Rutgers returned to the field for a matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers after a tumultuous week, so calling them “fresh off a bye” would probably not be accurate characterization. Both teams were coming off losses to Northwestern, a very unexpected outcome for the Badgers who tumbled from the top 25 following the defeat. Before the game, the Scarlet Knights found out that Wisconsin starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook and starting safety D’Cota Dixon would be on the field, while RU star Tight End Jerome Washington was out with a bad back.
For the second game in a row, the opening kickoff was not good for the Scarlet Knights.