History of the Matchup: Rutgers football vs. non-FBS schools
Rutgers football is off to a 1-0 start for the third season in a row. The Scarlet Knights barely scratched and clawed out a 22-21 victory in Week 1 vs. Boston College. Now, they are preparing for a matchup against the Wagner Seahawks.
The Scarlet Knights take on the FCS program in what is being billed as the “Back to the Birthplace Game.” There will be celebrations and a parade prior to the game and a fireworks celebration after the game. Based on how these two teams are currently built, you will see some fireworks on the gridiron inside SHI Stadium as well. Wagner comes in on a 21 game losing streak that dates back to September of 2019. Usually, fans will look for any hint on why their team will win and history is a good place to start.
Well, this is the first time these programs have ever faced off so there is no history to look at. In fact, it is the first time Wagner has ever played against a Big Ten opponent. I would expect Rutgers to dominate this matchup, so no need to attempt to read the proverbial tea leaves to find out how Rutgers might come out on top. It is almost a given.
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Instead, we are going to pivot to show how the Scarlet Knights have performed against non-FBS schools in the past. Rutgers has not always been a powerful team. There were some dark years in both ancient and recent history. However, they have taken care of business overall against non-FBS schools. They have a 453-339-33 versus non-FBS programs all-time. Against such programs that they have only played one time, the Knights are 29-15-1.
Rutgers has not lost to a FCS opponent since 2004, when they dropped a matchup against New Hampshire, 35-24. They should win this week’s matchup handily, but let’s take a quick look back at the last decade-plus of Rutgers vs. non-FBS schools.
9.18.2021 - vs. Delaware
© William Bretzger / Delaware News Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Result: Rutgers 45, Delaware 13
9.16.2017 - vs. Morgan State
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Result: Rutgers 65, Morgan State 0
9.10.2016 - vs. Howard
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Result: Rutgers 52, Howard 14
9.5.2015 - Norfolk State
(Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
Result: Rutgers 63, Norfolk State 13
9.6.2014 - vs. Howard
Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Rutgers 38, Howard 25
9.7.2013 - vs. Norfolk State
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Rutgers 38, Norfolk State 0
9.8.2012 - vs. Howard
Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Rutgers 26, Howard 0
9.1.2011 - vs. North Carolina Central
© File photo, Asbury Park Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Result: Rutgers 48, North Carolina Central 0
9.2.2010 - Norfolk State
(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Result: Rutgers 31, Norfolk State 0
