The Scarlet Knights Deliver Massive Comeback for Homecoming

Football, College, Featured, Rutgers University

October 14, 2023

Like any homecoming, most schools hope to win in convincing fashion. Rutgers however managed to shock many in completing a comeback win against Michigan State and move just one game shy of becoming bowl eligible.

Despite the bad weather, a sell-out crowd came out to SHI Stadium with energy to help cheer on the Scarlet Knights on Homecoming weekend. Fortunately, the Scarlet Knights were able to deliver a victory 27-24 victory over the the Spartans, despite not playing great for the majority of the game. During the game, the Spartans appeared to be in control throughout, however the momentum began to shift once the Knights began creating turnovers on the defensive side of the ball, as well as on special teams.

RUgged W!!! 🪓 https://t.co/xAYVjvzM7O

— Sebastian Joseph-Day (@SJD_51) October 14, 2023

“... But man, it's fun, and as much work as you do together, and as much practice -- you guys know, I say it all the time, practice is everything. I believe that,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano states. “As much work as we put in in practice and off-season training and all that stuff, to be able to have a day like today where you just kept going at it and kept chopping and it turns your way, that's a special feeling."

What Does Being a Scarlet Knight Mean?

There were moments throughout the game where it appeared Rutgers couldn’t stop the Spartans from driving the ball up and down the field. Yet, the resiliency or “chop” within this young Scarlet Knights team was displayed and utilized in key moments of this game. In the past, the Knights have made the idea of resiliency and relentlessness a part of their identity and this game portrayed exactly that. Moving forward, Schiano’s explained when he’s recruiting he’s not only considering talent, but the overall mentality of the kid as well.

“We go to look (and) find the guys that fit. So they're good enough, as I said, athletes, and then there is a cultural fit,” Schiano explains to USA Today.

On Saturday, this team won within the final quarter of the game, however it took every facet of the game to go nearly perfect in order to secure this comeback victory. Normally, this never pans out well yet the Knights managed to build up enough momentum by creating numerous turnovers and finding opportunities to receive extra possessions. Arguably, one of the most impressive performances of the day was from junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. Despite not recording the greatest numbers (181 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions), the resiliency displayed by the young quarterback was extremely telling of his development. After throwing two early interceptions, he answered on the most important drive of the game with a touchdown pass that gave the Scarlet Knights the lead.

Wimsatt ➡️ Washington for 6️⃣

Wimsatt ➡️ Dremel for 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/RUMVS417lE

— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) October 15, 2023

"You know, Gavin has really grown up quite a bit,” Schiano explains. “There wasn't much that needed to be said. He was frustrated. He certainly didn't want to sail it over the head, right, when that happened. But the thing that I've seen about him is how quickly he can put it behind him and chop the next moment and that's what we talk about all the time each moment is its own moment.”

“If you live in the past that can steal from you, and if you live in the future that can steal from you,” Schiano continues. “I thought he did a very good job of chopping the moment and was really proud of him. He's making progress."

Key Takeaways from Rutgers

Moving forward, the standard the Scarlet Knights have to play to is significantly higher than what was displayed on Saturday. In the past, the capability of the Knights to play at a high level has been presented, however it has yet to be displayed throughout all four quarters. This season, if they’re able to manage and put together a full balance of dominance on the field the Knights are more than capable of beating multiple teams with the Big Ten conference.

The Scarlet Knights begin preparing to travel on the road to play the Indiana Hoosiers next Saturday as the Scarlet Knights will attempt to secure a bowl game. Over the years, the Scarlet Knights have made a case for being legitimate competitors and it appears the tide may have begun to turn.