After being on a bye last week, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano took the podium today for his usual game week press conference.
When Schiano was asked about the distance and how that might affect their plans on a short week, Schiano didn’t see it as much of an issue, especially since the team is coming off a bye week and they have detailed their preparations for it. He was asked a similar question about whether they are affected by the cluster of road games, and he said that since the preparations are made
long before the season starts, it’s not something he really thinks about other than the opponent having a home crowd advantage.
One reporter asked if there were any major changes on defense, especially pertaining to a change of play callers or the scheme. Schiano said that there weren’t any major changes in that regard, but they did go back to practicing the fundamentals of the game. He mentioned later that their tackling has to be much better against a running back like Jonah Coleman.
During the press conference, Schiano compared Washington quarterback Demond Williams to Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson while praising the versatile skillset he has as a younger quarterback and his ability to take care of the ball like an experienced veteran.
Despite his recent struggles, kicker Jai Petal has rebounded well, according to Schiano. He adjusted his kicks after the block in the Minnesota game and has looked sharper since.
Schiano mentioned during the press conference that linebackers like Kamar Archie and DJ McClary looked good on their reps during the week off, along with other younger guys all across the team. He highlighted the practice performance of quarterbacks AJ Surace and Sean Ashenfelder as well. Kenny Jones and Chris Vigna were mentioned for the lineman as well. He alluded to giving some of the younger talents playing time during the back half of the season as well.
To view the press conference, click here.
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