The past two weeks haven’t been kind to the Scarlet Knights, as their offense fell silent and their defense faced challenges. However, this week presents a great opportunity for Rutgers to bounce back against the struggling 1-5 UCLA Bruins. Despite their record, UCLA has faced tough opponents in the conference and has shown some resilience. Both teams share similar traits, featuring solid defenses but underwhelming offenses. This matchup is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Here are three key strategies Rutgers needs to implement to secure a victory over UCLA.
1 Keep the Rushing Game Quiet
UCLA’s running game leaves much to be desired. Over the first five weeks of the season, the Bruins have managed just 357 yards on 147 carries, averaging roughly 2.4 yards per carry. If the Knights can successfully contain the run—something they’ve struggled with recently—they’ll be in a solid position to defeat the Bruins. Although the defense has faced numerous injuries across the roster, they have a good opportunity to regain their form against a faltering rushing attack.
2 Generate Turnovers
The Rutgers offense will need every opportunity to put points on the board. UCLA’s starting quarterback, Ethan Garbers, has thrown 9 interceptions so far this season, averaging 1.5 picks per game. If Rutgers can pressure him and force him to make quick decisions, they could disrupt his rhythm and create chances for turnovers.
3 Run The Ball
In recent weeks, Rutgers has repeatedly strayed from its core strength of running the ball. While the rushing attack may not have been effective at times, entirely disregarding it isn’t the solution. Running a few plays from under center would allow the offensive linemen to maintain their blocks for less time, potentially increasing productivity for Monangai. With Brian Felter injured, Rutgers needs to find more inventive ways to implement their running game rather than giving up on it entirely.
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