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Rutgers Football: Preview and predictions for Scarlet Knights in 2022

By Chris Peterson

Oct 16, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano looks on before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano looks on before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

You can lay the blame on the offense for Rutgers’ struggles last season in their eight losses but the defense has its own issues after allowing over 400 yards per game last season.

However, Schiano’s defense did a solid job of limiting teams as the Scarlet Knights allowed only 25 points per game which was in part due to some red-zone success against teams like Michigan in particular.

Two areas that will need to improve though are sacks and turnovers. Those are the lifeblood of any successful defense and in13 games a year ago, the Scarlet Knights only registered 22 sacks.

Mohamed Toure notched 4.5 sacks last season and he’s the top pass rusher coming back. He needs to break out this season. Avery Young and fellow safety Christian Izien also return and cornerback Max Melton had three interceptions and five passes defended.

The interception numbers need to increase after averaging just 0.5 last season and so does the run defense, but unless the pass defense gets better, it’s hard to see the win total improving.

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