2021-2022 CFB Big Ten East preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Big Ten East

Big Ten head coach Greg Schiano

Rutgers finished its 2020 Big Ten season with a 3-6 record. The Scarlet Knights went toe-to-toe with the Michigan Wolverines. They also had big wins against Michigan State and Maryland.

Greg Schiano is trying to turn things around at Rutgers.

The road back to success is a long way for Schiano, but he's up for the challenge. Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights heading into the 2021 season.

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2021-2022 Big Ten East Conference preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Big Ten QB Noah Vedral

Rutgers strengths: As the road towards the rebuild begins for the Scarlet Knights football program, they have a sneaky good cornerback room heading into the 2020 season. Defensively, the Scarlet Knights rank fifth in the Big Ten in defensive line play and secondary play.

Eight Scarlet Knights received Phil Steele’s pre season All-American or All-Big Ten honors. #CHOP pic.twitter.com/0doaE8U3OX

— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) June 23, 2021

Rutgers weaknesses: The Rutgers offense is a not a pretty picture. It ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten in all their offensive positions. The Scarlet Knights are ranked 11th at quarterback, 13th at running back, 9th at wide receiver, and 12th at offensive line in the Big Ten.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights key player: Offense

WR: Aron Cruickshank - After spending two years with the Big Ten West's Wisconsin Badgers, Cruickshank came over to Rutgers through the transfer portal. His first season with the Scarlet Knights was a success. Cruickshank caught 25 passes for 671 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

🎙 QB1 🎙 @Noah11_V | #CHOP pic.twitter.com/J7fHJfqtsJ

— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) June 18, 2021

QB: Noah Vedral - Rutgers is the third and final stop for senior quarterback Noah Vedral. After spending a year at UCF, Vedral transferred to Nebraska before joining the Scarlet Knights in 2020. Vedral's 2020 season was average, throwing for 1,253 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights key players: Defense

CB: Patrice Rene - Rutgers is putting a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of former North Carolina corner Patrice Rene. Before his torn ACL, Patrice Rene was one of the top corners in the ACC. Rutgers will hope he repeats his 2018 performance where he registered 25 solo tackles and two interceptions.

CB: Tre Avery - Senior Tre Avery leads the Rutgers corner. His 2020 season was remarkable, and the Scarlet Knights are hoping 2021 will be even better. Avery registered 21 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception last season.

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2021-2022 Rutgers Scarlet Knights schedule

Week 1: Thursday, September 2, vs. Temple Owls

Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at Syracuse Orange

Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens

Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Michigan Wolverines

Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs. Michigan State Spartans

Week 7: Saturday, October 16, at Northwestern Wildcats

Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Illinois Fighting Illini

Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Indiana Hoosiers

Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs. Maryland Terapins

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2021-2022 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Predictions (3-9 overall, 1-8 Big Ten)

Greg Schiano knew the job at Rutgers wasn't going to be an easy task, but the Scarlet Knights will take a step back in 2021. The two non-conference wins that Rutgers will accomplish will be against Syracuse and Delaware. Rutgers will steal a victory against Illinois on October 30th to fight off a winless Big Ten season.