Game Two Preview: UNC @ Rutgers

Tyler
Scarlet Surge
Date Posted: 9/9/08

Rutgers versus UNC. Thank god this isn’t basketball. Alright, I’m kidding. This should be a good game. Two teams, filled with pretty solid talent, coming off pretty “head-scratching” starts to the 2008 campaign.

Rutgers had plenty of opportunities to beat Fresno State, but that’s now in the past. They need to take it one game at a time. The Big East is totally wide open this season. With WVU losing to ECU Saturday, it left plenty of room, and time, to make up their disappointing loss to the Bulldogs on Labor Day.

The Tar Heels escape with a 35-27 victory versus McNeese State. This was quite surprising as I did not think UNC would have any trouble in their first game, but they made it interesting to say the least. I still think they are a dangerous team when it clicks. UNC’s quarterback, T.J. Yates, is a solid one. He struggled last season as a freshman but in his 2nd season he’s more experienced and has the ability to burn the defense if Rutgers does not give him respect.

Rutgers should have no problem racking up yards against a weak UNC defense. They surrendered 391 total yards to McNeese State. Rutgers has double the offense of McNeese State, so UNC better step their game up if they think they will come into Piscataway and survive on Thursday.

UNC’s experience is what will cost them the game ultimately. They come in with 44 freshmen, 41 sophomores, 22 juniors, and 13 seniors. I think talent wise they stack up pretty decently against Rutgers. I don’t think this will be a game Rutgers blows them out, or gets blown out. I think it’ll be tight most of the game, but “young” mistakes such as penalties or turnovers will ultimately cost the Tar Heels in the end.

Prediction: RU 22 UNC 17. Rutgers has been good on Thursday night. No way will I bet against them here.
Players to watch: Mike Teel. He should have a big game against a weak defense in UNC. I expect him to throw for around 300 yards with a touchdown or two.

Game Time: 7:45 Kickoff ET.
Where to watch: ESPN

*It is also going to be Sept. 11th. Obviously everyone remembers what happened on Sept. 11th, 2001, the unfortunate events. I think Rutgers will do a good job honoring those who lost their lives on that day.

Thanks for reading. Since I go to all the home games, for away games that I won't be attending, I will do live blogging. Almost like play-by-play about every 20 minutes or so with a new post on my current thoughts of a play call, a penalty called, etc. You can check that out during the games. Peace!