Greg Schiano’s fourth season is a pivotal one for the direction of Rutgers football. Coming off some struggles last year, there is no doubt that this is a huge season for Schiano and the Big Ten program.
And last season’s 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten) record was indicative of a team that is still a season or two away from being truly competitive in the conference.
This week, CBSSports ranked the head coaches in the Big Ten, from top to bottom. Schiano saw his ranking from last season take a slip from a year ago.
Schiano was ranked by CBSSports as the No. 50 overall head coach in college football and twelfth in the Big Ten:
“While they improved their win total to five in 2021, their Big Ten record fell to 2-7. Last year, they won only four games and their conference record dropped to 1-8. It’s no surprise to see Schiano drop a few spots here because of it.”
Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) was ranked as the Big Ten’s top coach. Ohio State’s Ryan Day was second on the list.
He was ranked tenth in the Big Ten last year.
This year could see Rutgers take a step forward. With a strong returning core including a defense that should be top-half of the Big Ten, Rutgers might be ready to improve their record and vie for bowl eligibility.
It will all come down to the offense, however. If offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and offensive line coach Pat Flaherty can make the Scarlet Knights coherent on offense, then this team can surprise some people and win six games.
[lawrence-related id=28282,28283]