Rutgers football is gearing up for an important showdown against Purdue this Saturday, marking their third encounter at Ross-Ade Stadium and the first with fans in attendance since 2020. Kickoff is slated for noon ET and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network. The Scarlet Knights are looking to continue their momentum, positioned well within several national rankings, including third for blocked punts and tenth in time of possession.
Rutgers has shown impressive statistics this season, ranking tenth nationally for fewest penalty yards allowed per game at 34.4, and 21st in passing offense with an average of 276.1 yards per game. Their disciplined play has contributed to a remarkable record of 20 wins to just 2 losses when avoiding turnovers.
Under head coach Greg Schiano, Rutgers has scored a remarkable 66 non-offensive touchdowns, with 15 of those coming since 2020. They’ve already blocked three punts this season, adding to a total of 76 kicks blocked throughout Schiano’s tenure. This year, the defense has stepped up, as seen in their season-high three takeaways against Oregon, a feat that showcases their aggressive playing style.
Notable performances from the previous game against Oregon included dynamic plays, such as a defensive back forcing a fumble recovered by a lineman, along with a 51-yard field goal that tied the kicker’s career-long. Running back has contributed significantly, now with two rushing touchdowns this season, proving to be an asset to the offense.
The Scarlet Knights’ offense is led by a strong quarterback who currently ranks seventh in Rutgers history for passing yards, throwing for an average of 266.3 yards per game. Additionally, the receiving unit is performing exceptionally, with three athletes making an entrance onto the Biletnikoff Award watch list for outstanding performance – a significant achievement for the program, marking the first time since 2008 that multiple players have made it onto the list.
Historically, Rutgers has shown resilience against Purdue, having a perfect record of 2-0 in their encounters, including a thrilling comeback victory in their last meeting in 2020 where they overcame a halftime deficit to win 37-30. This demonstrated not only their skill but also their ability to maintain control of the game, holding on to the ball for over 21 minutes in the second half.
As Rutgers prepares to face the Boilermakers, the team is looking to build on their successes and maintain their competitive edge in the Big Ten. The following week, they set their sights on No. 23 Illinois, looking to capitalize on their strong performances and build momentum. Fans can stay plugged into all the action by following Rutgers football on various social media platforms for real-time updates and highlights.