"I didn't have them ready to play," Schiano said afterward. "I'm in charge of all the coaches. I'm in charge of all the players. So when we come out and lay an egg like we did Opening Night – I thought we had a great training camp. Never saw it coming, and I've been doing this a long time. Never saw it coming. I didn't expect that at all."
How could anyone?
The Minutemen, coached by former Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, lost all 12 of their games last season, after losing the final four of the 2024 season.
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
They were one of the worst teams in the country.
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Yet here they were Sept. 3 at SHI Stadium doing whatever they wanted on offense and on defense slowing down a Rutgers offense that has firepower and talent.
Or, at least it was supposed to.
"Opening the season with a performance like that is obviously not ideal," said wide receiverKJ Duff, who had nine catches for 196 yards with three touchdowns. "But this is the first game of a long year. We know that's not us. We're looking to bounce back. We've got a bunch of games ahead of us."
TheScarlet Knightsfinished with a total of 25 rushing yards.
"I'm going to really look at that," Schiano said. "It's one of the things we've got to get fixed, because I know we have a good line. I know we have good backs, so for us not to run the ball effectively, I need to really examine that."
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There's a lot Schiano needs to examine.
Including a defense that was overmatched – UMass quarterback Pop Watson finished 19-of-22 for 197 yards and three touchdowns. AVirginia Techtransfer, he was dynamic for the Minutemen.
Rutgers' defense had no answer.
Now Schiano, who brought in new coordinator Travis Johansen in the offseason, has to find an answer to fix a unit that's filled with new faces.
"I've spent time with them in the spring," Schiano said. "I spent time with them in training camp. I didn't expect that that's how we would have performed. But I haven't spent a whole lot of time with a lot of those guys, and I think we had 10 guys that weren't on our team last year, start on defense. So we need to really look at this and grow from it, and we will. And I've been part of these before. I've been part of some really tough ones."
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Schiano and his whole coaching staff have work to do.
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff attempts to make a catch as UMASS #0 Isiah Reed breaks up the play.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Fans cheer for their team during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Fans cheer for their team during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knights take the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The stands look empty towards the end of the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The stands look empty towards the end of the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
1/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff attempts to make a catch as UMASS #0 Isiah Reed breaks up the play.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
1/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff attempts to make a catch as UMASS #0 Isiah Reed breaks up the play.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
2/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
3/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
4/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
5/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
6/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
7/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
8/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
9/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
10/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
11/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
12/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
13/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
14/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Fans cheer for their team during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
15/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Fans cheer for their team during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
16/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
17/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #4 Jourdin Houston.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
18/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
19/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers quarterback #12 Dylan Lonergan.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
20/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #3 Antwan Raymond.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
21/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
22/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
23/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers #KJ Duff scores the first touchdown of the season for Rutgers.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
24/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
25/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
26/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
27/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
28/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
29/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
30/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
31/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
32/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
33/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
34/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cheerleaders entertain the crowds during the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
35/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
36/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
37/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
38/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knights take the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
39/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
40/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Scarlet Knight takes the field as the season begins.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
41/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
42/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The stands look empty towards the end of the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
43/43
Rutgers football season opener
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The stands look empty towards the end of the game.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
There are 11 games left, starting with their Sept. 11 matchup againstBoston Collegein Chestnut Hill.
That's 11 opportunities to show this can be rectified, that this was an Opening Night disaster that won't tarnish the remainder of the season.
But a lot has to happen for that to be the case.
Schiano was steadfast in his belief that things will improve.
Is he concerned about how this reflects on his program?
"Well, sure, if it's followed by more and more and more, but I've said already, my statement is that we're going to chop our way out of this, and we're going to be a good football team," Schiano said. "If I didn't believe in the people downstairs, I wouldn't say that. I'd say, 'Hey things have gone awry.' But that's not how I feel. That's not what I believe."
