The Washington Huskies are leaving the friendly confines of the state of Washington on a cross country flight to New Jersey for a matchup with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. It is wild to think that from pacific all the way to the Atlantic is now considered Big 10 country.

The Huskies program has quickly morphed into a classic Big 10 program with a stout defense, and a rhythm offense that has the ability for the occasional explosive play. 

Washignton comes into the second conference matchup sitting at 1-0 in conference with an emphatic 24-5 victory over Northwestern. Washington scored 17 points in the first half before miscues derailed the offensive production in the second half. 

Many position groups took a step forward including both sides of the line of scrimmage which will be very important against the lines of Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights aren’t very explosive in the passing game, but their running game is one of the best in the country. Running Back Kyle Monangai was the rushing leader in the conference last year and is behind a line that has graded out well on Pro Football Focus. 

Rutgers keeps things close to the line of scrimmage and utilizes the run to wear teams down. Along with Monangai Rutgers quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, can gash defenses with his legs. While many of the designed runs are called between the tackles, the offenses utilize the flats with screens and quick throws to their receivers. 

Defensively Rutgers have not faced an offense that moves the ball like Washington. The only division 1 quarterback they have seen so far has been Kyron Drones who is only averaging 7.5 per completion on 60% passing. Will Rogers on the other hand is at 9.5 yards a completion and is completing almost 75% of his passes. The Huskies have improved in the passing game on balls in the intermediate as well as deep with the 46-yard connection with Denzel Boston. 

Key Matchup: This matchup will be determined by the Washington defense versus the Rutgers offense. Washington will be able to move the ball and score against this Rutgers secondary. If Washington limits mistakes they will put up between 24-30 points.

The question revolves around the Husky defense stopping the methodical drives put together by the Rutger offense. While not the same as the 2023 Ducks offense, the Rutgers offense shares traits in common. They want to utilize the horizontal game to create high percentage throws to keep the chains moving. They will then hit in the intermediate area that allows for yards after the catch.

The good news for the Huskies is their strength at the linebacker position. If Alphonzo Tuputala and Carson Breuner are able to flow with the plays to make tackles, the secondary will be free to focus on the flats.

Rutgers is favored by 2 points with a total point line at 44.5 making the score something around 21-23 Rutgers win.

Prediction: This matchup looks like a bare knuckle fist fight. The defense will be asked to make a few necessary plays to get the Scarlet Knights out of their rhythm. This game is going to come down to the foot of Grady Gross on a last second field goal.
Score: 20-23 Washington
Washington +2.5
Over 42.5