Schiano says coronavirus is Rutgers’ biggest opponent now

With less than three weeks to go before the Big Ten season-opener, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano insists his team’s biggest opponent in the football season at this point is the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking for the first time since the Scarlet Knights started working in full pads last week, Schiano said Monday his team has to remain virus-free if it is to have any chance to win games in the Big Ten Conference this season.

The league has

instituted a 21-day, no-play rule for players who test positive for COVID-19. A positive result would effectively sideline a student-athlete for at least three, or possibly four games of an eight-game season.

Rutgers doesn’t have the talent to overcome the loss of key players.

The Big Ten had said this summer it would not play football in the fall because of concerns about the pendemic. Last month, it reversed course and decided to play a shortened, conference-only schedule.

The development of rapid daily testing for the coronavirus was a major factor in the decision. Players and coaches are tested every day.

In returning for a second tour at Rutgers, Schiano inherited a team that has won three games in the past two years, and just nine in the past four.

Schiano said his team is working hard to get ready for the opener at Michigan State on Oct. 24. However, he notes he is constantly talking to players about wearing their masks properly, washing their hands, and avoiding the virus, which has claimed more than 200,000 lives in the United States.