UPDATE: Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano has signaled potential changes following a devastating 56-10 defeat against No. 8 Oregon, a loss that featured an alarming 750 total yards allowed, the most conceded by a Power Four team this season. The Scarlet Knights, now 3-4 overall and 0-4 in the Big Ten, are facing a critical juncture in their season.
The game, held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, exposed severe deficiencies in Rutgers’ defense, which entered the matchup ranked 97th nationally in total defense against FBS opponents, averaging 418.4 yards allowed per game. The Scarlet Knights surrendered an astonishing 446 yards in the first half alone, as Oregon dominated throughout.
Schiano acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “I’ve got to take a hard look at everything, everyone.” His remarks come just 40 minutes after the game, highlighting the urgency of the moment. He emphasized the need for reflection, saying, “I’ll have to have some tough nights and days here and figure out what we need to do.”
The coaching staff faces scrutiny, particularly defensive coordinator Robb Smith, who has seen the Knights yield at least 346 yards in each of their first six games against FBS teams. Against Oregon, the defense also allowed an alarming 415 rushing yards, raising serious concerns about the team’s direction.
Despite the overwhelming loss, Schiano pointed out the effort from his team: “I felt like everybody — staff, players — worked their tail off this week.” However, the scoreboard tells a different story, and the coach recognizes that changes may be imminent. “We got to figure that out,” he stated, indicating a resolve to address the ongoing issues.
With only five games remaining, Rutgers is at risk of missing the postseason for the first time in three years, which would mark a staggering 13 consecutive seasons without a winning conference record. Schiano’s candid assessment—“I’m a believer you are what your record says you are”—underscores the urgency for improvement as the team prepares for their upcoming road game against Purdue next Saturday.
“We’re going to go after it this week,” Schiano declared. “Only those that show me that that’s truly what they’re doing will get the chance to go coach or play.” His commitment to scrutinizing every aspect of the program, including his own leadership, signals that a shakeup may be on the horizon.
As fans and analysts await further developments, the focus remains on how Rutgers can recover from this humiliating loss and what drastic measures Schiano may implement to turn the season around. The urgency for immediate change is palpable, and the Scarlet Knights’ next steps will be critical in determining the future of the program.