Rutgers Football: Greg Schiano attempting unthinkable turnaround

Will defensive-minded Greg Schiano fix issues?

Like the offense, Rutgers defense finished among the worst in the nation in 2019. The Scarlet Knights finished 98th in the country in total defense as they allowed 433.6 yards per game.

The main reason for the Scarlet Knights defensive troubles was their inability to stop the run. Rutgers allowed 201.1 yards per game on the ground last season, which ranked 107th in the country and last in the Big Ten.

That won’t get any easier in 2020 as the team will be without defensive tackle Willington Previlon who recorded a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt senior last season or Elorm Lumor made four tackles for loss.

Not only will the Scarlet Knights need to do a better job slowing down opposing running backs in 2020, but they’ll need to get to the quarterback at a much higher rate.

Rutgers recorded just 1.5 sacks per game, which ranked 102nd in the nation. Lumor and Rashawn Battle tied for the team lead with three sacks. Thus, the pressure will be on Battle to lead the way while receiving help from players such as CJ Onyechi and Julius Turner, who recorded two sacks each in 2019.

As for the secondary, the Scarlet Knights finished 76th in the nation, allowing 232.5 yards per game.

While top defensive back Damon Hayes is gone, Rutgers does return Tim Barrow, who broke up six passes and grabbed two interceptions last season, Avery Young, who broke up five passes and grabbed a pick and Tre Avery who broke up one pass and grabbed an interception.

Overall, the Rutgers defense will be guided by linebacker Tyshon Fogg. He recorded a team-high 104 total tackles last season with four coming for a loss and 1.5 being sacks as he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten mentions by coaches and media.

With a defensive-minded head coach in Schiano and former Minnesota defensive coordinator Robb Smith leading the defense, the Scarlet Knights defense has the potential to improve tremendously.