translates onto the field remains to be seen.
How will Rutgers football fare with a more manageable schedule?
This really isn’t something anyone on the show will discuss. The Scarlet Knights will maintain that their sole focus right now is defeating Howard in the season opener on August 29th. Still, Rutgers’ schedule has been a hot topic since it was released — a direct result of not having to face Ohio State. , Penn State and defending champion Michigan now that the divisions no longer exist. Instead, the Scarlet Knights will play newcomers Washington, USC and UCLA. Of course, beating anyone in the Big Ten isn’t easy. These are still quality opponents. But Rutgers, on paper, has a more manageable schedule that has undoubtedly raised expectations outside the program. One thing is certain: If the Scarlet Knights can defeat their first three opponents – Howard, Akron and Virginia Tech – their home game against Washington (primetime Friday night, September 27) will provide an electric atmosphere at SHI Stadium .
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers Football: 5 Questions for Big Ten Media Days
