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Rutgers Football: Can Scarlet Knights get to a bowl game?

By Chris Peterson

Dec 12, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano walks onto the field during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano walks onto the field during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

The offense returns playmakers

There are reasons to feel good about the Rutgers offense heading into 2021 and not the least of which is the fact that the Scarlet Knights bring back their starting quarterback, as well as their top running back and wide receiver.

Noah Vedral was up and down last season, throwing nine touchdown passes and eight interceptions. However, he did bring stability to the position. He’s been working his way back from injury, but if he can be more consistent Rutgers should be able to improve an offense that ranked 80 nationally in scoring.

Having Bo Melton back will be huge for Vedral and the entire offense. Melton caught 47 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns last season, earning him honorable mention All-Big Ten. He’s got dynamic ability and should be one of the league’s most productive wideouts.

On top of that, Rutgers also brings back Isaih Pacheco who was Fourth-Team All-Big Ten last season after rushing for more than 500 yards. He averaged 4.4 yards per attempt. Add in dynamic return guy Aron Cruickshank, who also plays offense, and the Scarlet Knights have some weapons.

Last season, Rutgers scored at least 20 points in eight of its nine games, which were all Big Ten matchups. That’s not bad and with the entire offensive line returning, the Scarlet Knights should be even better offensively in 2021.

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