Before each week's Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
In past years when we've brought in Rutgers beat writer James Kratch of NJ.com, most of the questions have been about what's wrong with the Scarlet Knights, because they lost all of their Big Ten games over the past two seasons. But after Rutgers earned a 38-27 win over Michigan State in its season opener and gave Indiana some competition before suffering a 37-21 defeat last weekend, there's some positive momentum for the team from Piscataway going into this week's game.
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7:30 P.M. – SATURDAY, NOV. 7 OHIO STADIUM COLUMBUS, OHIO |
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That doesn't mean the Scarlet Knights are likely to beat Ohio State on Saturday night, or even come close, but they do appear to be making some headway toward climbing their way out of the Big Ten's basement, with former Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano now leading the program in his second stint as Rutgers' head coach while an influx of transfers, including former Ohio State safety Brendon White, have upgraded their talent.
We get Kratch's insight on why Schiano is already starting to have success at Rutgers that other coaches couldn't, what expectations for the Scarlet Knights should be for the rest of the season, how White is performing for his new team, which other Rutgers players you should know about going into Saturday's game and whether the Scarlet Knights could finally give the Buckeyes a competitive game this year.
Rutgers seems to be making immediate strides on both the field and the recruiting trail in Greg Schiano’s first year. What do you think he’s doing right so far?
Kratch: He’s been Greg Schiano. I know that sounds like a cliché or silly answer, but it’s the simplest way to explain it. There was a reason why the fanbase rose up in an unprecedented way last fall when negotiations initially broke down. For so many people, Schiano was not just the top candidate – he was the only candidate. Schiano understands how Rutgers works, he understands how New Jersey works and people respond to him and his presence.
I think the most impressive thing he has been able to do is navigate the pandemic without losing all momentum. The real test is what the 2021 recruiting class looks like. The strong finish to 2020 was more Schiano picking up the handful of recruits Chris Ash should have been able to land, and expectations for this fall were always low. If Rutgers can close out a top-40ish class, it will be a big step forward for Schiano heading into Year 2.
Now that Rutgers is off to a 1-1 start, what are your expectations for the rest of the season? How many games do the Scarlet Knights have to win for this year to be a clear step in the right direction?
Kratch: The Scarlet Knights had to win a game and end the 21-game Big Ten losing streak before it got within striking distance of Northwestern’s record. They accomplished that mission by knocking off Michigan State, and really, that win made this a successful season. That being said, I think Rutgers would ideally get one more win, and maybe two – Illinois and Maryland seem like the best bets. As long as the Scarlet Knights are competitive in most of their games, I think Schiano can close out the recruiting class and keep the momentum going with only one win.
Brendon White is now one of Rutgers’ starting safeties after previously playing at Ohio State. How would you evaluate his performance in his first two games as a Scarlet Knight?
Kratch: White has played well. It’s obvious he is one of Rutgers’ most talented defensive players, and we’ve seen him make a visible impact through two games. It also seems like he brings leadership qualities – it’s hard to say for sure because, due to COVID-19, we’ve only ever interacted with him through video calls – and experience with winning this program has not necessarily seen much of in recent years.
Who are some of the other Rutgers players that Ohio State and its fans should know about?
Kratch: I figure Buckeye fans know about Noah Vedral and Isaih Pacheco and remember Michael Dwumfour from his Michigan days, so I will name three defensive linemen they don’t necessarily know – nose tackle Julius Turner and defensive ends C.J. Onyechi and Mike Tverdov. All three have had strong, active starts this fall. I am really intrigued to see if they can consistently play in the backfield against Ohio State.
C.J. Onyechi is one of several Rutgers defensive linemen to watch in Saturday's game. (Photo: Noah K. Murray – USA TODAY Sports)
Rutgers has never come within 35 points of beating Ohio State, and the Buckeyes are favored to win this week’s game by 38. Realistically, do you think the Scarlet Knights are capable of playing a more competitive game this year, or is this game destined to be another blowout?
Kratch: The final score is going to be lopsided, but I do think Rutgers will be more competitive this year. What does that mean? I can’t see this being a game in the third quarter, because Rutgers’ offense is just not productive enough. But if you told me Rutgers will have a big takeaway or block a punt and lead at some point in the first half? Or will put together a pair of 75-yard touchdown drives? I can certainly see that happening before the avalanche rolls down the mountain.
