How did Greg Schiano feel about his team’s offensive performance in week one?
On Sunday, the Scarlet Knights started the season with a strong 24-7 win over Northwestern.
The offense, in particular, looked more mature and ready in the season opener than it did at any point last season. Rutgers raced out to a 17-0 lead after scoring in their first three possessions.
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt led Rutgers to a touchdown on their opening possession, a 16-play, 75-yard scoring drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong.
Wimsatt finished the game going 17-for-29 for 163 passing yards with one throwing and rushing touchdown. He recorded a 58.6 completion percentage and was smart with the ball, leading an offense that didn’t turn the ball over.
“He played a really clean game. I think he played relaxed, confident, because of his preparation,” head coach Greg Schiano said after the game.
“Thought he was very decisive. The other thing he did that stood out to me is he let the bad plays die. Saw him throw a few away. Saw him tucking and run. That to me is a sign of maturation.”
During the post-game press conference, Schiano addressed the rushing attack by junior Kyle Monangai and freshman Ja’shon Benjamin. With senior running back Aaron Young and sophomore Samuel Brown V absent in Week 1 due to injuries, Schiano leaned on the true freshman Benjamin to step into an impactful role. Schiano spoke about Benjamin’s performance and how the freshman handled the situation.
“So Ja’shon Benjamin, a true freshman out of Pahokee, Florida; I thought this scene was not too big. He was close to popping a few, and I think that Kyle just played like the veteran leader that he is,” Schiano said.
Monangai and Benjamin controlled the Rutgers rushing attacks, combining for 99 yards on 34 attempts and one touchdown (Monangai). Benjamin led the team in rushing attempts, while Monangai led the team in rushing yards (51 yards). The two backs will be a dynamic duo if Young and Brown V can’t go against Temple in their week two matchup.
