Penalties are holding Rutgers back

Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty ImagesAn inability to stop Illinois’ ground game, turnovers and a lack of execution in the red zone were major reasons that Rutgers unraveled in a disappointing 23-20 defeat on Saturday. However, another reason that has been a consistent problem this season was penalties. Rutgers entered the game leading the Big Ten with 27 penalties through three games for an average of 72 yards per game, which ranked 11th in the league. Illinois actually had its share of issues with penalties as well, entering the game with 24 and were tied for a league worst average of 85 yards per game.

In Saturday’s game, there was a clear difference though between the two teams. The Illini…