PLAYERS TO WATCH
–Freshman QB Artur Sitkowski was an early arrival for 2018, taking part in spring drills and then winning the starting job from Gio Rescigno. He is the first true freshman to open the season at quarterback for the Scarlet Knights since 2001 — but he has had a rough ride that led to Rescigno getting the starting job back in Game 4. But Sitkowski was better in the loss against Indiana, going 18 of 35 for 154 yards, a touchdown and an interception. “I think today you saw some glimpses of what Art could become, and what we have been seeing in practice,” coach Chris Ash said. “He made some really good throws in there today. Obviously wish he would have had the one interception back, but he made some really critical plays in that game today and he keeps getting better. Keeps getting better.”
–TE Jerome Washington hauled in a career-high 39-yard reception from running back Isaih Pacheco in Saturday’s loss. He had two catches for 55 yards against Indiana and has made at least one catch in 16 of his 17 games with Rutgers.
–WLB Trevor Morris, who led the Knights with 118 tackles last year, continues to put up impressive numbers. He fell short of his 13th double-digit tackling game against Indiana but was in on eight stops and had a pass breakup and quarterback hit.
–RB Jonathan Hilliman, who transferred to Rutgers from Boston College as a graduate senior, scored his fourth touchdown of the season — the 30th of his career — against Indiana.
SERIES HISTORY: Rutgers and Illinois are tied, 2-2. The Knights defeated the Illini 35-24 in Champaign last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “The game has really slowed down.” — Freshman QB Artur Sitkowski on his growth as a college quarterback.