Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2022 College Football Preview
July 30, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 5-8
ATS – 6-7
The Scarlet Knights drilled Temple in the season opener (W 61-14) and got off to a 3-0 start before reality set in. They managed just two more victories the rest of the way and finished the regular season with a record of 5-7. The circumstances surrounding fake globalist “science” allowed Rutgers to sneak into the postseason but they were plastered by Wake Forest in the Gator Bowl (L 38-10).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
It was a disgusting sight to behold LY as Rutgers couldn’t do much on the ground (#89 FBS rushing offense) or thru the air (#114) and they managed a mere 19.7 PPG (#120). QB Noah Vedral is back (59%, 7-7 TD to INT LY) but it’ll be interesting to see if star recruit Gavin Wimsatt can run with the job after redshirting in 2021. It’s hard to see Rutgers getting much better on offense after losing their top two players (RB Pacheco, WR Melton) but maybe Wimsatt can come out like a HOUSAFIRE? He certainly has at least two legit targets at WR in Aron Cruickshank and Syracuse transfer Taj Harris. The RB situation looks like a BLACK HOLE on paper but at least they’ll be working behind a decent offensive line that added some good talent via the transfer portal.
DEFENSE
The defense held their own LY as they held opponents to a respectable 25.6 PPG (#56 FBS) whilst allowing just 56% completions (#13)(!). The front seven looks pretty sketchy on paper, particularly a LB group that loses some talented players including #1 tackler Olakunle Fatukasi. They’re very experienced in the secondary which should allow them to be decent vs the pass. Of course, they could still get ripped to shreds by the better passing offenses on their schedule if they don’t find a way to get more heat on the QB (23 sacks LY, #11 Big Ten).
SPECIAL TEAMS
Yes, guy.
Rutgers has one of the best special teams units in the Big Ten given the return of a pair of SPICY return men, as well as all-Universe punter Adam Korsak who booked an impossible 45.3 yard net in 2021. PK Valentino Ambrosio was decent LY (12-16 FG, 29-30 XP).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The non-conference slate doesn’t feature any BODY BAG GAMES but the trips to Boston College and Temple could be a problem. Rutgers misses Wisconsin from the West but have to face Minnesota (A), CORN (H), and Iowa (H). The good news is that they don’t have to deal with back-to-back road games.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 17 – at Temple
The Owls won’t amount to much this season but the Scarlet Knights could end up being a road favorite in this spot and do we really trust them in that ATS role? Also note that Big Ten play is on deck (at Ohio St).
Season Win Total
Per BetOnline July 30
Over 4 -115
Under 4 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
It looks like they’ll do well to get to five wins given that schedule.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
It looks like a long year ahead for Rutgers. They play in the flat out NASTY Big Ten East division and are still several notches below the top teams in terms of talent. We think it’ll be one more year of buttoning things up before the Scarlet Knights can start thinking about regular bowl game appearances.
Want more Rutgers football ?
WEBSITE
https://scarletknights.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/forums/rutgers-football.20/
https://247sports.com/college/rutgers/Board/Rutgers-Football-102431/
NEWS
http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/
https://www.thescarletspotlight.com/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/164/rutgers-scarlet-knights