Nebraska is set to host a tough matchup with Rutgers Saturday in what is forecasted to be nearly triple digit heat in Lincoln. The scalding temperatures will greet an equally hot Scarlet Knights team that moved to 4-0 last Friday night by defeating Washington 21-18 in its conference opener. Coaching the Knights is Rutgers Legend Greg Schiano, who is five years into his second stint with the school and has his program at its strongest point since joining the Big Ten. His squad will test the Huskers with one of the nation’s best running attacks and a defense that has been stingy in the red zone.
Nebraska Offense vs Rutgers Defense
That tough play in the red zone has kept Rutgers in the top quarter of the country in scoring defense despite its average numbers in limiting yards. Washington found that out last week as it out-yarded the Knights 521-299 but only came away with 18 points. With Nebraska’s offense’s glaring issues in the red zone the last two weeks, it will have to execute at a much higher level to punch points in on Saturday.
Surprisingly for a Schiano coached team, Rutgers struggles against the run, giving up 175 yards per game; and struggles to generate a negative play with just 4 sacks and 18 tackles for loss on the season, both ranking last in the Big Ten. One explanation for the struggles is the loss of star linebacker Mohamed Toure to an ACL injury before the season. The unit is seeing a boost from the recent return of another playmaking linebacker Tyreem Powell who suffered an achilles tear in 2023. The Huskers should hope to take advantage of this matchup while he rounds into top shape.
The Scarlet Knights have not had difficulties in defending the pass, impressively allowing just 180 yards a game through the air. Its secondary features athletic, hard-hitting players who are always around the ball. However, with a defensive line that hasn’t shown the ability to rush the passer, there should be plenty of time for the steadily improving Dylan Raiola to find his bevy of receiving options down the field.
The matchup suggests a good day for the Nebraska offense to generate yardage. The key, as is often the case in the Big Ten matchups, is how well the Huskers can execute once they reach Scarlet Knight territory.
Nebraska Defense vs Rutgers Offense
Not surprising for a Schiano led team is a rushing offense that ranks 12th in the country with 238 yards per game. They do so behind an offensive line that is the among the best Nebraska will face all season and through a running back Kyle Monongai who is one of the best kept secrets in all of college football. The star Rutgers tailback comes into the game 5th in the nation in rushing with 589 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is following up on an equally strong 2023 when his league-leading 1,262 yards earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors. His ability to pick up yards after contact is frightening for opposing tacklers.
Not as frightening is the Rutgers passing attack, which averages just 190 yards through the air. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota, is a quality game manager and has already beaten the Huskers twice in his career, but isn’t likely to break the game open with his arm talent. Still, he has capable wide receivers led by senior Dymere Miller, who averages over 15 yards per reception. Kaliakmanis can also pick up yards with his legs, but isn’t a big play threat on the ground
With the modest Rutgers passing game, the biggest key for a Nebraska win will be how well it defends Monongai and the Knights powerful rushing attack. It’s strength on strength, so if the Blackshirts can avoid the breakdowns that led to Illinois breaking out on the ground, they should put the Huskers in position to pick up its first conference home win of the season.
Game Notes
- Nebraska has never lost to Rutgers, leading the all-time series 6-0.
- The Husker beat the Scarlet Knights 14-13 in the last meeting in 2022 in Piscattaway. The Huskers overcame a 13-0 halftime deficit with Trey Palmer catching the game-winning score from 27 yards out.
- Nebraska has only trailed for 16 minutes of game-time in regulation this season.
- The Huskers four wins this season have all come by 18 points or more.
- Nebraska has given up just two first quarter touchdowns in its last 12 games. Just two opponents have scored touchdowns on opening drives in the last 18 games.
- In five games, the Huskers have outscored opponents 58-3 in the second quarter.
- The Huskers are currently 18th in the nation in turnover margin at +1 per game and have outscored opponents 31-0 off turnovers.
- Blackshirt legend Ndamukong Suh will be in attendance for Saturday’s game in Lincoln to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame.
Broadcast Information
TV: FS1 (Alex Faust, Robert Smith)
Radio: Huskers Radio Network (Greg Sharpe, Damon Benning, Jessica Coody)
Internet Radio: Huskers.com
App Audio: Official Huskers App