Rutgers football won its season opener on Sunday without the presence of assistant coach Marquise Watson.
Watson, who is in his second season working with the Scarlet Knights defensive linemen, suffered a medical emergency before the game, according to this afternoon’s CBS broadcast.
Prior to the contest, Rutgers beat writer Chris Iseman reported that quality control coach Jared Keyte would be promoted in Watson’s absence but that the former Bryant Bulldogs star was “expected to rejoin the program soon.”
Per sources, Rutgers defensive line coach Marquise Watson suffered a medical event and will not coach in today’s game. He is expected to rejoin the program soon.
Quality control coach Jared Keyte (former Maine DC) will be elevated today.
— Chris Iseman (@ChrisIseman) September 3, 2023
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After the game, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano told reporters he is “optimistic” that Watson would be back with the team.
Greg Schiano on Marquise Watson missing the game: “Optimistic he will be back with us, be OK.’
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) September 3, 2023
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Watson, who worked at Rutgers in 2018 and his alma mater in 2019 before a two-year stint at Ole Miss, returned to the Scarlet Knights in 2022.
He is regarded as one of the brighter up-and-coming assistant coaches in the country. Hopefully, the Hillside, N.J. native is already feeling better and will be back on the job soon.
Without Watson, Rutgers still had little trouble handling an overmatched Northwestern team. The Scarlet Knights beat the Wildcats 24-7, narrowly missing the first Big Ten shutout in program history.