The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are in the midst of an impressive campaign under head coach Greg Schiano, starting the season 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Their balanced attack on offense, combined with a suffocating defense, has put them in a great position heading into their matchup against Washington. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has provided stability at the quarterback position, completing 62.5% of his passes for 646 yards and 6 touchdowns. His connection with wide receivers Dymere Miller and Ian Strong has been crucial for the offense, especially on third downs, where Rutgers has converted over 52% of their attempts. However, the real star of the offense has been Kyle Monangai, who has rushed for 457 yards and 5 touchdowns. Rutgers has leaned on their running game to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. Defensively, the Scarlet Knights have been one of the best units in the country in terms of points allowed. They are allowing only 15.7 points per game, with standout performances from linebackers Dariel Djabome and safety Shaquan Loyal, who have anchored the defense. Rutgers has been particularly effective at limiting early scoring, allowing no points in the first quarter this season. This defensive resilience will be crucial against Washington’s high-tempo passing attack. At home, Rutgers has been dominant, and they will look to leverage the energy of their crowd to disrupt Washington’s offensive rhythm. With a 10-4 ATS record as a favorite in recent games, Rutgers has established themselves as a tough opponent in home environments, especially in prime-time matchups.