Schiano Takes Blame for Rutgers' 37-21 Loss to UMass After 16-Game Skid Ends

Q: After a historic collapse to a team on a 16-game losing streak, can Greg Schiano save his job and Rutgers' season?

Yes, but only if Rutgers shows an immediate and credible turnaround over the next few weeks. The loss to UMass is the kind that can define a season and a coach’s fate. UMass entered on a 16-game losing streak, was a massive underdog, and still led 24-7 at halftime while scoring on its first three possessions. Rutgers was beaten in preparation, line play, ball security and defensive execution. Schiano admitted as much, saying his team was out-coached and not ready. That is why his job security is now a real issue. In his second stint, Schiano has produced only two winning seasons in six years, and this was arguably the worst defeat of that run. It is not just one loss; it sharpens longer-term doubts about roster development and whether Rutgers has actually progressed. The reported buyout, around $17 million, may keep Rutgers from making a quick in-season move, but it will not protect him if the season unravels. The path to saving both his job and the season is still there, but it is narrow. Rutgers must stabilize at quarterback after Dylan Lonergan’s four interceptions and injury, fix an offensive line that produced only 25 rushing yards, and get Antwan Raymond back to being the focal point. Defensively, a unit that allowed 397 yards and 30-plus points again has to improve fast. Boston College now looks like a pivot point. A win would not erase UMass, but it would keep Rutgers from sliding into a spiral. Another flat performance would make this a full-blown crisis.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 4

Greg Schiano said Rutgers was "outcoached" and "outplayed" after a 37-21 home loss to UMass, adding he had "never saw it coming" and had not prepared the team.
UMass, which entered on a 16-game losing streak, scored touchdowns on its first three possessions and did not punt until late in the third quarter.
Rutgers' problems stretched across the roster: the transfer quarterback committed turnovers, the line failed to block consistently, and Antwan Raymond was largely neutralized before the game got away.
The defeat deepens scrutiny on Schiano, whose second stint has produced two winning seasons in six years and a 31-42 overall record, with Boston College next and Big Ten play looming.