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#36 – Rutgers Scarlet Knights 7-5 SU; 5-6
ATS
Fargo’s Take
- Rutgers had its first winning season
since 1992 and went to a bowl game for the first
time since 1978 so what can the Scarlet Knights
do for an encore? They likely won’t be able
to contend for the Big East title but back-to-back
winning seasons and bowl berths are a pretty good
place to start, the latter being something that
has never happened in school history. Rutgers
was 44th in total offense and 48th in scoring
offense, the best since 1993 and should be even
better this season despite losing its starting
quarterback. Head coach Greg Schiano took over
the defensive coordinator duties last year and
it was a successful move as the Scarlet Knights
allowed over five less ppg and 57 ypg less than
what they gave up in 2004. There is a buzz in
New Jersey as Rutgers comes into this season with
some of the highest expectations ever. Living
up to them will determine if last season was a
fluke or if it could be here to stay.
Returning Starters
on Offense – 7 Losing Ryan Hart at
quarterback could be considered a big blow to
the offense but Mike Teel, who actually started
three games as a freshman, is expected to step
right in. His numbers in those games were ugly
and he will be pushed by freshman Jabu Lovelace
but there is enough offense around him to make
it a smooth transition. Three receivers who caught
32 or more passes are back, led by fullback Brian
Leonard who gives the team a lot of options out
of the backfield. The best of the bunch could
be tight end Clark Harris, an All-Big East selection
and preseason All-American candidate. Sophomore
tailback Ray Rice had a spectacular freshman year,
rushing for 1,120 yards on 5.7 ypc and he will
be running behind a very experienced offensive
line that is one of the best in the Big East.
Returning Starters
on Defense – 7 The defense was sloppy
at times but it was also very good at other times.
The unit allowed 45 or more points in three of
its final four games while allowing single digits
four times throughout the season. The inconsistency
is what needs to be taken care of to improve upon
its 55th ranking in total defense from a season
ago. Seven starters are back and the problem area
could be the defensive line, which was the strength
in 2005. The return of defensive tackle Eric Foster,
who is coming off knee surgery, will be a big
factor for success. The linebackers return all
intact but depth could be a problem. The secondary
was torched last season, including 467 yards in
the Insight Bowl against Arizona St., and finished
the season ranked 79th against the pass. Three
starters return and if the Scarlet Knights can
pressure the passer again after finishing second
in the country in sacks, there should be progress.
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Schedule
- The schedule is not easy but it isn’t
overly difficult either. The worst of the four
non-conference games is at North Carolina in the
season opener but then its three straight home
games against weaker competition – Illinois,
Ohio and Howard. Things do get tougher after that
with three consecutive road games beginning with
the Big East opener at South Florida. After that,
it’s a trip to Navy followed by a contest
at Pittsburgh. Three of the final five games are
at home but one of those is against Louisville,
the favorite to win the conference. The final
home game is against Syracuse while the season
finale is at West Virginia. Overall, four of the
seven Big East games are on the road so making
a run at the conference title likely won’t
be an option. Bye weeks prior to Navy and Louisville
are an added benefit.
You can bet on…
It took Schiano five years to lead Rutgers to
a winning record and a bowl game but he finally
got it done and now it is time to keep that run
going. The Scarlet Knights have an excellent shot
at returning to the postseason but it might take
an upset on the road to reach that goal. After
going an astounding 10-1-1 against the number
three years ago, Rutgers has put together two
straight losing seasons, combining to go 8-12
ATS. The Scarlet Knights have struggled as the
favorite over those two years, going just 2-4
ATS when laying points. They are going to be in
that role in their first two lined home games
and the first will be an interesting scenario.
Rutgers will be looking for some revenge against
Illinois after blowing a 20-point lead and losing
in overtime in the season opener last season.
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