Rutgers Rap

Games to Watch for Week 5

Big East action starts this weekend (technically it happened week 1, but Rutgers Fans are going to forget that week).  We start with Friday Night, October 2nd with Pittsburgh @ Louisville @ 8p.m. airing nationally on ESPN2.  Not much to speak of in that Pitt is underachieving...again, and Louisville will be in its 3rd year of rebuilding.  Pitt has alot of talent and hopefully Head Coach Dave Wannstedt will right that ship.

Saturday October 3rd

#22 Michigan @ Michigan State-12 Noon, airing on the Big 10 Network

Ann Arbor Blue travels 45 minutes to take on the East Lansing Green in a classic Michigan Showdown.  Albeit, the Spartans wont be able to handle a fast, and physical Wolverines.

University of South Florida @ Syracuse-12 Noon, airing on ESPN Gameplan.

The Bulls travel north after defeating Florida State last week in Tallahassee and found themselves ranked in some polls.  A decisive win here should solidify them a spot in the top 25.

#4 LSU @ #18 Georgia-3:30p.m., airing on CBS Nationally.

The Bayou Bengals go between the hedges in an SEC Matchup against the Bulldogs.    Tigers are on the road, but they didn't get that #4 ranking on accident.

Washington @ Notre Dame-3:30p.m., airing nationally on NBC.

Both teams previously ranked, both teams once coached by Ty Willingham, both teams...well now I just bored myself....next!

#7 USC @ #24 California - 8p.m., airing in some markets on ABC

God this would have been a better matchup if USC didn't get "trapped" in Washington, and if California didn't look so ordinary in Oregon.  The Pacific Northwest hasn't been kind to these Golden State Schools.  Butunless California wakes up quickly, this will be over by the 2nd quarter.  I don't see USC losing after a bye week, more importantly, two in a row.

#8 Oklahoma @ #17 Florida-8p.m., airing in some markets on ABC

Is this de ja vu?  Two teams, both with higher rankings, both losing, except Oklahoma has been able to do a good job with disaster recovery.  The big question has been will Sooners QB Sam Bradford play?  Bradford has been at practice this week, and if he is healthy and sharp he'll be the one to lead Oklahoma past Miami.  The Hurricanes are tough this year, and even tougher at home.

SEC Fans get a boatload of decent games including Florida at LSU next week, but the rest of the schedule is pretty blase.  Plan a long weekend next week.  But enjoy your games this weekend.

The Yankee Bowl Comes to Fruition

Football will be played in the brand spanking new Yankee Stadium in 2010. (once the Yankees vacate after winning the 2009 World Series)  This bowl game will match up the #5 Big East Team versus a Big 12 team which more than likely will be the #7 due to the depth of the Big 12.

Good For the Big East!

This bowl game adds a sixth bowl game to the Big East, and possibly a seventh if by chance a Big East team were to make a championship game, but that is a ways away.  This is also a great venue if you are a sports fan.  The stadium itself is a museum, restaurant row, living history, and its an outdoors stadium that should have games in the cold.  Sure it will only house 47,000 fans, but for the Big East fans and Alumni, it could be just as good as a home game.  Plus the new amenities in Yankee Stadium make this fan friendly.  Also must we forget, you're in the biggest party city in the United States!

Ain't Too Shabby for Big 12 Either!

This bowl game adds a seventh bowl game to that conference, that's a benefit.  But you consider many of these teams in that #7 spot will be traveling east, into a stadium where its mostly Big East Fans, more importantly, the toughest fans in the country, New Yorkers.  I'm from the New York, tri-state area and 'll be honest, most mid-westerners who move to this area who think they are tough fans have never met Yankee's, Mets, Giants, or Jets fans.  Trust me, even our Rutgers Football Team gets the brunt of criticism even if they win!  The trip for alot of these players and coaches might be overwhelming.  Nonetheless, I said the same thing about Rutgers going to Texas for the Texas Bowl, but, Rutgers Fans did travel well to see a great win.

As a Rutgers Fan

This new bowl game is perfect for teams like Rutgers, Connecticut, Syracuse where most fans or Alumni can take public transportation to the stadium.  It may not be warm weather, nor may it not be on New Years (although if its before Christmas you could kill two birds with one stone, B and D trains take you to the West Side of Manhattan, the 4 takes you East Side.

Taking Down the Turtle 34-13!

Rutgers got their revenge...especially the defense.

5 turnovers forced by the Rutgers Defense including two giong for touchdowns really sealed Maryland's fate.  To be honest with you, prior personel engagements kept me from trying to listen on the radio.  While driving, radio reception was just about inaudible.  The one time I could hear clearly was right before halftime whee Maryland took the lead and Rutgers offense was sputtering.  It's when I heard Natale was the quarterback and Savage was relegated to headphone duty. 

Then, reception faded....On to any station for updates...none, turn on I-Pod with Jimmy Buffett tunes and hope for the best.

Reception, again!  Now it was 20-13 with 9 minutes to go and Rutgers failed to convert a third and 4 play...oh great, I reached my destination, and the party I was at was not caring about college football.

5 hours later I catch the crawler, what?! 34-13?  What the hell happened?  Martinek who only had maybe 35 yards on last hearing in the car ended up with 149, two TD's.  Basically in the last 5 minutes he ran for 100 yards and scored 2 TD's.  OK, I know Maryland is bad, but when Rutgers running game is going, its explosive.

So, I can't give a fair synopsis since I can only piece together the game, but it sounds as though there were some crazy things happening on the Knights Offensive Squad.   But, this was a good win to have to go into the bye week.

Go RU!

Rutgers Try To Tame the Turtle

The Scarlet Knights take 95 South for about a 5 hour drive to College Park, Maryland to take on the Terrapins of Maryland.  This series dates back to 1904, and the last time these two met was in 2007 with the knights on the losing end 34-24.

Rutgers, to say it in best terms is an unimpressive 2-1.  while the Terrapins, 1-2are even less impressive.  Maybe its good that this game wont be televised as we may see..no..hear a real snoozer.  I hate being a downer, but when you hear a Big East versus ACC Game is not being televised, it just means national media has stopped caring.  Even local TV outlets will show other programming rather than this game...it's why I say this will be a terrible game.  If Maryland shocked California, and took care of business last weekend, and if Rutgers didn't lay an egg against Cincy, this would have been a game with some juice to it.

A bright spot though could be be Rutgers Defense, this could be a revenge game from 2 years back where the Terps torched the Knights in the air.  So far in the three games Maryland has played, Quarterback Chris Turner has been sacked 11 times!  Realize now the Terps have played California, but also Middle Tennessee, and I-AA James Madison!  Maryland has a couple play makers, Junior Running Back Da'Rel Scott rushed for 117 yards with a touchdown in a losing effort against Middle Tennessee.  Sophomore Davin Meggett (related to Dave Meggett?) adds another dynamic to the run game as he had 18 touches for 51 yards.  Both backs will get the majority of the offensive work.  As you look at the numbers, Maryland is productive offensively, but so is Rutgers if you play I-AA Teams and lower tier 1-A Teams.  I think Rutgers Defense will contain the run, making Turner throw more.

Maryland's defense has given up an average of 39.7 points, take what you want from that statistic, but I think Rutgers offense can score on Maryland.

My Overall Take:

Rutgers should go to 3-1 after this game.  Maryland does score alot of points, but against lower tier teams, the problem is their defense doesn't keep them in games.  Rutgers offense can score too, but also, against lower tier teams.  The difference is the Knights Defense can shut down certain aspects of an offense game, and if they can force turnovers, it could be a long day for Maryland.

As I said, this game is not televised (watchable on ESPN 360).  Kickoff is at 3:30p.m.

Go RU

What to watch for week 4

Looking at this weekends schedule there isn't as much potential for big shake-ups in the top 25 as last weekend.  However, some conference games that are worth looking at.

#4 Mississippi at South Carolina - Thursday, September 24th, 7:30p.m. Airing Nationally on ESPN

Ole Miss snuck into the top 5 quietly, and having the good fortune of seeing the likes of Ohio State, USC,  BYU, and Virginia Tech fall out of the top 10.  The Rebs put up huge numbers offensively, but against the likes of Memphis and Southeast Louisiana State, you should.  Its an SEC Test, its a road game, and it could be a potential trap game as the Gamecocks are looking at spoiling a season, and make some noise themselves.  A pretty good table setterr for the weekend.

Saturday September 26

University of South Florida at #18 Florida State - 12 Noon on ESPNU

USF's Head Coach Jim Leavitt takes his 3-0 Bulls north to playthe Seminoles who are coming back from Utah with an impressive win over a then #8 BYU.   Here's a game that could give insight to who's squad is ready to play.  USF has played 3 non-quality teams, but has won impressively over them.  FSU has played 3 teams and lost to a re surging Miami, but beat up a solid BYU, on the road.  If the Bulls catch the Seminoles off guard, you could see a big momentum changer for the Big East.

#22 University of North Carolina at Georgia Tech - 12 Noon, Airing Regionally

This is a game that could really screw with the ACC.  The Tar-Heels whoare a Jekyll and Hyde type team, and do no travel too well play another Jekyll and Hyde Georgia Tech. Here's how this game could potentially screw up the ACC-Georgia Tech wins a close one at home (which I can see happening) and couple that with say FSU losing at home to USF.  The Yellow jackets wont get enough power rankings to crack the top 25 since UNC has not been impressive winning, and there is the possibility of seeing FSU fall out of the top 25, again.

Indiana at #23 Michigan - 12 Noon-Airing Nationally on ESPN2

Big 10 Conference play starts, while Indiana doesn't have the personnel to compete with the Wolverines, it'll be an interesting conference game.

#9 Miami (FL) at #16 Virginia Tech - 3:30p.m. Airing Regionally on ABC

ABC has decided to make this part of the ESPN Gameplan along with the #6 California at Oregon, choosing the Illinois at #13 Ohio State to be the nationally aired game...silly choice ABC.  This game has the makings of being quite great.  First, these two teams haven't been both nationally ranked and played each other since they were in the Big East.  Ttechnicallyy they play the same style ofball both on offense and defense, and this is the ACC Championship Game right here.  This also is a game the ACC wants to be good and competitive if, god forbid, my prediction of the earlier games for the ACC come to fruition.  While there may be more Ohio State and Illinois fans watching their respected teams, and there will be west coast intrigue as a ranked California goes into Oregon to take on the Ducks who just stunned once ranked Utah, the game with the most intrigue is in fact this Miami/V-Tech Game.

Louisville at Utah - 7:30p.m. Airing only in local markets

The Cardinals come off a tough loss at home against Kentucky, while the Utes get stunned by Oregon.  This would be interesting to see the different styles of play, too bad its not on national tv.

Iowa at #5 Penn State - 8p.m. Airing Nationally on ABC

A Big 10 Conference Game that gets the Lions under the lights, primetime, at home, and with a #5 ranking which the Penn State faithful haven't seen since the 90's.  Iowa is a physical team, and has a tendency to play a spoiler when on the road and to the level of their competition.  I don't see it happening though against a well coached and fast Nittany Lion team.

If Penn State is romping, you can switch over to the Notre Dame/Purdue Game on ESPN or wait till 9:15 to catch a Texas Shootout when Texas Tech goes to Houston to play the #17 Cougars which will air on ESPN2.  For most folks outside of Texas, we finally get a chance to see what this Houston Team is about.

We'll break down the Rutgers matchup tomorrow.  Enjoy your games this weekend!

Rutgers Recap Week 3

The Scarlet Knights defeated Florida International 23-15.  The score looked close, but this game was anything but.  Rutgers defense was stifling only allowing 42 rushing yards by the Panthers, and the front line registered 5 sacks.  The offense looked like it was being mmethodical;  Running Back Joe Martinek ran for 121 yards, Tim Brown had 4 catches for 131 yards, Domenic Natale ran for his first touchdown as a Scarlet Knight where in that particular drive all three quarterbacks (Savage, Lovelace, and Natale) drove down the field.

Here's a quick insight to why it looked like a pedestrian game.

I believe Greg Schiano who is still friends with Florida International Head Coach Cristobal, I'm sure Schiano knew he was facing an outmatched team.  So, rather than dog pile it on which creates bad feelings (as well as bad karma down the line) he utilized all the players he had ready.  Once again, basically a live practice.  The Knights now travel to College Park, Maryland to face the Terps.  This will be a challenge for Knights, albeit Maryland has been getting their collective heads handed to them.  A season opening defeat to a ranked California, an Overtime Win at home over Bowl Subdivision James Madison, and a loss at home to Middle Tennessee State.  Maryland can score, but if Rutgers D does its job, the slow churning, methodical, pro style offense should wear down the Terps.  We'll break this game down later in the week.

Go RU!

Rutgers Pre-Game Week 3-Florida International

After drubbing a FCS squad in Howard last week, The Knights stay at home to face the Golden Panthers of Florida International University who reside in the Sun Belt Conference.  Last week the Panthers took on a #4 Alabama in their season opener, and were treated rudely by the Tide losing 40-14.  Rutgers wants to also treat the Panthers as uninvited guests.

The one game they have played I can only observe 1 thing...they do not run the ball.  Senior Quarterback Paul McCall threw 32 passes, completing 16 for 189 yards and 1 touchdown.   The rushing game yielded 1 yard...yes 1 yard.  But McCall has a couple of weapons he can throw to and can make the big play.  But to be fair, it was already a blowout and second stringers for Alabama were on the field when Florida International made the big plays. 

There is one intriguing point to this game is that Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano will face off against one of his former assistant coaches Mario Cristobal who leads the Panthers.  This is a tough game to analyze and find anything sexy about this game.  If this was 5 years ago this would have been much more interesting.  Reason is, Florida International is right down the road from Miami.  Alot of decent Miami recruits ran from the Hurricane program once Miami's appointed Donna Shalala as President.  She, in turn raised academic standards for Scholar Athletes, did not approve of funding for new athletic facilitiess, and also lost a great coach in Larry Coker.  Many recruits fled to other fledgling programs such as Florida International, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and Florida A&M University, of course many other great recruits were going to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Alabama, and of course, Rutgers.  Now that the Florida Powerhouse Teams are returning to prominence, these once fledgling programs are now finding themselves without the personnel they once had.

What to expect:

Rutgers will do what they do best, long sustaining drives.  Whatever spark the Panthers could have on offense, Rutgers offense will counter, by keeping the Panthers offense off the field.  The Knights Defense, especially the secondary has to make sure the big plays don't keep the Panthers on long or scoring drives.  If this game starts slow, Rutgers will probably step up by the 2nd half, but if the Rutgers Offense clicks, and the defense makes turnovers or causes 3 and outs, it could be over, very, very quick.

This game is at 5p.m. locally on SNY.

Go RU!

Games to Watch for Week 3

Some really good games this weekend, and it starts tonight!

#14 Georgia Tech at #20 Miami (FL) - 7:30p.m. Airing Nationally on ESPN

Right out of the chute this weekend the ACC gets a good one.  Georgia Tech goes into Hurricane alley to take on a red hot Miami.  Last week the Yellow Jackets almost let Clemson steal one from them as it seemed they didn't come back on the field after halftime.  Tech was lucky, very lucky to win in Atlanta.  Miami has ben playing with renewed confidence, and a win by either team (as long as its not a blowout) on national tv gives the ACC something to hang its hat on.  Believe me, this conference needs alot of help.

#10 Boise State at Fresno State-Friday August 18-9p.m. Airing Nationally on ESPN

On paper this looks like an ordinary game, but when you consider Fresno State as a bubbling up mid-major who gave Wisconsin everything they could handle in Madison last week, who are now at home taking on a Boise State in a WAC matchup, anything can happen.  The only issue for the Bulldogs is that Boise has a run attack that   Pat Hill's defense may have alot of trouble with.  It's also Boise State's Defense that will pose frustration to the Bulldog Offense.

Saturday August 19th

East Carolina at North Carolina - 12p.m. Airing Nationally on ESPN2

The Tar Heels lost ground in the top 25 despite beating UConn on the road 12-10.  Losing standing and power ranking points means your offense has to put up more points.  The Pirates of East Carolina go into Chapel Hill with their only win over FCS opponent Appalachian State.  Last week the Pirates were downed by West Virginia.  UNC has to put East Carolina away, and away quickly.  Pollsters will not look favorably on another close win, at home, and for an ACC Team.

Tennessee at #1 Florida - 3:30p.m. Airing Nationally on CBS

SEC Showdown that has had all college footbal fans in a tizzy.  First Volunteers new head coach Lane Kifflin accusing Gators Coach Urban Meyer of recruiting violations, lots of trash talk, and generally bad tithings between these two teams.  If you're a Gators Fan, this game should be a game you can stand up and feel some pride as the Volunteers are waaaaay overmatched by the sheer speed of Florida.

#3 USC at Washington - 3:30 Airing Regionally on ABC

This game should be interesting for at least a quarter and a half for the Trojans Offense.  Frosh Phenom Quarterback Matt Barkley was banged up pretty good in USC's win over Ohio state.  Barkley as well as standout safety Taylor Mays both have been limited in practice this week.  USC will win this game, the Trojans Defense is to stout and the offense has plenty of weapons to beat the Huskies with or without Barkley or Mays.

#19 Nebraska at #13 Virginia Tech - 3:30p.m. Airing Regionally on ABC

Big 12 versus ACC.  While you'll look at the rankings and say, ooh, this should be a good 'un, Nebraska is not battle tested..yet.  The Cornhuskers have outscored their two opponents at home 87-12, however they have beaten Florida Atlantic and  Arkansas State respectively.  Nebraska as of late does not travel well, especially when they head east.  Expect the Hokies to start of slow, but get the win in Blacksburg.

Michigan State at Notre Dame - 3:30p.m. Airing Nationally on NBC

Two teams that need a rebound game to get them back near or in the top 25.  Michigan State lost a close one to Central Michigan in East Lansing while the Irish lost a last minute game only 45 minutes down the road to the Wolverines in Ann Arbor.

#17 Cincinnati at Oregon State - 6:45p.m. -Regional Airing

The Bearcats take their stifling defense and explosive offense across the country to take on the Beavers of Oregon State.  Cincy has probably one of the roughest travel schedules in BCS.  Tis game will start to prove their mettle.

West Virginia at Auburn - 7:45p.m. Airing Nationally on ESPN 2

Something I have been wanting to see, a Big East-SEC matchup.  Granted it is two unranked teams, however, both teams are being polled with equal points.  We could see this as a precursor to more matchups like these.  I have said this before, While the ACC claims to be at the same level of competition speed and style wise as the SEC, I still say the Big East is right there too.  It's about time though the Big East gets a shot.

There is a few late games, but they air regionally, and not of great importance.  I just love watching late games from the west coast to end my Saturday Night.

We'll preview the Rutgers-Florida International Game in the next couple days.  Otherwise enjoy your games this weekend!

Tuesday's Take

Now that we have finally nestled in to a regular football schedule for now, let's look at the big picture for the upcoming week.

Rutgers did handily defeat Howard, or as friends of mine said, yeah, they beat Sister Francis' School of the Blind.  Sure enough though this became a live practice on both sides of the ball.  We did see the Frosh Phenom Tom Savage get the start and now he knows this is his team.  That answers many questions that were posed in the beginning of the season.  Maybe the bad loss to Cincinnati was a blessing in disguise?  The Scarlet Knights get Florida International University this Saturday.  I'll break down this matchup later on this week.

Looking at the top 25 for this week and major highlights:

Two teams in Non BCS Conferences in the top ten with BYU (7) and Boise State (10).  I will discuss the case to make for and against making some of these mid majors BCS Eligible.

Even though Ohio State lost to USC, it was a good enough of a fight to keep the Buckeyes near the top ten at 11.  I wrote off Ohio State, but I guess they'er not as bad as I once thought.  Ohio stays in state to take on Toledo this Saturday, a good showing and a top 10 team slip puts the Buckeyes back in the top 10.

Bubbling Up

The Michigan Wolverines had there big test last Saturday by beating Notre Dame late in the game.  The win puts the Blue and Maize at #25 in the AP.

The Houston Cougars have moved into the top 25 at #21 in the AP Poll (#27 in USA Today).  I'm wondering why the disparity of the two polls, but beating a then ranked #5 Oklahoma state in their house is certainly deserving of a top 25 rank.  The only thing I can see holding them back is the Conference USA schedule.  But before divisional play it should have no bearing.

In two short weeks, Cincinnati goes from barely top 30 to #17.  The Bearcats go on the road to face the Beavers of Oregon State who are also 2-0.  That will be a game to watch.

Sliding Down

Notre Dame had its real first test going on the road to face a surging Michigan Club in Ann Arbor, and had to prove to skeptics that they were deserving of their pre-season rank.  They almost did pull it off, but remember this is still a rebuilding Michigan, and the Irish are going to need to regroup.

The Oklahoma State loss to Houston 45-35 at home does not sit well with pollsters.  Dropping from #5 to #16 is a stinger, and you can basically kiss the Cowboys chances of a National Championship Game Away.

North Carolina despite winning a close one on the road against a defensively stout UConn, the pollsters dropped the Tar Heels to #24.  I think this is due for two reasons, lack of scoring, and the pollsters have not been to kind to the ACC.

Later this week we'll go over the games to watch.  This a good week too as there are quite a few interesting matchups and they are spread out over the weekend.

Preview Week 2: Howard Bison

There really isn't much to preview.  Howard is a bowl subdivision MEAC Conference Team that went 1-10 overall and 0-8 in the MEAC Conference last year.  It took me almost 10 minutes with 3 search engines to find out any stats whatsoever on this team, but you never take any team lightly.

Here's what to expect:  Rutgers is going to have to literally get live practice with Freshman Tom Savage and fellow freshman receiver Mohammed Sanu.  Expect to see receiver Tim Brown get more catches, and also see running backs Young and Martinek get alot of touches.

Defensively, we'll see the two former Delaware coaches get their acts together and be able to have a defense adjust to anything;  This includes getting defensive Ryan D'Imperio lead the defense.  Expect blitz packages that weren't used or effective last week.  Watch the zone coverage actually make plays and cover.  I think last week's debacle was a lesson in preparedness.  I'll safely say Rutgers should win this game.

In other Rutgers news, Kenny Britt looked pretty impressive on the opening night of the NFL, even against a top ranked defense with Pittsburgh.  Although when they introduced themselves, it seemed Britt's camera shyness came through as he had the look of "deer in headlights."  Don't worry Kenny, humility in today's world goes a very long way, you let your playing speak for itself.

Game is on, 3:30p.m.  Go RU!