Wisconsin Football Opponent Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The bye week has come and gone for the Wisconsin Football team. It is back to game week preparations for the rest of the regular season. This weekend, the Badgers host the Rutgers Scarlet Knight out of the Big Ten East division. The Scarlet Knights enter this game 4-1 after a 52-3 rout of Wagner.

The Badgers currently sit at 3-1 after a 38-17 win over Purdue September 22. What can we expect with Rutgers this weekend?

Here is an opponent preview of the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers Won’t Be a Cakewalk for Wisconsin Football

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In years past, Rutgers used to be a guaranteed win not only for Wisconsin Badgers Football but for all the teams in the Big Ten. After the Scarlet Knights hired Greg Schiano, he has slowly turned this program into a respectable group. Now? They are only two wins away from being bowl eligible.

The wins on schedule isn’t all that impressive. Northwestern and Virginia Tech are having down years while Temple and Wagner are essentially guaranteed wins. However, they are putting up almost 30 points a game and have a defense that is quietly a very talented group. Despite this being a home game, it is no walk in the park this week for the Badgers.

A Trio of Good Wide Receivers for the Wisconsin Football Defense

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Jason Maitre (23) during the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin Football secondary will have a trio of receivers to keep an eye on this weekend. Seniors Jaquae Jackson, Christian Dremel, and Isaiah Washington all have at least 10 catches and 100 yards. There isn’t much production after that.

The Wisconsin defense has had thier struggles so far. They are not one of the better defenses I thought they would be in the Big Ten. If they can’t generate enough pressure at the line of scrimmage, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt could have all day to throw to his receivers. You can’t ask a corner to cover a receiver for more than three seconds. It sounds like the secondary could have their hands full again.

Similar Teams on Both Sides of the Ball

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If you have a chance to watch highlights on Rutgers, you will see a lot of similarities with Wisconsin Football on both sides. They pride themselves on defense and they play out of the shotgun on offense.

Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt will operate the run-pass option like Tanner Mordecai does. Wimsatt is also a threat to run the ball too. He will also hand the ball off to junior running back Kyle Monangai, who’s had a solid start to the year as well with 471 yards and six touchdowns.

I like the Badgers in this game, but this won’t be a 52-3 win like the last meeting in New Jersey. However, expect this to be a four quarter game and a one possession game by the time it’s all said and done.

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