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ESPN’s FPI predicts every game on Rutgers’ 2021 schedule
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Even though Rutgers finished with a 3-6 record in 2020 it’s hard to deny it was the most improved team in the B1G. The Scarlet Knights went from a 21-game conference losing streak to registering three league wins.
That’s the Greg Schiano effect.
Will Rutgers take another step in the right direction in 2021, Schiano’s second season? ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) doesn’t necessarily expect the Scarlet Knights to be in bowl contention this year.
Based on the formula, Rutgers is expected to get off to a hot start in nonconference play before hitting a wall when B1G opponents come into the picture. Here’s what ESPN’s FPI is predicting for the 2021 season in Piscataway:
- Sept. 2: vs. Temple — 81% (W)
- Sept. 11: at Syracuse — 58.2% (W)
- Sept. 18: vs. Delaware — 94.8% (W)
- Sept. 25: at Michigan — 17.4% (L)
- Oct. 2: vs. Ohio State — 6.7% (L)
- Oct. 9: vs. Michigan State — 39.2% (L)
- Oct. 16: at Northwestern — 16% (L)
- Oct. 30: at Illinois — 50.4% (W)
- Nov. 6: vs. Wisconsin — 23.1% (L)
- Nov. 13: at Indiana — 16.5% (L)
- Nov. 20: at Penn State — 10.7% (L)
- Nov. 27: vs. Maryland — 48.6% (L)
Based on those projected outcomes, Rutgers would finish with a 4-8 record and a 1-8 mark in B1G play. The official FPI prediction is 4.6-7.4 for the Scarlet Knights.
Even if Rutgers isn’t eligible for the postseason in 2021, this time has made major improvements in a short period of time. It’s going to be a fun team to watch as the Scarlet Knights enter Year 2 under Schiano.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB