Two early fumbles for Rutgers has the second Greg Schiano era off to a hot start

Rutgers is off to an unbelievably quick start in its first game of the season!

With Greg Schiano back in town, expectations surrounding the program have started to shift. Still, this type of hot start was definitely not expected for the Scarlet Knights!

The Knights entered Saturday’s season opener against Michigan State as a double-digit underdog. But halfway through the first quarter, Rutgers built a 14-point lead.

It started with a long offensive drive for the Knights that ground down the field for an opening score:

You, all, let’s see your reactions to that first @RFootball drive.

What a start. pic.twitter.com/EsliDem6xX

— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) October 24, 2020

After that, Rutgers forced two early fumbles, including one that was recovered on Michigan State’s one-yard line. It led to the second score of the game:

Keep it going, @RFootball! pic.twitter.com/EXRBWowH74

— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) October 24, 2020

Two #MichiganState offensive drives, two forced fumbles by #Rutgers defense. This time it was @mohamed_1k with the FF and @tyreekwilliams_ with the recovery. pic.twitter.com/uLbKFhzna0

— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | TheKnightReport.Net (@RutgersRivals) October 24, 2020

On the flip side of Schiano’s hot start is new Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker. With two early turnovers and a double-digit deficit to a team like Rutgers, it is safe to say this is not the way Tucker’s tenure with the Spartans was supposed to start.