On the Banks
Insomnia for the sleeping giant.
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Rutgers Men’s Basketball Home Opener vs New Haven Preview
Rutgers men’s basketball makes its regular‑season home debut tonight at 7 p.m. in Jersey Mike’s Arena against New Haven, marking Brandin Knight’s first game as head coach after Steve Pikiell’s cancer diagnosis. The Knights, fresh from a 14‑20 season, retain promising youngsters Lino Mark and Kaden Powers and add transfer big men Christian Gurdak—who scored 20 and 19 points in recent exhibitions—and Darrin Smith Jr., who posted 20 and 11 points in those same games. New Haven, coming off a 74‑58 loss to Syracuse, relies on forward Teshuan Steele’s 18 points. Containing Steele could give Rutgers a strong season‑opening win, broadcast live on BTN+.
Rutgers Football History vs. Wisconsin Shows Another Lopsided Matchup
Greg Schiano's Rutgers Scarlet Knights head to Madison on Saturday for a rematch with the Wisconsin Badgers, a rivalry that’s never favored the Knights. In six meetings since 2014, Wisconsin has won every game, outscoring Rutgers 234‑50, with all contests decided by double digits except a 24‑13 loss in 2023. Rutgers enters the game missing starting QB Dylan Lonergan and likely top receiver KJ Duff, while Wisconsin rebounds from a 30‑0 loss to Iowa. The Bulldogs will look to avoid another home defeat as kickoff is set for 4:14 p.m.
Volleyball Is Out-Hit & Out-Scored by Michigan, but Wins in Five Anyway
Rutgers stuns Michigan in a five‑set thriller at Jersey Mike’s Arena, winning 25‑20, 25‑21, 15‑25, 19‑25, 15‑11 on Nov. 6, 2026. Despite Michigan out‑hitting (.287 vs .233), out‑killing (71‑60), and out‑digging (63‑57), the Scarlet Knights clinched the match by out‑serving the Wolverines, missing only five serves and acing four times. The victory marks Rutgers’ first back‑to‑back wins since mid‑September, with both contests going the distance. Key performers included Malia Romes and Skylar George for Rutgers and Ece Senyapici for Michigan.
Breaking Down the Scarlet Knights’ November Schedule
Rutgers enters the final stretch of its 2026 season at 2-6, needing four straight wins to become bowl‑eligible. The Scarlet Knights face a daunting November slate: Wisconsin (5-3) on Nov. 7, Nebraska (5-3) on Nov. 14, Penn State, and Michigan State. Wisconsin’s offense is shifting to a ground game after quarterback struggles, while Nebraska remains unbeaten‑ish but plagued by late‑quarter collapses despite a mobile quarterback in Anthony Colandrea and a strong defense. Rutgers has yet to beat either opponent, and analysts see slim odds for upsets unless the Knights find consistency fast. The article breaks down each matchup’s challenges and potential opportunities for a comeback.
Greg Schiano’s Annual QB Competition Brings Familiar Problem
Greg Schiano’s habit of dragging quarterback battles into late summer resurfaces as Rutgers faces a 2-6 slump. This season’s competition pits Dylan Lonergan against AJ Surace, with Sean Ashenfelder as a backup, yet no starter is locked in. Schiano admits the prolonged fight limited reps for the eventual starter and warns the process may repeat unless changed. With Lonergan likely out and top receiver KJ Duff doubtful, the Knights’ offensive woes trace back to the spring‑time indecision, casting doubt on Schiano’s future beyond 2026.
Week 9 in the Big Ten: U-California-LA dreamin’ of big crowds
Attendance at Big Ten games falls sharply in California, with 95,421 fans watching the conference on the West Coast Saturday—but only 24,611 showed up for UCLA’s win over Nevada at the Rose Bowl, while 70,810 watched USC beat Ohio State in the rain at the Coliseum. Rutgers’ crowd slipped to 39,540, and 11 of the 18 Big Ten schools have seen declining attendance over the past five years, the worst being Rutgers and UCLA. College football viewership is also down: the first eight weeks of 2026 averaged 3.3 million TV viewers, a 6% drop from 2025. The most‑watched BTN broadcast was Rutgers vs. Michigan. The data underscores a broader trend of shrinking crowds both in stadiums and on TV.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball Earns 75-62 Win Over La Salle
Rutgers women’s basketball opens the season 2-0 with a 75-62 victory over La Salle on Nov. 2, 2026. Mia Pauldo tops the box score with 22 points and six assists, while Jaylah Lampley (11) and Zennia Thomas (10) add scoring support. The Knights outscore the Explorers in every quarter but win by just 13 points, battling 28 fouls and 18 turnovers. La Salle’s Joanie Quinn shines with a perfect 10‑for‑10 free‑throw night (20 points). Rutgers rebounds on the offensive glass with 10 more second‑chance points, and heads to its next game versus Indiana State on Nov. 8.
Rutgers Football vs Wisconsin 2026 Preview: Scarlet Knights Prepare for Second Straight Game Without Lonergan
Rutgers travels to Madison for its second Big Ten win attempt, facing a Wisconsin team that rebounds from a 30-0 loss to Iowa but sits 5-3 after a strong first half of the season. Badgers QB Colton Joseph, who leads both passing (1,346 yards, 11 TDs) and rushing (371 yards, 4 TDs), may be sidelined after a benching, while freshman Ryan Hopkins could see more snaps. Wisconsin’s defense, anchored by LB Sebastian Cheeks (31 tackles, 6 sacks) and a massive D‑line, poses a big challenge. Rutgers is shorthanded—Dylan Lonergan is out and KJ Duff is doubtful—leaving AJ Surace to start at QB. The game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 on the Big Ten Network.
Schenck Ties It, but Indiana Knocks Rutgers Out of the Big Ten Tournament 2-1
Indiana eliminates No. 14 Rutgers 2-1 in the Big Ten quarterfinals, ending the Scarlet Knights' season at 11-8. After a tight first half with just three shots, Indiana scores twice in a 104‑second burst in the third quarter, the second coming from Talia Schenck’s equalizer. Insen Garcia Prado nets the winner 1:52 later. Rutgers outshoots Indiana 6-5 and finishes with more corners (7 to 2), but fails to capitalize. The loss marks the final game for seven Rutgers seniors, including Schenck and Olivia Fraticelli, and sends Indiana to face top‑seed Northwestern in the semifinals.
Rutgers Football: Greg Schiano Should Be Out, But Who’s In?
Rutgers’ season is spiraling toward a 2‑3 record, prompting speculation that head coach Greg Schiano—whose $17 million buyout looms—could be on the chopping block. Athletic Director Keli Zinn and President William Tate are rumored to consider high‑profile names like former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, despite his costly LSU exit, or LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who carries no buyout. Other candidates include defensive guru Corey Hetherman (Minnesota/Miami), former James Madison coaches Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney, and ex‑SEC hands Dan Mullen or Billy Napier. The article weighs each option against Rutgers’ financial strain and on‑field needs, outlining why some choices may or may not fit.
Basketball game contracts: filling out a schedule to build the resume – Women’s games
The article breaks down the costs Rutgers women’s basketball incurs to schedule non‑conference opponents. Unlike most public schools, Texas redacted its contract details, so the focus shifts to Rutgers, which pays guarantees ranging from $2,250 to $25,000 plus 40 complimentary tickets for each visiting team. Highlights include a $17,000 guarantee for St. Peter’s, $20,000 for Coppin State (with up to $600 in meals), and a $40,000 fee Rutgers pays to play a Thanksgiving tournament in Daytona Beach, where the organizer provides lodging and facilities. The piece illustrates how game contracts vary by opponent and region.
Game Time and Broadcast Announced For Rutgers Football vs Nebraska
The Scarlet Knights host Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 12:30 p.m., with the game airing live on the Big Ten Network. Rutgers, 2‑6 (1‑5 Big Ten), aims for its first win over a Cornhuskers squad that’s a perfect 7‑0 against them and sits 5‑3 overall. Nebraska, fresh off a loss to Washington, will travel from Illinois before facing Ohio State. Quarterback health looms large for Rutgers after Dylan Lonergan’s injury, while Nebraska leans on Anthony Colandrea’s 1,825 passing yards and 15 TDs.
Rutgers Athletics Launches ‘Rutgers Tough’ Campaign to Support Cancer Treatment
Rutgers Athletics launches the ‘Rutgers Tough’ campaign to fund RWJBarnabas Health’s cancer treatment and research. Inspired by men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell’s September cancer diagnosis, the initiative sells a $30 limited‑edition T‑shirt at the first three home games (Nov 6 vs. New Haven, Nov 10 vs. NJIT, Nov 13 vs. Bryant) with all proceeds supporting the Rutgers Cancer Institute. Pikiell and his wife have also donated personally, and former Scarlet Knights—including Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper—appear in a promotional video. The campaign aims to rally fans, alumni, and the broader community around a cause that extends far beyond the court.
Ia “dynamic scheduling” coming to the Big Ten?
The Big Ten may adopt a “dynamic scheduling” model as early as the 2028 season, according to Ohio State AD Ross Bjork. The proposal groups the 18 conference teams into three six‑team pods based on prior‑season records, matching top programs against each other and pairing lower‑ranked schools with similarly competitive opponents, while preserving rivalries like Michigan‑Ohio State. The system mirrors the NFL’s placement‑based matchups and aims to balance strength of schedule amid NIL and transfer‑portal driven parity. The article outlines a sample Rutgers schedule under the pod format, highlighting potential improvements over the current rotation.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball Officially Begins Redus Era By Thumping Long Island 83-52
Rutgers women’s basketball launches Gary Redus II’s tenure with an 83‑52 victory over Long Island on Oct. 30, 2026. Starters Mia Pauldo, Tara Daye, Jaylah Lampley, Zachara Perkins and Natassja Kolff lead a dominant performance, with Pauldo scoring 22 points, including key steals and three‑pointers. The Knights build a 45‑23 halftime lead and stretch it to 56‑28 after three quarters, forcing nine turnovers in a 12‑1 run. Freshman Chikae Desdunes and transfer Lauryn Swann contribute off the bench as Rutgers maintains a relentless full‑court press. Long Island’s best effort comes late, but the Scarlet Knights seal the win at 80‑47 with two minutes left, cementing a strong start to the 2026‑27 season.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball 2026-27 Season Preview: A New Era on the Banks
Rutgers women’s basketball kicks off the 2026-27 season under first‑year head coach Gary Redus II, aiming to rebound from recent struggles. The Scarlet Knights posted a dominant 104-49 exhibition win over Caldwell and open the regular slate against LIU. Redus brings a national‑championship pedigree from LSU, while the roster blends returning talent—junior guard Lauryn Swann, senior Kennedy Brandt—and impactful transfers, including twin forwards Mya and Mia Pauldo (the latter a former SEC All‑Freshman). Freshman guard Chikae Desdunes dazzled with 17 points and a double‑double of steals. The key storyline: how quickly this eclectic group gels in one of women’s college basketball’s toughest conferences.
This Week in Field Hockey: Kuiper Scores One, Sets Up One, and Rutgers Gets Indiana Again
No. 18 Rutgers edged No. 15 Indiana 2-1 at the Bauer Complex on Nov. 1, securing the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. After a tight first half, Rutgers surged in the second with three rapid goals – a Kuiper finish, a Luo‑style tap‑in by Laura Loycke, and a go‑ahead tally before halftime. Indiana’s Emily Nicholls recorded six saves, holding the Hoosiers to just one goal on six shots. The win gives Rutgers its fourth ranked victory of the season and a quarter‑final rematch with Indiana on Wednesday, with a spot in the semifinals against top‑seed Northwestern on the line.
Contract buyouts: thanks, Pat – great job on that extension
The article dissects how college football contract buyouts differ, using recent firings as case studies. It notes Florida State’s $47 million severance for Mike Norvell after a loss to Clemson, then focuses on Rutgers’ Greg Schiano extension—running through Feb. 2030 with a staggered payout of about $17.3 million if terminated without cause, plus largely unrealistic performance bonuses. Comparisons follow: Maryland’s Mike Locksley faces a $9.94 million buyout paid half up‑front, while NC State’s Dave Doeren’s buyout totals roughly $10.3 million based on a $3.25 million base salary. The piece highlights how payout structures—lump‑sum versus bi‑weekly installments—affect a school’s financial exposure when coaches are dismissed.
Rutgers Football Listed as 15.5 Point Underdogs Against Wisconsin
Rutgers heads to Madison on Nov. 7 as 15.5‑point underdogs against Wisconsin, with the over/under set at 45.5 points (FanDuel). The Scarlet Knights, fresh off a 28‑21 loss to Michigan, hope a return of QB Dylan Lonergan can spark a comeback. Wisconsin, now 5‑3 after a 30‑0 defeat by Iowa, relies on dual‑threat QB Colton Joseph (1,346 passing yards, 11 TDs, 371 rush yards) and a run‑heavy backfield featuring Abu Sama III and Darion Dupree. Their defense, anchored by LB Sebastian Cheeks, has allowed 21+ points only twice and boasts 14 sacks, seven picks and six forced fumbles. Kickoff is 4:15 p.m. EST, live on the Big Ten Network.
Volleyball Rises From the Dead on Halloween, Saves Three Match Points & Beats Northwestern in Five
After an 11‑game losing streak, Rutgers women’s volleyball erupts on Halloween to stun Northwestern 3‑2 at Welsh‑Ryan Arena. The Scarlet Knights rally from a 21‑24 deficit in the fourth set, save three match points, and win the decisive fifth 15‑12, edging the Wildcats 111‑109 overall. Rutgers posts a .222 hitting percentage with 72 kills, out‑blocking (14‑8) and out‑hitting Northwestern in every set despite 16 service errors. Standout performances come from Karis Willow, Addison Wiemann (seven kills) and a clutch kill by Romes to close the fourth. The 1,211‑spectator crowd witnesses the team’s first victory since Oct. 1, reviving hopes for the remainder of the Big Ten season.
Arnav’s Analysis: Takeaways From Rutgers’ 28-21 Loss To Michigan
Rutgers rallies from a double‑digit deficit to force a 28‑21 loss to Michigan, becoming the only team to score 21 points against the Wolverines this season. AJ Surace throws a late 80‑yard TD to Jourdin Houston and engineers a 54‑yard Antwan Raymond run that sets up the game‑tying two‑point conversion, while a missed Michigan field goal and a controversial punt‑catch interference call keep the Knights in the game. Despite standout run performances—Raymond’s 85 yards on 11 carries and Clay Thevenin’s go‑ahead TD—Rutgers falls to 2‑6, hindered by a struggling passing attack (Surace 3‑of‑12, 123 yards) and defensive lapses that yielded 427 yards. The article breaks down key plays, injuries, and why the Knights couldn't sustain their comeback.
Rutgers Football Falls Short Against Michigan 28-21
On Halloween, Michigan edged Rutgers 28-21 at SHI Stadium after a back‑and‑forth battle. Rutgers tied the game at 21 with a fourth‑quarter touchdown and two‑point conversion, but Michigan answered with a 75‑yard drive, scoring the go‑ahead TD with four minutes left. Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace was 3‑of‑12 for 123 yards and a TD, hampered by injuries to Dylan Lonergan and KJ Duff, while the Wolverines’ pass rush logged two sacks and four TFLs. Running backs Antwan Raymond and Clay Thevenin combined for 115 yards and a score, and true freshman DB JJ Conyers led the team with nine tackles. Rutgers now heads to Wisconsin next week.
Rutgers Football vs Michigan Game Thread
Rutgers heads home to Piscataway on Oct. 31 for a Big Ten showdown against Michigan at SHI Stadium, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. on BTN. Michigan opens as 16.5‑point favorites (originally 14.5) and the over/under sits at 44.5. Expect mild weather—58° at tipoff, climbing to 60°, with light winds and no rain. Fans are invited to share their thoughts in the comments.
The Ranked Reapers Strike Again and Beat #8 Michigan State 4-1
Rutgers storms senior‑day at Michigan State, snapping the Spartans’ unbeaten run at DeMartin Stadium with a 4-1 victory. Amer Lukovic netted twice (17:13, 73:48) and Zach Mastrodimos and Erick Ruiz added the other goals as the Scarlet Knights earned their fifth ranked win of the season and third over MSU, all in East Lansing. Michigan State, #8 nationally, fell to 10-2-3 overall and 5-1-2 in the Big Ten, while Rutgers improved to 7-6-2 (5-3-1 Big Ten), securing a spot in the conference tournament. Goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de Leon saved four shots, including a penalty, and freshman Francesco Di Ponzio earned Offensive Player of the Week again.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball Thrashes Caldwell 104-49 in Preseason Exhibition Game
Rutgers women’s basketball dominate Division II Caldwell 104‑49 in a preseason exhibition on Oct. 31, 2026. The Knights jump to a 32‑13 first‑quarter lead and finish 52‑24 at halftime, shooting 53.1% overall and 50% from three‑point range (33 threes). Chikae Desdunes tops the scoreboard with 17 points; Jaylah Lampley and Tara Daye each post double‑doubles (14‑10 and 16‑10) and pull 10 rebounds each. Rutgers out‑rebound Caldwell by 21, add 12 more assists and commit 14 fewer turnovers, giving the squad a chance to gel before the regular season opener against LIU on Nov. 2.
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