What Greg Schiano wants to see from Rutgers QB Dylan Lonergan vs. No. 6 Indiana

PISCATAWAY – As Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano emphasized the need for players to take care of the ball, Dylan Lonergan heard the message loud and clear. Lonergan, a Boston College transfer, has been working on improving his decision-making to avoid turning the ball over, a major point of emphasis for Schiano and Rutgers throughout the season.

After a few early struggles where Lonergan threw five interceptions, including a pick six in a loss to USC, he demonstrated progress against Howard last week by avoiding turnovers entirely. Against the FCS-level Bison, Lonergan continued his improvement, highlighting the importance of protecting the football to keep the game moving and increase the chances of winning.

Now, as Rutgers faces defending champion and sixth-ranked Indiana at SHI Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3, Lonergan must maintain this momentum and make sure he doesn't turn the ball over, as it could be the difference between a win and a devastating loss. Schiano stressed that "you don't need to win the game on that down. You need to keep the game moving on that down.

You need to make sure that we have a chance to continue to win the game because of that down, but you don't have to win the game on that down. If you turn it over, you can lose the game on that down." Lonergan acknowledged that Indiana's defense is among the best in the country, ranking second in total defense and allowing only 168.0 passing yards per game.

However, he remains optimistic about the Scarlet Knights' chances, stating, "It's going to be a tough game, but we're excited for it."