How Rutgers football's offense is working to get back on track heading into Wisconsin game
PISCATAWAY – Athan Kaliakmanis and Rutgers football’s offense had their toughest game of the season Saturday against Nebraska.
But the Scarlet Knights’ quarterback is confident in the unit’s ability to bounce back this weekend against Wisconsin (noon, Big Ten Network) at SHI Stadium.
“I thought (the offense) has responded awesome,” Kaliakmanis said following Rutgers’ practice. “Today, really, I thought was going to test who we are. We came out, ready to go. Great job studying over the weekend. After Nebraska, now it’s 1-0 going into Wisconsin season. That’s our focus.”
Against a strong Cornhuskers defense, Rutgers finished with 264 total yards of offense. Kaliakmanis was 15-of-37 passing (41 percent) for 186 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Scarlet Knights as a team rushed 32 times for 78 total yards.
Rutgers’ offense clearly has taken a step forward in Kirk Ciarrocca’s season as coordinator – and with Kaliakmanis at quarterback – but the Nebraska game was the first real adversity the unit has faced through the first five games.
This week is about correcting any miscues or deficiencies heading into the game against the Badgers, who routed Purdue on Saturday 52-6.
“We just have to trust the game plan and execute,” Kaliakmanis said. “That’s all it comes down. Just do your job and chop it. It’s staying in them moment and not trying to make the hero play necessarily. It’s just doing your job. That’s something I’ve got to do more too.”
Wisconsin isn’t as formidable as recent seasons, but still boasts a decent defense. The Badgers are giving up 318 total yards per game, 11th in the Big Ten. Opponents are passing for 181.2 yards per game and rushing for 136.8 yards per game.
In the two biggest tests the Badgers have faced, they gave up 42 points to Alabama and 38 to Southern California.
“They’re talented,” Kaliakmanis said. “Their safeties are very good, their corners are very good. They’re experienced in the secondary. They’re coming off a big win. We’re chopping the moment right now. We’re focused on what we can do after practice. Go watch film, go recover. But we’re excited.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football: Offense looking to improve vs Wisconsin
