Greg Schiano explains Rutgers going 3-for-3 on fourth down in first quarter vs. Northwestern

Rutgers isn’t hesitating to take risks in its season opener. In the first quarter alone, Rutgers attempted three fourth-down conversions. The team was successful on all three attempts. During the second quarter, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano discussed the gutsy decision.

“[I] believe in our guys and that’s what I felt was the right thing,” Schiano said. “I’ve seen it in camp and [quarterback Gavin Wimsatt] has done it. So, we did it out here… It made it 7 to nothing.”

It’s difficult to argue with the results. As of this report, the Scarlet Knights leads the Northwestern Wildcats 17-0 at the halftime break.

Phil Steele sees possible bowl berth for Rutgers in 2023

Despite Rutgers’ hot start to its 2023 campaign, recent history hasn’t served the program well. Entering his fourth season at the helm of the Scarlet Knights, Schiano failed to lead Rutgers to a winning record in the past three seasons. However, this isn’t Schiano’s first rodeo with Rutgers.

This is Schiano’s second stint in Piscataway after leading the program to new heights from 2001-11. College football expert Phil Steele has not forgotten Schiano’s past success. He believes Rutgers could find similar success this season.

“Last year, they had just 11 returning starters and I said they figured to be favored in just two or three game. But (they) should win more than that and I expect bowl eligibility in 2023 (give Schiano more time!),” Steele wrote in a season preview. “Rutgers upset BC and opened 3-0 but had a poor final five games and finished 4-8.

“They have improve on offense and have a strong defense,” continued Steele. “Despite drawing both Wisconsin and Iowa out of the West (Big Ten’s toughest schedule), four of my nine sets of power ratings call for them to be bowl eligible (including my main one).”

In his trio of seasons back at Rutgers, Schiano has led the program to a 12-22 record. That has led to only one bowl appearance, a loss in the 2021 Gator Bowl to Wake Forest. While Steele has high hopes for the Scarlet Knights, not everybody is so confident.

Athlon Sports predicted Rutgers to finish second from last in the Big Ten East, only outranking Indiana. Only time will tell who will be correct. Nonetheless, if Sunday is any indicator, Rutgers’ fans have a lot to look forward to this season.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater also contributed to this article.