After struggling to move the football against a tough Michigan defense, Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is looking to bounce back against a Michigan State defense that has some star power but hasn’t been all that impressive.
Against Michigan, the young sophomore quarterback completed 14 passes on 29 attempts for 166 yards. During those 29 attempts, Wimsatt threw three interceptions with a second-quarter touchdown. As of now, Wimsatt only has two passing touchdowns to go along with six interceptions.
The Michigan State defense looked solid last week in upsetting No. 16 ranked Illinois 23-15. How can Rutgers head coach, Greg Schiano, coordinate a game plan to maximize Wimsatt’s skill set?
Wimsatt’s game plan against MSU
Knowing Wimsatt’s skill set, look for Schiano to come up with a game plan that consists of moving the pocket. Wimsatt is at his best when he is outside of the pocket. Schiano and interim offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Nunzio Campanile will need to work together to create an offensive game plan that will allow Wimsatt to show his athleticism.
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Wimsatt does an excellent job extending plays outside the pocket as a runner and as a passer. Even though Wimsatt is extremely athletic, he is not a burner but can build up speed once he hits the open field.
Now, the struggles from Wimsatt are real this year. As a young quarterback, it is difficult to read a high-powered defense, so getting Wimsatt to use his feet will allow the inexperienced quarterback to think less and just do. Campanile is likely to dial up some quarterback bootlegs and some run-pass options, allowing Wimsatt to get outside the pocket. With his solid arm strength, especially throwing across his body when rolling left, Wimsatt can be dangerous when he hits the open field.
Sean Ryan said, “Don’t mind if I do!” 🤌 pic.twitter.com/GFf77t40gI
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) November 6, 2022
Campanile has experience working with young quarterbacks earlier in his career while coaching at Don Bosco Prep as an offensive coordinator. While coaching at Don Bosco Prep, Campanile led many explosive offenses and mentored several quarterbacks. Many quarterbacks that Campanile mentored went on to play high-level college football and even the NFL.
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Campanile’s experience is perfect to mold Wimsatt into a solid quarterback, so look for Rutgers to put together an up-tempo offensive game plan to attack the Spartans’ defense.
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