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!
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