Take this in for a second: Rutgers makes the Big East a formidable conference.
It's now safe to say they're ready to play big boy football. Greg Schiano has assembled a program that's built for success this season and for years to come (the recruiting is on the up-and-up, big time). The next goal is to win the Big East. Obviously, sweeping West Virginia and Louisville is the key to clearing that hurdle. This has to happen either this year or the next.
On offense, the Scarlet Knights come back with a year of experience that's invaluable. Quarterback Mike Teel, now a junior, can only get better. He had 12 touchdowns and 13 picks last year (like I said, can only get better). So, if those numbers go up, you have to like Rutgers' chances with a more dynamic offense. Considering he played in nine games as a freshman, there's really no more excuses, he has to step up his game. Last year's leading receiver was Brian Leonard, the fantastic fullback Rutgers had in the backfield, but he's gone. Kenny Britt was a freshman last year and this year will be Teel's go-to-guy. Britt has a dangerous combo of height and speed that must be exploited. Tiquan Underwood will be just as instrumental in keeping defenses honest.
If the aforementioned passing game can elevate itself, holes will open up for Ray Rice -- something I'm sure he dreams of every night. Last year he had to face eight guys Saturday after Saturday and still posted 1,794 yards. There's no reason the junior should miss the Heisman ceremony this year (he should have been there in 2006). Rutgers' offensive line is a unit you haven't heard much about, won't hear about but should hear about. Jeremy Zuttah is one of the best offensive tackles in the nation.
If Rutgers wants a BCS bowl berth, it needs another Top 10 defensive unit this season. Last year, the Scarlet Knights boasted the No. 4 defense in the country, mainly because nobody could pass on them. The group has lost some key talent, but junior safety Ron Girault, senior linebacker Brandon Renkart and senior defensive tackle Eric Foster are the music makers and the dreamers of dreams (little Willy Wonka action for you). Cornerback twins Jason and Devin McCourty, like Teel, are going to be lockdown with that extra year of experience. Again, I stress this unit has to be on point.
This is a team that's improving on last year's outstanding season. I really hope to get to Piscataway for a game this fall because they're going to be fun to watch, assuming they start passing.
By the way, props to whoever made the 2006 tribute video. Excellent job. And props to Jeremy Ito's celebration on the game-winning kick vs. Louisville last year. Poiinting at the skycam was pretty money.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Ray Rice
Save the date: Oct. 27 vs. West Virginia (this better be a night game)
80s theme song: "The End of The Innocence" - Don Henley (1989) … First line of the song: "Remember when the days were long?" I'm sure Rutgers does. Not anymore though.
25. Boston College; 24. UCLA; 23. Hawaii; 22. Florida State; 21. Georgia; 20. Oklahoma; 19. South Carolina; 18. Oregon
Comments (2)
Take this in for a second: Rutgers makes the Big East a formidable conference.
I took it in for a second, and it still doesn't make any more sense. So bad for so long, and now, national power. It'd be like Wake Forest winning the ACC.
... Oh, wait.
I remember when Rutgers hired Greg Schiano and I bought season tickets after moving back to New Jersey. After they went 1-11 in his first year, I told my wife "they have to fire him now". This, after living in LA for 7 years and telling her that Pete Carroll will never turn around a gosh-awful USC team that was just trying to play .500 every year.
She reminds me of my infinite wisdom every day.