After years of frustration, Rutgers football has seemingly turned a corner in what has been a dramatic, and at times long, rebuilding process under head coach Greg Schiano.
Through the first 10 weeks of the college football season, they have posted a 6-3 (3-3 Big Ten) record and won three conference games. Rutgers is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014.
While many in the college football world have taken notice, Iowa’s head coach Kirk Ferentz highlighted their success in his press conference on November 7. Rutgers will play at Iowa (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) on Saturday at 3:30 PM ET (Big Ten Network)
“They were a team trying to find their footing last year; now they have their footing, and they’re playing outstanding football,” Ferentz told reporters this week.
“It’s not a big surprise. Coach Schiano did a great job of building the program back in the early 2000s, putting them in a state of prominence if you will.”
Game 1️⃣0️⃣
🆚Iowa
📺 @BigTenNetwork
🕰 3:30PM ET
📻 WFAN, FOX Sports NJ, WRSU pic.twitter.com/VtpMNY9ALb— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) November 7, 2023
As Rutgers has returned to prominence, players such as quarterback Gavin Wimsatt and running back Kyle Monangai have taken their games to another level under Schiano. The defense, which has always been a strength, has continued to improve. What has impressed Frentz is how Rutgers is playing as a whole.
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“They have a good football team. One of the top running backs in the Big Ten,” Ferentz said.
“Big, physical offensive line. Receivers that will block. Veteran guys all three guys are veterans. Quarterback is playing really well for them. Tight end is a dangerous player. They’re playing good team defense.”
On Saturday afternoon, Iowa will take on a Rutgers team searching for redemption. They are coming off a loss to No. 1 Ohio State. This week, Iowa checked in at No. 22 in the recently released College Football Playoff rankings.