Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 12/30/08
For the third season in a row the Rutgers Scarlet Knights can say they are champions of a bowl game. This time, RU has put their stamp on the PapaJohns.com bowl in Birmingham, Alabama.
In one of the most exciting games for the Knights all season, Rutgers stood tall facing adversity down 17-6 at the half. They got a huge break, however, when it was learned that Freshman Quarterback Russell Wilson would not return to the game for the Wolfpack of North Carolina State. Wilson single handily sliced the Knights not only in the passing game, but just as efficiently in the run game as well. The loss of Wilson showed how anemic the Wolfpack were without him on offense. They scored just six points (one touchdown, attempt at the two point conversion failed) in the second half.
Mike Teel's deep 42 yard pass to Kenny Britt proved to be the difference as Rutgers rolled 29-23 over NC State. Teel finished the day 22 of 37 for 321 yards, and 2 touchdowns as he went on to win the bowl game MVP. Britt had a fine day himself hauling in 6 Teel passes for 119 yards and a score. Rutgers third straight bowl victory shows where the state of the program is now at, and where they may be headed. We can only hope it goes north from here.
Bowl game notes: "Jersey" Joe Martinek rushed for 58 yards, all coming in the second half. When he got the ball, he was more than effective averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Tiquan Underwood also contributed quite well for the Knights, bringing in 4 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. Jack Corcoran was a major part of the RU offensive air attack with 6 receptions for 62 yards in arguably his best performance as a Scarlet Knight. Rutgers forced 4 turnovers on the day. Jason McCourty recovered a fumble on NC State's opening play from scrimmage. Ryan D'Imperio had a key interception late in the 3rd quarter. Devin McCourty also contributed with a timely interception himself in the 4th quarter. Courtney Greene sealed the game by picking off Daniel Evans on a final hail mary attempt. It was a well played game, just four penalities were called.
Thanks for reading on this season on Scarlet Surge - all your RU football news can be found here. I will be writing every week or with updates on the team, recruiting news and statues of players during the off-season so check back often for updated news. Thanks again, and Go Scarlet Knights!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
2008 Scarlet Awards
Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 12/19/08
I'm back to give out some of my awards. I saw every game this season, and went to each and every home game. Let me know what you think of my choices for a few awards!
Offensive player of the year: Kenny Britt, WR. I'm pretty sure there is no arguing this one. Kenny was one of the best wide out's in the country this year. It's sad he hasn't gotten the media attention that he should. He made the 1st team All-Big East but no All-American selection disappointed me. He'll be making the jump to the pros, and whoever selects him will be getting a great one. One more game for Britt against NC state in the bowl game, but it's been fun watching Kenny. Thanks for the memories!
Defensive player of the year: Kevin Malast, LB. Led the team with 96 tackles, and also had an interception against Pittsburgh that helped seal the big victory in the Steel City. Kevin has been a great, and quite underrated linebacker in his tenure with the Knights. He should get a look in the NFL, as he is a senior, and will have his last game versus NC state on December 29th.
Biggest surprise of the year: Jourdan Brooks, HB. In the chances he got, he was pretty good overall. His best game was the last one, against Louisville. I expect him to get a good amount of carries against NC state. He's a big bruiser, and will be exciting to watch for years to come. He's just a freshman!
Most resilient player of the year: Mike Teel, QB. I knew we had to find an award for this guy. I came in as the biggest Mike Teel fan, and as the biggest. When Rutgers played Illinois at home to open up the season, I was the one in he stands with a "TEEL FOR HEISMAN" sign. It's been fun to watch this guy the past few seasons, and he goes out as the best RU QB of all-time. Man, I really hope he gets a shot in the NFL. Good luck, Mike.
Those are my 2008 Scarlet Awards. Check back next week sometime for a preview of the Papajohns.com bowl versus NC state!
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 12/19/08
I'm back to give out some of my awards. I saw every game this season, and went to each and every home game. Let me know what you think of my choices for a few awards!
Offensive player of the year: Kenny Britt, WR. I'm pretty sure there is no arguing this one. Kenny was one of the best wide out's in the country this year. It's sad he hasn't gotten the media attention that he should. He made the 1st team All-Big East but no All-American selection disappointed me. He'll be making the jump to the pros, and whoever selects him will be getting a great one. One more game for Britt against NC state in the bowl game, but it's been fun watching Kenny. Thanks for the memories!
Defensive player of the year: Kevin Malast, LB. Led the team with 96 tackles, and also had an interception against Pittsburgh that helped seal the big victory in the Steel City. Kevin has been a great, and quite underrated linebacker in his tenure with the Knights. He should get a look in the NFL, as he is a senior, and will have his last game versus NC state on December 29th.
Biggest surprise of the year: Jourdan Brooks, HB. In the chances he got, he was pretty good overall. His best game was the last one, against Louisville. I expect him to get a good amount of carries against NC state. He's a big bruiser, and will be exciting to watch for years to come. He's just a freshman!
Most resilient player of the year: Mike Teel, QB. I knew we had to find an award for this guy. I came in as the biggest Mike Teel fan, and as the biggest. When Rutgers played Illinois at home to open up the season, I was the one in he stands with a "TEEL FOR HEISMAN" sign. It's been fun to watch this guy the past few seasons, and he goes out as the best RU QB of all-time. Man, I really hope he gets a shot in the NFL. Good luck, Mike.
Those are my 2008 Scarlet Awards. Check back next week sometime for a preview of the Papajohns.com bowl versus NC state!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Game Twelve Preview:
Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 12/3/08
Thursday night games are great, aren't they? Well, I guess it isn't 2006, but it will sort of feel like it in Piscataway, N.J. as Louisville comes to town to face off against the Knights of Rutgers. Still, this game will be an exciting match up between the two rivals.
It is Senior night for Rutgers as the Seniors will play their final home games as a Scarlet Knight, and it could also mean the end for Kenny Britt on the banks of the ole' Raritan. These seniors have all had great careers, guys such as Mike Teel, Tiquan Underwood, Courtney Greene (started all four years), Jamaal Westerman, and Pete Tverdov really stand out among the 18 that will be departing. Here is a complete list of the 2009 class that has a chance to be the first class in RU history to go to four consecutive bowls.
LS Jeremy Branch, TE Kevin Brock, OL Mike Gilmartin, FS Courtney Greene, DB Glen Lee, LB Kevin Malast, CB Jason McCourty, TE Craig McGovern, DB Mark Orosz, LB Chris Quaye, DT Kevin Small, DB Davon Smart, QB Mike Teel, LB Brian Tracey, DT Pete Tverdov, WR Tiquan Underwood, DE Jamaal Westerman.
As for the actual game, Rutgers will be gunning for their 7th straight victory, as Louisville comes in at 5-6 looking to become bowl eligibile. Rutgers dominated last years contest, until finding a way to blow it in the 4th quarter and eventually ended up finding a way to lose.
Louisville comes in as a strong running team, and a weak passing team. This is quite a contrast compared to the past few seasons with QB Brian Brohm at the helm. This year QB Hunter Cantwell has been very inconsistent, but this has opened up opportunites for Louisville's run game to blossom.
If Rutgers can continue their offensive dominance as they have the past several weeks, they should have no problem winning this game. Louisville is a vastly different team with Cantwell at the controls compared to Brian Brohm. The Cardinals are not a squad that can play from behind with their woes in the passing game and lack of a WR that can stretch the field.
I expect RU to jump on Louisville early and often.
My prediction:
Rutgers 33
Louisville 20
Game Ball: Mike Teel. In his final home game, Teel goes off on the Cardinals. 19-27, 303 yards, 3 tds, 1 int.
Game Time: 7:45 PM E.T.
Site: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.
Weather: 35 degrees. Cloudy. 30% chance of on and off showers.
Lets go RU! Come out and support the seniors in their final game!
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 12/3/08
Thursday night games are great, aren't they? Well, I guess it isn't 2006, but it will sort of feel like it in Piscataway, N.J. as Louisville comes to town to face off against the Knights of Rutgers. Still, this game will be an exciting match up between the two rivals.
It is Senior night for Rutgers as the Seniors will play their final home games as a Scarlet Knight, and it could also mean the end for Kenny Britt on the banks of the ole' Raritan. These seniors have all had great careers, guys such as Mike Teel, Tiquan Underwood, Courtney Greene (started all four years), Jamaal Westerman, and Pete Tverdov really stand out among the 18 that will be departing. Here is a complete list of the 2009 class that has a chance to be the first class in RU history to go to four consecutive bowls.
LS Jeremy Branch, TE Kevin Brock, OL Mike Gilmartin, FS Courtney Greene, DB Glen Lee, LB Kevin Malast, CB Jason McCourty, TE Craig McGovern, DB Mark Orosz, LB Chris Quaye, DT Kevin Small, DB Davon Smart, QB Mike Teel, LB Brian Tracey, DT Pete Tverdov, WR Tiquan Underwood, DE Jamaal Westerman.
As for the actual game, Rutgers will be gunning for their 7th straight victory, as Louisville comes in at 5-6 looking to become bowl eligibile. Rutgers dominated last years contest, until finding a way to blow it in the 4th quarter and eventually ended up finding a way to lose.
Louisville comes in as a strong running team, and a weak passing team. This is quite a contrast compared to the past few seasons with QB Brian Brohm at the helm. This year QB Hunter Cantwell has been very inconsistent, but this has opened up opportunites for Louisville's run game to blossom.
If Rutgers can continue their offensive dominance as they have the past several weeks, they should have no problem winning this game. Louisville is a vastly different team with Cantwell at the controls compared to Brian Brohm. The Cardinals are not a squad that can play from behind with their woes in the passing game and lack of a WR that can stretch the field.
I expect RU to jump on Louisville early and often.
My prediction:
Rutgers 33
Louisville 20
Game Ball: Mike Teel. In his final home game, Teel goes off on the Cardinals. 19-27, 303 yards, 3 tds, 1 int.
Game Time: 7:45 PM E.T.
Site: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.
Weather: 35 degrees. Cloudy. 30% chance of on and off showers.
Lets go RU! Come out and support the seniors in their final game!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Game Eleven Preview: Army @ Rutgers
Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 11/21/08
Since Thanksgiving is coming up, it reminded me of something I am truly thankful for: my awful predictions.
Last week, I predicted Rutgers losing to South Florida six points. Could I have been more wrong? Rutgers wiped USF by the final score of 49-16. So this holiday season, I'm thankful for my wrong predictions.
It was a big win for Rutgers, no doubt, but it will be meaningless if they can't finish the season with two more wins. RU has a chance to go 8-5, that'd be with a bowl victory, but the biggest thing they can do right now is beat Army, and then Louisville. That would ensure that A. They'd go to a bowl game and B. They'd be above .500 once again, which is important to continue to keep getting better as a program.
Fans must realize this has been a successful year if we can finish out 7-5, or 8-5. It may not have been that top 10 ranked, 11-2 type season we've come to expect following the 2006 campaign, but it offers hope for next year that we can continue to improve consistently each and every year, despite starting this season off 1-5.
Now onto the game preview. Army is a run first team, who has been pretty successful at doing so. Don't expect many pass attempts like the Knights of Rutgers saw last weekend versus USF. Army will only throw a few times per game. One game that they won this season they threw just 3 passes, completing NONE of them, but still came away with the W. Although Army is just 3-7 on the year, they have shown great improvement over last season, thanks to fullback Collin Mooney. Mooney has rushed for 1,173 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 6 yards per carry. He will be just another talented back the Scarlet Knights will have to face. Rutgers should be fine defensively as they've been able to handle most rushing attacks thrown at them this season. Don't expect RU to be able to force six turnovers like last week though, as Army won't put the ball on the ground much.
When Rutgers is on offense, they should be able to use their supperior speed to go right by the Black Knights. RU will probably show a balenced attack of run and pass, but I think if they can get Teel in a rhythem early, this game won't even be close. I expect to see a heavy dose of Joe Martinek this week, with some Young sprinkled in, as well as a few carries for Jourdan Brooks and Mason Robinson. Despite playing all four backs, I fully expect Joe Martinek seeing most of the carries after his impressive performance last week against USF. Now onto...
My Prediction:
Army 10
Rutgers 34
Game Ball: Kenny Britt. The junior from Bayonne, NJ has a huge game. 11 rec., 201 yards, 2 td.
Game Time: 12:00 PM E.T.
Site: Rutgers Stadium. Piscataway, NJ.
Weather: Mostly Sunny. COLD. High of 30 degrees. Winds 15-30 mph.
Lets hope my prediction is actually right this time. Go Scarlet Knights!
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 11/21/08
Since Thanksgiving is coming up, it reminded me of something I am truly thankful for: my awful predictions.
Last week, I predicted Rutgers losing to South Florida six points. Could I have been more wrong? Rutgers wiped USF by the final score of 49-16. So this holiday season, I'm thankful for my wrong predictions.
It was a big win for Rutgers, no doubt, but it will be meaningless if they can't finish the season with two more wins. RU has a chance to go 8-5, that'd be with a bowl victory, but the biggest thing they can do right now is beat Army, and then Louisville. That would ensure that A. They'd go to a bowl game and B. They'd be above .500 once again, which is important to continue to keep getting better as a program.
Fans must realize this has been a successful year if we can finish out 7-5, or 8-5. It may not have been that top 10 ranked, 11-2 type season we've come to expect following the 2006 campaign, but it offers hope for next year that we can continue to improve consistently each and every year, despite starting this season off 1-5.
Now onto the game preview. Army is a run first team, who has been pretty successful at doing so. Don't expect many pass attempts like the Knights of Rutgers saw last weekend versus USF. Army will only throw a few times per game. One game that they won this season they threw just 3 passes, completing NONE of them, but still came away with the W. Although Army is just 3-7 on the year, they have shown great improvement over last season, thanks to fullback Collin Mooney. Mooney has rushed for 1,173 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 6 yards per carry. He will be just another talented back the Scarlet Knights will have to face. Rutgers should be fine defensively as they've been able to handle most rushing attacks thrown at them this season. Don't expect RU to be able to force six turnovers like last week though, as Army won't put the ball on the ground much.
When Rutgers is on offense, they should be able to use their supperior speed to go right by the Black Knights. RU will probably show a balenced attack of run and pass, but I think if they can get Teel in a rhythem early, this game won't even be close. I expect to see a heavy dose of Joe Martinek this week, with some Young sprinkled in, as well as a few carries for Jourdan Brooks and Mason Robinson. Despite playing all four backs, I fully expect Joe Martinek seeing most of the carries after his impressive performance last week against USF. Now onto...
My Prediction:
Army 10
Rutgers 34
Game Ball: Kenny Britt. The junior from Bayonne, NJ has a huge game. 11 rec., 201 yards, 2 td.
Game Time: 12:00 PM E.T.
Site: Rutgers Stadium. Piscataway, NJ.
Weather: Mostly Sunny. COLD. High of 30 degrees. Winds 15-30 mph.
Lets hope my prediction is actually right this time. Go Scarlet Knights!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Game Ten Preview: Rutgers @ South Florida
Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 11/14/08
Although I seem to say this week in and week out, this is Rutgers most important game. And probably toughest test of the season thus far (at least in conference). The Knights will travel to Tampa to take on the USF Bulls in a showdown that is quickly becoming a rivalry. These are two teams that battle for recruits each and every year, as Rutgers has a good pipeline down in Florida, so for sure, this is more than just another Big East game. Not just for great games on the field, but competition off the field as well.
South Florida will come at you with a Shotgun-Spread attack, Grothe at the helm another year. Grothe was solid, but not great in a loss that South Florida (then ranked #2) could have been able to win against RU last year. South Florida has lost to Rutgers the past two seasons, so they have extra motivation on the line in this one. USF has lost the past three games, and have quickly fallen out of the rankings, but they remain in the running for the Big East championship. Offensively, Rutgers will need speed on the field at all times. If that means Lefeged spot shadowing Grothe for the second year in a row, so be it, but the Knights will need to be in Nickel or Dime most of the game to compete with the 3, 4, and 5 WR sets USF will throw at them. Last year, Rutgers finished the game with 6 sacks. In my opinion, this will once again be a huge statistic. If Rutgers doesn't give Grothe time to pass or to take off and scramble, Rutgers will have an EXCELLENT chance at pulling off the upset down in Florida.
Rutgers offensively will have a tough task ahead of them as they square off against USF's defense. USF's defense consists of some pretty good players, but one jumps out at you when you watch them play. Defensive end George Selvie. This guy is flat out great. He gives offensive tackles nightmares. However, Rutgers held him in check very well last season, but with three offensive lineman gone from last years squad, this year may write a different story. He'll be the biggest challenge for RU's offense. Once again, like I said last week, I will expect to see a heavy dosage of Kordell Young, Martinek, Robinson, and maybe a carry or two for Brooks. After Martinek's showing last week, he needs more touches. Would love to see some more 'Wildcat' formation out of the Knights. I think Martinek would be a good candidate to try and THROW out of the formation.
My Prediction:
Rutgers 20
South Florida 26
Game Ball: Damaso Munoz. 7 total tackles, 2 tfl, 2 sack.
I think Rutgers is going to end up losing a very close ball game. Unfortunately I don't think we have what it takes to get it done versus USF this season. USF is better than their record shows.
Game Time: 12:00 P.M. E.T.
Site: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida.
Weather: Possible Thunderstorms and Rain. 79 degrees.
Lets hope my prediction is wrong! Go Knights!
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 11/14/08
Although I seem to say this week in and week out, this is Rutgers most important game. And probably toughest test of the season thus far (at least in conference). The Knights will travel to Tampa to take on the USF Bulls in a showdown that is quickly becoming a rivalry. These are two teams that battle for recruits each and every year, as Rutgers has a good pipeline down in Florida, so for sure, this is more than just another Big East game. Not just for great games on the field, but competition off the field as well.
South Florida will come at you with a Shotgun-Spread attack, Grothe at the helm another year. Grothe was solid, but not great in a loss that South Florida (then ranked #2) could have been able to win against RU last year. South Florida has lost to Rutgers the past two seasons, so they have extra motivation on the line in this one. USF has lost the past three games, and have quickly fallen out of the rankings, but they remain in the running for the Big East championship. Offensively, Rutgers will need speed on the field at all times. If that means Lefeged spot shadowing Grothe for the second year in a row, so be it, but the Knights will need to be in Nickel or Dime most of the game to compete with the 3, 4, and 5 WR sets USF will throw at them. Last year, Rutgers finished the game with 6 sacks. In my opinion, this will once again be a huge statistic. If Rutgers doesn't give Grothe time to pass or to take off and scramble, Rutgers will have an EXCELLENT chance at pulling off the upset down in Florida.
Rutgers offensively will have a tough task ahead of them as they square off against USF's defense. USF's defense consists of some pretty good players, but one jumps out at you when you watch them play. Defensive end George Selvie. This guy is flat out great. He gives offensive tackles nightmares. However, Rutgers held him in check very well last season, but with three offensive lineman gone from last years squad, this year may write a different story. He'll be the biggest challenge for RU's offense. Once again, like I said last week, I will expect to see a heavy dosage of Kordell Young, Martinek, Robinson, and maybe a carry or two for Brooks. After Martinek's showing last week, he needs more touches. Would love to see some more 'Wildcat' formation out of the Knights. I think Martinek would be a good candidate to try and THROW out of the formation.
My Prediction:
Rutgers 20
South Florida 26
Game Ball: Damaso Munoz. 7 total tackles, 2 tfl, 2 sack.
I think Rutgers is going to end up losing a very close ball game. Unfortunately I don't think we have what it takes to get it done versus USF this season. USF is better than their record shows.
Game Time: 12:00 P.M. E.T.
Site: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida.
Weather: Possible Thunderstorms and Rain. 79 degrees.
Lets hope my prediction is wrong! Go Knights!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Game Nine Preview: Syracuse @ Rutgers
After an impressive 54-34 against the (then ranked 17) Pittsburgh Panthers, RU returns home to face off against arch-rival the Orangemen.
If Rutgers can get off to a quick start they should be fine in this one. Syracuse brings along a formidable run game in Curtis Brinkley, but Rutgers has shown the ability to keep great backs in tack, and they should be up against the wall once again in that regard.
Offensively, Rutgers has the chance to really go off against a weak defense. I look for a huge game from Kordell Young on the ground, and I do EXPECT Martinek and Brooks to see some action, along with Mason Robinson.
Defensively, I see nothing that Rutgers shouldn't be able to stop. Brinkley is a nice weapon, but he's no heisman candidate. The Knights should roll in this one.
My Prediction:
'Cuse 7
Rutgers 24
Game Ball: Kordell Young. He has a break out game. 19 carries, 142 yards, 2 touchdowns. Also 3 rec., 23 yards.
Game Time: 12:00 P.M. ET
Site: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.
Weather: 60 degrees. Rain on and off at 60% chance.
That's it for this week. Go RU!
If Rutgers can get off to a quick start they should be fine in this one. Syracuse brings along a formidable run game in Curtis Brinkley, but Rutgers has shown the ability to keep great backs in tack, and they should be up against the wall once again in that regard.
Offensively, Rutgers has the chance to really go off against a weak defense. I look for a huge game from Kordell Young on the ground, and I do EXPECT Martinek and Brooks to see some action, along with Mason Robinson.
Defensively, I see nothing that Rutgers shouldn't be able to stop. Brinkley is a nice weapon, but he's no heisman candidate. The Knights should roll in this one.
My Prediction:
'Cuse 7
Rutgers 24
Game Ball: Kordell Young. He has a break out game. 19 carries, 142 yards, 2 touchdowns. Also 3 rec., 23 yards.
Game Time: 12:00 P.M. ET
Site: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.
Weather: 60 degrees. Rain on and off at 60% chance.
That's it for this week. Go RU!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Game Eight Preview: Rutgers @ Pittsburgh
Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 10/24/08
After getting a much needed win last week, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers find themselves on the brink of yet another game that could be a "season changer," for not only Rutgers but for Pittsburgh.
Rutgers, who will come into the game at 2-5 will face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers, 6-1, who they've beaten three straight seasons in a row.
But this a different Rutgers team, and a different Pittsburgh team. Pittsburgh comes back with highly touted halfback LeSean McCoy, who many, including myself, consider him the best overall halfback in the country. His speed, elusiveness, power, and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him the best in my opinion. Rutgers did a great job of shutting him down last year in Piscataway - but that was different. Rutgers not only had no threat of a passing game coming from Pittsburgh, but the game was at home, which helps greatly in the ability to hold down an opponents best offensive weapon.
This game is going to come down to defense, a Rutgers defense that I have a great deal of confidence this week in. The linebackers have played very well the past three weeks, and Ryan D'Imperio, a linebacker, has probably been the most outstanding player the past three weeks on the entire team, not just the defense.
Offensively for Rutgers, they will need to find a running game. If they are unable to find a running game for the third straight week in a row, it will be a long afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rutgers had just 75 yards on 25 carries from halfback Kordell Young last week. No signs of Jourdan Brooks, Mason Robinson, or Joe Martinek for a few games now...which to me has been just mind boggling.
We now move onto my:
Prediciton
Rutgers 14
Pittsburgh 20
Game Ball: Joe Lefeged. Lefeged, a strong safety, will be up in the back this week making plays for the Knights, but it just won't be enough as Rutgers loses a tight one against the best team in the Big East. Predicted stats for Lefeged: 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF.
Game Time: 3:30 PM E.T.
Site: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Weather: Rain on and off. At times heavy. Temperatures near 55 degrees.
That's all I've got for this week. Thanks for reading, and Go Knights!
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 10/24/08
After getting a much needed win last week, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers find themselves on the brink of yet another game that could be a "season changer," for not only Rutgers but for Pittsburgh.
Rutgers, who will come into the game at 2-5 will face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers, 6-1, who they've beaten three straight seasons in a row.
But this a different Rutgers team, and a different Pittsburgh team. Pittsburgh comes back with highly touted halfback LeSean McCoy, who many, including myself, consider him the best overall halfback in the country. His speed, elusiveness, power, and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him the best in my opinion. Rutgers did a great job of shutting him down last year in Piscataway - but that was different. Rutgers not only had no threat of a passing game coming from Pittsburgh, but the game was at home, which helps greatly in the ability to hold down an opponents best offensive weapon.
This game is going to come down to defense, a Rutgers defense that I have a great deal of confidence this week in. The linebackers have played very well the past three weeks, and Ryan D'Imperio, a linebacker, has probably been the most outstanding player the past three weeks on the entire team, not just the defense.
Offensively for Rutgers, they will need to find a running game. If they are unable to find a running game for the third straight week in a row, it will be a long afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rutgers had just 75 yards on 25 carries from halfback Kordell Young last week. No signs of Jourdan Brooks, Mason Robinson, or Joe Martinek for a few games now...which to me has been just mind boggling.
We now move onto my:
Prediciton
Rutgers 14
Pittsburgh 20
Game Ball: Joe Lefeged. Lefeged, a strong safety, will be up in the back this week making plays for the Knights, but it just won't be enough as Rutgers loses a tight one against the best team in the Big East. Predicted stats for Lefeged: 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF.
Game Time: 3:30 PM E.T.
Site: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Weather: Rain on and off. At times heavy. Temperatures near 55 degrees.
That's all I've got for this week. Thanks for reading, and Go Knights!
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