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The Scarlet Knights will be an interesting litmus test for the 2019 season. Rutgers went 1-11 in 2018 with their only win against Texas State. The Scarlet Knights did play creditably in the last two games losing to Penn State by 13 and Michigan State by three.
Rutgers played well in pass defense ending up 19th in FBS giving up only 186.7 yards/game; that was good for 4th in the Big ten. OTOH, most teams did not have to pass; Rutgers was #108 in rushing defense.
Freshman QB Arthur Sitkowski struggled last year having 4 passing TD's and 18 INT's. If he looks good against the Minutemen, then it's going to be another long year for the UMass defense. The Scarlet Knights have a one-two rushing punch with RB's Raheem Blackshear (586 yards) and Isaiah Pacheco (551 yards). UMass was #126 in rushing defense in 2018. This game will show if the Minutemen defense has improved or the rebuilding has just begun. Rutgers was #97 in total offense in 2018. Some of that was because they had to play Big Ten defenses from Ohio State and Michigan, but they scored 17 points or less in 11 of 12 games.
Rutgers is a Big Ten team playing at home. They should win against UMass. Despite that, I think the Minutemen have a chance to keep it close. Just how close probably depends on how much progress has been made with the Minutemen defense.
The Scarlet Nation says one game could shape Rutger's season.
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The Middletown Press says both the AAC and UConn are shooting for the Moon.
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How Southern Illinois scored 41 points against a SEC defense.
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