The Bulls return home on a short week after playing in Reno, Nevada to open their Big East portion of the schedule with the Scarlet Knights (and we are 2-0, feels good to say that). RU, 2-0, on the season, has played Tulane and Howard so far this season, so they will be ready to go in this game and have a lot of history of causing headaches for the Bulls. Let's find out more about the team from New Jersey.
Rutgers is coming off of a great 2011 season where they finished 9-4 (4-3) season beating Iowa State in the Pinstripe Bowl up in New York City (since Jersey Shore is being canceled, can we still call them the Fighting Snookis?) The Knights will be replacing long time Head Coach Greg Schiano who took the coaching job here in Tampa with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New Head Coach Kyle Flood, who has been a part of the program for several years, is running the ship in the same style as Schiano, fundamentally strong, no mistakes, and swarming defense.
RU is averaging points per game 25 points per game to start the season, relying on the run game to get everything done and taking the pressure off of Gary Nova, the quarterback. RU is also just allowing 6 points a game and has some of the best linebackers in the conference, but facing Howard and Tulane will curve those numbers and they will be facing the USF skill players that are a lot more dangerous than anything Tulane or Howard can put on the field.
Last year, the Bulls lost to Rutgers in overtime in New Jersey on a field goal in overtime (San San Te is finally gone you guys). In that game, B.J. Daniels was just 14 for 34 for 160 yards including 1 touchdown and 1 interception (carried the ball 15 times for 90 yards). Demetris Murray had 14 carries for 40 yards and a score, also caught 2 passes for 45 yards. Deonte Welch had 4 receptions for 37 yards. On defense, DeDe Lattimore had 11 tackles, Kavyon Webster had 2 tackles and an interception, Ryne Giddins had 9 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Sam Barrington had 7 tackles. The last time RU was here, the Bulls beat them 28 to 27 in a thrilling game that had that memorable safety in the endzone that Chas Dodd helped make happen.
Rutgers and USF always seem to play some of the closest games during the season, always coming down to the wire and this could be another tight game for the Bulls. They are coming off of a short week, have little time to prepare and facing a team that is always ready for them. RU is a tough team, playing strong defense, running the ball well, and always keeping the game close. Look for a very tight battle to the end in this one.
This game is potentially the biggest game of the year for Rutgers. A win will put them at 3-0, atop the conference early and allow the team to be either 3-1 or 4-0 after returning from Arkansas the following weekend. The win would energize an always “wait-and-see” fan base that will pack the stadium for two rival early October games vs. UCONN and Syracuse in the coming weeks. With Temple, Kent State and Army to follow those two games, a win vs. USF could very well mean at least an 8-1 start for Rutgers. A loss and you are talking about returning home in early October 2-2 and to an apathetic fan base and the possibility of another 8-4 ho-hum season.
ReplyDeleteVery big stakes for the Scarlet Knights Thursday.