Eric Boggs 
Rutgers will be wearing their all black uniforms for a black out against Washington tomorrow night.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) are set to host the Washington Huskies (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) in a Friday night showdown at SHI Stadium, airing on FOX at 8:00 p.m. ET. Both teams look to make an early statement in Big Ten play, with Rutgers aiming to stay undefeated while Washington seeks to keep their momentum alive on the road. Greg Schiano’s squad is off to a strong start, and the coach fondly recalls past encounters with Washington’s defensive coordinator, Steve Belichick, who once served as a Rutgers assistant.
Schiano vs. Belichick: Friends Now Rivals
In 2011, Belichick, a long-snapper on Rutgers’ football team at the time, stood beside Schiano on the sidelines, helping signal defensive plays. Schiano recalls Belichick’s enthusiastic compliance: “The first time I signaled twice, he punched me in the ribs so hard! I said, ‘You can just tap me,’” Schiano said, laughing about the moment this week.
Thirteen years later, Belichick—son of Bill Belichick and now Washington’s defensive coordinator—leads one of the top defensive units in the country. After a decade with the New England Patriots, where he won Super Bowl championships, Belichick has brought his defensive expertise to the Huskies.
“Steve’s grown so much as a coach. It doesn’t surprise me how well they’re playing,” Schiano noted. “It’ll be fun to see where we both are now, on opposite sidelines.”
Players to Watch
Washington enters the game with a potent offense and stout defense. Quarterback Will Rogers, a transfer from Mississippi State, has been lights out. Rogers boasts a 75.7% completion rate, with 1,048 yards and eight touchdowns, while throwing zero interceptions. Though he’s not a dual-threat like Rutgers’ previous opponents, his accuracy and decision-making make him a key threat.
At running back, Jonah Coleman brings explosiveness, having rushed for 373 yards and four touchdowns in four games. His ability to break big plays and hurdle defenders, as seen in last week’s win over Northwestern, will keep Rutgers’ defense on its toes.
Defensively, Carson Bruener is the Huskies’ anchor at linebacker, leading with 21 tackles and an interception. Washington’s defense has held opponents without a touchdown in three of their four games, underscoring the challenge Rutgers’ offense faces.
Rutgers, meanwhile, looks to continue its strong start behind quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and a tough running game. Kenny Fletcher, a converted defensive end now thriving at tight end, has been a key target, with 12 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be essential against Washington’s top-tier defense.
The Scarlet Knights’ running back duo of Kyle Monangai and Sam Brown gives Rutgers a physical rushing attack. Brown, coming off a two-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech, forms a 1-2 punch that could wear down Washington’s defense if they find their rhythm.
Defensively, Wesley Bailey will be critical in pressuring Rogers. Bailey made a splash in his return from injury last week with a key sack and safety, and his speed on the edge will be crucial to disrupting Washington’s passing game.
Historical Context
This is the third meeting between Rutgers and Washington, with the Huskies winning both previous matchups, including a 30-14 victory in 2017. Washington has an impressive 17-game home win streak but will be playing its first road game since November 2023.
What’s at Stake
Rutgers is looking to prove they belong among the Big Ten’s elite with a win against a powerhouse like Washington, while the Huskies aim to continue their impressive conference debut season. Expect a physical battle, especially with Schiano and Belichick both renowned for their defensive minds.
Tune in Friday night on FOX at 8 p.m. ET for what promises to be an exciting clash between these two Big Ten squads, with early-season implications on the line.
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