The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Akron Zips on September 7, 2024, at SHI Stadium in a Week 2 college football matchup that looks like a classic case of mismatched teams. Rutgers enters this game on the back of an impressive 44-7 victory over Howard, showcasing a balanced offense and a stout defense. The Scarlet Knights, led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener, look to keep their strong momentum going. They rushed for 329 yards against Howard, demonstrating their ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground.

On the other side, Akron comes into this matchup after a tough 52-6 defeat to Ohio State. Quarterback Tahj Bullock managed 68 passing yards and 42 rushing yards, but the offense could not find much success against a top-tier opponent. Defensively, the Zips allowed 52 points and struggled to contain the explosive plays from the Buckeyes. Akron’s defense will need to make significant improvements to have any chance against a Rutgers offense that showed versatility and efficiency in their opening game. The key for Rutgers will be to continue their balanced offensive approach, utilizing both the running and passing games to control the tempo. For Akron, they will need a more disciplined defensive effort and a more effective offensive game plan to stay competitive.