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!