PISCATAWAY – After Rutgers football’s victories so far this season, coach Greg Schiano has acknowledged that there are still areas his team needs to improve in. Despite a perfect record, not everything is perfect.
While the Scarlet Knights have done what they’ve needed to do to earn four victories in their first four games, making those improvements is going to be paramount if they’re going to continue to win.
Tackling is among the biggest areas that Rutgers needs to improve, starting with its game on Saturday at Nebraska (4 p.m. ET, FS1).
“We haven’t tackled well, and I wouldn’t say it’s just last week,” Schiano said during a news conference on Monday. “I would say overall I don’t think we have tackled well.”
It was an acute issue during Rutgers’ 21-18 victory over Washington. The Scarlet Knights had 14 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s the second time this season they had double-digit missed tackles after having 11 against Howard. They only had three such games all of last season.
Sep 27, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) is tackled by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Flip Dixon (10) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Schiano said there are several factors that could lead to that.
“There’s been some different guys in the lineup,” Schiano said. “We’ve got some guys coming back into the lineup. Attention to detail. A lot of things. Angles of entry on the tackle. There’s a whole bunch of things. But it doesn’t matter. We need to get them corrected.”
Of course, some of it comes down to the opponent, something Schiano also referenced. Washington running back Jonah Coleman is a 5-foot-9, 229-pound bowling ball who’s not easy to bring down.
But things aren’t getting any…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rutgers-football-might-undefeated-still-080410891.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-10-02 08:04:10
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