Wed Sep 25 08:06:32 UTC 2024: ## Rutgers Faces Tough Test Against Washington, Led by Former Sideline Punching Partner Steve Belichick

**PISCATAWAY, NJ -** Rutgers football will host the University of Washington this Friday in a game that pits head coach Greg Schiano against his former sideline assistant, Steve Belichick, now the Huskies’ defensive coordinator. The game holds special significance as the two coaches share a unique history: a playful (but forceful) encounter during Schiano’s 2011 tenure at Rutgers.

Back then, Steve Belichick, the son of legendary coach Bill Belichick, was a long-snapper for the Scarlet Knights, learning the ropes of coaching by assisting the staff. Schiano, known for his intense coaching style, had a specific signal he wanted Belichick to alert him to if he used it twice consecutively. Belichick, however, took the instructions literally and delivered a rather forceful rib-punch, much to Schiano’s surprise.

“He punched me in the ribs so damn hard,” Schiano recalled. “I’m like, what the heck are you doing? He’s like, ‘You told me to.'”

Now, 13 years later, the two will clash on the gridiron. Belichick, who spent a decade working under his father with the New England Patriots, has become a highly regarded defensive coordinator, leading a Washington unit ranked among the nation’s best.

Rutgers, meanwhile, is off to a 3-0 start and will look to continue their strong performance against the Huskies, who boast a potent offense led by quarterback Will Rogers. Rogers, known for his accuracy and limited mistakes, will test a Rutgers defense that has been strong in the early part of the season.

The game promises to be a tough test for both teams, with Washington representing the toughest opponent either has faced so far. Key factors will be Rutgers’ ability to get off to a fast start, keep the crowd energized, and move the ball against Washington’s formidable defense.

While the game will undoubtedly be a hard-fought battle, Schiano, despite their past “punches,” remains proud of his former assistant’s success: “It’s not a shock to me how well they’re doing defensively. As a matter of fact, that’s what I thought he would do. But I am proud of him.”

The game kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. at SHI Stadium, broadcast on FOX.

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