Ad Disclosure
Rutgers’ best, worst season since 2014 B1G expansion
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Rutgers is entering Year 2 of the second tenure of Greg Schiano at the helm as expectations around the Scarlet Knights continue to rise.
It has been seven years since the B1G expanded with the addition of Rutgers and Maryland, bringing the conference to 14 teams. In that time, positive results have been tough to come by for the Knights. However, just one season into Schiano’s return has brought a hint of promise to the program.
Despite the shortened 2020 schedule, Rutgers was able to go 3-6 against a schedule of all B1G competition. That record still leaves a lot to be desired, but the attitude and toughness displayed by the team was a stark turnaround from previous seasons.
As we get set to enter the eighth year of Rutgers in the B1G, here is a look at the best and worst season for the program since 2014.
Best Season – 2014 (8-5 record, Quick Lane Bowl win)
The only temptation here is to select 2020 and the turnaround Schiano brought to the program as the best season since 2014. However, Kyle Flood did lead the team to eight wins and the most recent bowl win in program history during the 2014 season. Rutgers also knocked off Michigan in 2014, still the only win in program history over the Wolverines.
Quarterback Gary Nova led the offense with over 2,800 yards passing and 22 touchdowns. The rushing attack also featured three players with more than 400 yards rushing. That included Robert Martin who rushed for 434 yards, averaged five yards per carry, and led the team with seven rushing touchdowns as a freshman. Martin would finish his career ninth on the program’s all-time rushing list with 2,274 yards.
In the bowl win, Nova would throw for 184 yards and two touchdowns despite just nine completions. Josh Hicks led the rushing attack that day with 202 yards and a touchdown during the 40-21 win over North Carolina.
Worst Season – 2018 (1-11 record, 0-9 in B1G play)
It really is hard to spot the low-water mark of the Chris Ash era at Rutgers, considering there were three seasons with two wins or fewer and a winless mark in conference play. However, the 1-11 mark in 2018 reigns in futility for the Scarlet Knights.
Just how bad was that 2018 team? The lone win came in the season opener against Texas State. Then came the 11-game losing streak, during which the Scarlet Knights never scored more than 17 points while giving up 31+ points seven times. Among other things, Rutgers suffered blowout losses to Kansas and Buffalo.
The team ranked dead last in the nation (130 out of 130) in scoring with 13.5 points per game. Artur Sitkowski led the team in passing touchdowns with four, but he also threw 18 interceptions. Raheem Blackshear was a bright spot for the offense, finishing with 953 yards from scrimmage while leading the team in rushing and receiving.
Overall record since 2014: 24-58 (10-51 B1G)
Average record: 3.4-8.3 (1.4-7.3)
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.