Can we talk about Rutgers for a second? They just dropped a 37-21 bomb at home to UMass, and if you think that sounds bad, you’re not even close. UMass didn’t win a single game in *all of 2025* and hadn’t celebrated a victory in almost 700 days. SEVEN HUNDRED DAYS. And Rutgers still managed to let them put up 37 points and nearly 400 yards. This wasn’t just a tough loss, this was maybe the worst loss of any team in Week 1, period. Now, they’re heading to Boston to face a Boston College team that’s also reeling from its own Week 1 struggles.
The Scarlet Knights’ Ground Game Nightmare and Offensive Turnovers
So, what happened in that UMass fiasco? The biggest issue, hands down, was on the ground. Rutgers’ defense gave up a staggering 200 rushing yards to a team that, let’s be honest, had no business running wild like that. On offense, it was an absolute turnover festival. They coughed up the ball four times, with quarterback Dylan Lonergan tossing three brutal interceptions. You just can’t win football games like that. It’s no surprise that AJ Surace, who threw a touchdown last week, is now getting the start at quarterback for Rutgers this Friday against Boston College. Head coach Greg Schiano is in his 18th season overall, his seventh in his second stint with the Scarlet Knights, and this kind of start to an “important year” is a brutal gut punch.
Boston College’s Own Week 1 Woes and What’s at Stake
Don’t think Boston College is sitting pretty, though. They’re trying to rebound after a 34-15 loss at Cincinnati. While they actually outgained Cincinnati 388-339, the Bearcats rushed for a whopping 254 yards against them. Plus, Boston College added two turnovers to their own offensive stat line. Nothing seemed to go right for them last season either, finishing with a dismal 2-10 campaign, and that trend sadly continued into Week 1. Head coach Bill O’Brien is in Year 3 with the Eagles and, after only winning two games last season, he’s absolutely feeling the heat. These two East Coast foes are both coming off ugly Week 1 performances, and frankly, there’s nowhere to go but up for either squad.
Both these teams are desperate for a win. Schiano and O’Brien are under immense pressure, and this Week 2 matchup feels absolutely critical if either wants to turn things around. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which is 33-20 on top-rated CFB money-line picks since 2024, has been upgraded for the 2026 season and it’s looking at this one closely. Boston College is currently favored by 3 points, with the over/under set at 53.5. Who’s gonna show up on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET? Will it be another disaster, or can one of them finally find some traction? We’ll find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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