⚡ CFB Dashboard

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Turnovers against Power Four competition remain a major issue for Rutgers football, but the offense has shown signs of consistency and the ability to move the ball over the past two weeks. And while Friday night's 58-7 win over Howard is unlikely to be replicated in Big Ten play, the fact that Rutgers has made progress offensively over the past 10 quarters is encouraging. The fact that the offense did not turn the ball over against Howard, albeit an FCS opponent, is also a positive sign. Rutgers has thrown nine interceptions this season, all coming in the first three games. "I think everyone's hopes were for nothing like the way we started, but all we can do is learn from those past couple games," starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan told Scarlet Nation on Friday. "And I think definitely we're trying to round the corner and, you know, build off these last few games." The question, of course, is whether Rutgers can produce something like Friday night's output against Big Ten competition. The offense generated 534 yards of total offense and controlled possession for 36:44. With No. 6 Indiana coming to Rutgers on Saturday, the hope is that the offense can move the ball effectively as it did two weeks ago against then-No. 12 USC. Rutgers put together several touchdown drives in a narrow 42-35 loss to the Trojans. "We know who we are as a team, and we know all along," wide receiver KJ Duff said. "Obviously, it didn't start out how anyone would have wanted, but like I've been saying all along, I know what kind of team we have. I worked with these guys all the offseason, so just ready to keep it rolling. Onto next week. "You go back to last week (against USC): First thing coach said was no moral victories — we ended up losing the game, so I think this tonight sets us on the right track." Easier said than done. The defending national champions, Indiana has two shutouts this season, including a 55-0 win over Howard three weeks ago. The other shutout came in early September against Western Kentucky. Being able to limit mistakes, penalties and turnovers is crucial if the offense is going to keep Rutgers in the game this weekend. Against USC, Lonergan threw two interceptions, including one that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown. "I think it's really good for us. You know, I think the offense is finally starting to come together, and I think as long as we take care of the ball, there's really nothing that can stop us," Lonergan said. "We've definitely been hurting ourselves these past few weeks. So I think as long as we do what we do, we chop like we did today — I think we've got a lot of good things going our way."