Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Wisconsin football team has a difficult schedule in 2024 and even teams that would be considered easy wins, aren't so easy anymore. The 2024 Rutgers Scarlet Knights are the perfect example of that.

Greg Schiano is turning the program around from a pushover to a solid team.

Game Info

When: Saturday, October 12th - Time TBD
Where: SHI Stadium - Piscataway, NJ
TV: TBD
Radio: Badger Sports Network

History

The Badgers come into this matchup with a  perfect 5-0 record all-time against Rutgers. The Badgers and Scarlet Knights had never faced off before Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014. Since then, the Badgers have won all five meetings by an average of almost 30 points per game. The Badgers' 24-13 victory was the closest game the two programs have ever played.

Last Season

7-6 Overall; 3-6 in Big Ten
23.2 points per game (96th of 133)
21.2 opp. points per game (34th of 133)
2023 SOS: 4th of 133

Last season is a clear sign that this program is on the rise. As members of the Big Ten East, the Scarlet Knights had to play Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State on a yearly basis. It's tough to rack up wins when you consistently have to play some of the best programs every year.

Rutgers had the fourth-toughest schedule in the country last season. Despite that, they made it to the Pinstripe Bowl, defeating Miami (FL), 31-24.

Their tough defense would keep them in the games while their offense struggled to put up points. They went over 30 points just four times a year ago and scored seven or less three times.

The bright spot on that offense was running back Kyle Monangai, who ran for over 1,200 yards and is expected to be one of the top backs in the country this season.

2024 Preview

This is not going to be an easy game for the Badgers. These are not the Rutgers of old. Head coach Greg Schiano has this program going in the right direction.

They brought in quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis as one of only six players from the transfer portal. Wisconsin fans know Kaliakmanis from his time with the Minnesota Gophers.

It may not be this year, but Rutgers could make some noise in the future. They currently have the No. 21 2025 class according to the 247Sports composite class rankings . The class has 30 committed players including three 4-star players.

According to BetMGM, the Scarlet Knights have a win total of 6.5 games in 2024. This is going to be a crucial game for the Badgers. With such a difficult schedule, this is going to be a game Wisconsin needs to win.

Related: Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers football and men's basketball by visiting AllBadgers.com for more updates.

You can also follow Staff Writer Christian Borman at @ChristianBorman on X.