PISCATAWAY, N.J. — A 3-0 start to the season has been impressive for Rutgers football, with quarterback Gavin Wimsatt a major reason for the strong start. But for Wimsatt, the undefeated record is more than just a new offensive scheme or the strong play of the defense.
It is a mentality that he says has been growing and developing throughout the offseason.
There is a lot of reason for optimism following the first three games of the season for Rutgers, and much of it centers on the play of Wimsatt. On the season, he has 407 passing yards and three passing touchdowns while completing 51.5 percent of his passes.
Wimsatt has not fumbled or been intercepted once.
And yet one of the things about being 3-0 for Wimsatt is that it validates his team’s mentality. Wimsatt says that there is a continuity with the team that is standing out.
“Going into the season, we were just kind of building and I think we’re a different team, especially, I would say we’re together. I would say we’re definitely on the same page and I think that’s one of the biggest things that me and the other leaders on the team have communicated this offseason and just this season,” Wimsatt said following Tuesday’s practice.
“Just being on the same page and making sure no, no man’s left behind or no man is left confused about one thing. We’ve made it pretty clear – you need help on anything, just let any of us know anybody on the team. That’s what we preach F.A.M.I.L.Y. Forget about me, I love you. And love sacrifice. So, you know, whatever we can do to sacrifice to help each other. You know, that’s what we want to do.”
Next up for Rutgers is a meeting with No. 2 Michigan.
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The Wolverines have beaten Rutgers all three times they’ve played each since the return of Greg Schiano to the Scarlet Knights. Wimsatt played against Michigan last year in a game where Rutgers was up at halftime.
Michigan would blow out Rutgers in the second half for an easy win. Wimsatt finished last year’s game against Michigan by going 14-of-29 for 166 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
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“I wouldn’t say they’re not the same exact team but they still have a great defense and we definitely have a different offensive scheme, which kind of puts me in a different perspective,” Wimsatt said.
“We just know that they’re a good defense. We’re going to have to go out there and execute and just do our job.”