WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Notes, Quotes

The Sports Xchange

November 21, 2018 at 1:28 am.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

–Freshman QB Artur Sitkowski didn’t start last week’s 20-7 loss to Penn State, coming off the bench to go 3-of-7 for 18 yards, two interceptions and three sacks. Asked why Gio Rescigno got the start, coach Chris Ash said, “Art was struggling, and this is also Senior Day, wanted to give Gio a chance to lead the team.” Ash said this week’s starter would be “an end of the week decision.”

–Freshman RB Isaih Pacheco continues to be a highlight of the Rutgers season. After an 80-yard touchdown run against Michigan, he netted 53 yards on 18 carries in last week’s loss to Penn State and has run for 513 yards and scored three times on 102 carries during his rookie season.

–RB Raheem Blackshear just might wind up as a slot receiver after running up 162 yards in catches in the Wisconsin game. He leads Rutgers in both rushing (580 yards, three touchdowns, on 133 carries) and receiving (41 for 338 yards, two TDs).

–WLB Trevor Morris, who led the Knights with 118 tackles last year, cleared the 100-tackle mark for the third straight season with 10 more against Penn State. He is the third player in program history with three 100-stop seasons. He also forced a fumble against Penn State.

–S Saquan Hampton had two interceptions at Wisconsin, Rutgers’ first two-pick game since Brandon Jones did it at the Russell Athletic Bowl in 2012. He was also in on 10 tackles in a strong all-around game — and led Rutgers with 11 tackles, seven of them solo, in the loss at Michigan. He had six tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup in the Penn State game.

SERIES HISTORY: Michigan State leads Rutgers 6-3, winning each of the last four years in the Big Ten — the last two by a combined score of 89-7.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Guys, I’m focused on Michigan State and that’s the only conversation I really feel comfortable having right now.” — Coach Chris Ash on his future at 1-10 Rutgers.