Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Head Coach

Greg Schiano	8th year
07-08	8-5
Big East	3-4
FCR	36

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - Greg Schiano has succeeded in what he started, making Rutgers a viable national program. With 3 straight bowls games, 2 wins, and a 26-12 record in the last three years, Rutgers is now expected to be bowl contender. However, it was a difficult finish to the 2007 season, losing 3 of their last 4 league games. The challenge will be to replace career rushing leader Ray Rice, and a bevy of starters that led to the ascension of the Scarlet Knights.

Quarterback - Losing Rice will hurt. So we expect a shift in philosophy to take advantage of Mike Teel’s experience as a 3-year starter. Teel was 17th nationally in passing efficiency (145.37) and had six 300-yard passing days.

Running Backs - Mason Robinson and injured Kordell Young have the unenviable task of replacing Rice. Young, retuning from an ACL surgery, and Robinson, who played sparingly last year, are both speedsters, so expect a committee while the staff figures out who to use.

Receivers - He will have one of the nation’s top receiving tandems to throw to in senior Tiquan Underwood (65 catches for 1100 yards) and junior Kenny Britt (1232 yards).

Defensive Line - Rutgers was the second in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (11) and the main reason was the play of freshman All-American Anthony Davis. Replacing NFL’ers Jeremy Zuttah and Pedro Sosa will be a real challenge.

Defensive Line - Rutgers will try to cope without Eric Foster, its best defensive player and emotional leader. The good news is that the other 3 linemen are back, led by Jamaal Westerman at right end (34.5 career TFL) and senior DT Pete Tverdov (36 tackles, 8.5 for loss).

Linebackers - Rutgers was 60th in rushing defense last season, and it will need improvement from LBs Kevin Malast and Damaso Munoz if they are going to get better. The hope is that junior Ryan D’Imperio, a top prep LB who was lost to a broken leg in ‘06, and kept his plays to a minimum in ’07. Super recruit Manny Abreu is ready after redshirting last year, and at 6-3, 220lb with super speed, he will be relied on as a play maker that was sorely lacking last year.

Defensive Backs - The McCourty twins, Devin and Jason spearhead a secondary that was 5th-ranked nationally in passing defense. Good news got even better when all-BE FS Courtney Greene, opted to pass on the NFL and stay for his senior year. The team’s leading tackler a year ago, Greene is a bruising hitter.

Special Teams - Another area of concern. Gone is Jeremy Ito, the career-scoring leader at Rutgers. San San Te will replace him. Hoping to improve the worst punt team in America, the Scarlet brought in JUCO punter Ted Dellaganna.

Schedule - Rutgers really stepped up by adding Fresno State to open the season. After an off week, North Carolina comes to Piscataway looking for revenge from a 21-16 loss two years ago. Navy, Army and Morgan State round out the OOC teams. Rutgers will play WVU and Cincy on the road to start league play, no bargain for sure. Pitt and USF are also away from home, so this looks to be the most challenging schedule coach Schiano has had to face.

Outlook - Rutgers will have to find a replacement for Ray Rice and retool the O-Line if a fourth bowl game is in the offing. The schedule is tougher, the road games are tougher and some stars are missing. However, a dangerous passing game should lead Rutgers to an 8+ win season.