2. Rutgers offense will utilize the running game — a lot
Raheem Blackshear, now a sophomore, will undoubtedly be the best weapon on the field for the Scarlet Knights. He was all over the place against Texas State — he lined up in the backfield, in the slot and also returned kickoffs and punts.
Blackshear will be the Rutgers’ workhorse as he takes the lion share of the carries while also taking a ton of reps lined up as a receiver.
He scored a touchdown in the opening drive. He also caught a touchdown pass for his second touchdown in the first half.
Blackshear was the most productive Rutgers offense player of the game with 62 yards on the ground. He also was the team’s leading receiver catching seven passes for 56 yards.
The one pitfall to his otherwise solid game was the muffed punt he had in the third quarter.
Graduate transfer Jonathan Hilliman had himself a quality afternoon in his first game in a Rutgers uniform. He will likely be used primarily in short-yardage situations and in the red zone.
Against Texas State, he barreled through for two rushing touchdowns and having his power style in the running back corps could offer a nice complement to the shifty elusiveness that Blackshear brings to the table.