Well, the good news is Rutgers managed to avoid losing every game last season. The bad news is, there doesn’t appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel just yet. Head coach Chris Ash has won just seven games in three seasons, and 2019 should not be any more successful than the past.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 1 star
Rutgers won eight games in 2014, and took three years to win 10 total following that season. A lone victory against Texas State last season is the only bright spot from 2018.
Last Year’s Record: 1-11 (0-9 B1G)
Ouch. After a convincing 35-7 opening-game beatdown of Texas State, Rutgers went on to lose 11 straight, the closest game being a 18-15 loss to Northwestern.
Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 8
Rutgers returns its two leading rushers from last season, Raheem Blackshear (586 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Isaih Pacheco (551 yards, 5 touchdowns). Also, returning is sophomore quarterback Artur Sitkowski, who suffered through a forgettable freshman campaign (49.1% completion percentage, 4 touchdowns and 18 interceptions). Three starters return on the offensive line as well, center Michael Maietti, guard Zach Venesky and tackle Kamaal Seymour.
Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 5
In short, Rutgers’s defense struggled mightily last season, giving up an average of 31.4 points per game last season. To improve, the defensive front will need to apply pressure better, registering just 16 sacks in 2018. Mike Tverdov, who played a significant role as a freshman last season, returns after registering four sacks. On the backend, the secondary will be lead by sophomore Avery Young (10 pass breakups) and senior Damon Hayes (two interceptions).
Projected Returning Specialists: 3
Kicker Justin Davidovic went a perfect 17-17 on extra points, nailed nine field goals, and handled kickoff duties last season, and will play a big role on special teams again. Punter Adam Korsak was utilized a lot in 2018, punting 78 times with a 42.7 yard average. Avery Young is slated to return at punt returner, and Isaih Pacheco was the primary kickoff returner in 2018.
Key Losses
Rutgers lost leading tackler Trevor Morris (109 tackles), which leaves a hole at middle linebacker. On the offensive side, the loss that will loom largest is running back Jon Hillman, who led the team with six rushing touchdowns.
Key Newcomer-Offense: McLane Carter, QB
McLane Carter, the former Texas Tech starter, now finds himself in New Jersey suiting up for the Scarlet Knights. Carter started the season opener for the Red Raiders in 2018, before an ankle injury derailed his season. He returned to start the bowl game, throwing for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Carter is currently projected to backup Sitkowski, but is the starter-in-waiting should Sitkowski struggle again.
Key Newcomer-Defense: Devin Baldwin, DE
Devin Baldwin, a former Western Michigan pledge, switched his commitment to Rutgers in December. The 3-star, 6-foot-4, 260 pound defensive end will provide depth early in his career, with a quick path to ascend to the top of the depth chart. Rutgers needs a pass rusher desperately, and Ash will look to Baldwin to provide that service.
Breakout Player of the Year: Tyshon Fogg, LB
For two seasons, Fogg was slated behind star linebacker Trevor Morris, managing a combined 65 tackles in those years. Now, with Morris graduated, Fogg is set to take on an expanded role in the defense, and will be counted on to anchor the middle of the defense.
Wins the Conference If: Every team quits football
Not to be rude or mean, but there is no chance that Rutgers can capture the B1G crown this season. Rutgers’s chances stand at “Zero. Point. Zero.” to quote Animal House.
Alcohol Prediction: Anything cheap that can be bought in bulk
Rutgers fans, splurge for that Costco or Sam’s Club membership this season. If you are truly invested, this team is going to make you want to drink. Like a lot. You might as well save some money when loading your car with your weekend supply.
2019 Outlook: 2-10 (0-9 B1G)
Good news Rutgers fans – I can see a way that your team can double their win total from last season! A season-opening game against UMASS will (likely) yield a victory, and the best chance after that game comes in an October 26 matchup with Liberty.
