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!