rpbobcat are you originally from Rochelle Park and where did you go to HS?

 

As for Rutgers they have a lot of questions that need to be answered and the most important one is the OL. They return 4 starters, but the group gave up a ton of sacks. Even though the group was comprised of upperclassmen last year, they were more about getting their first meaningful playing time. The biggest problem they had was the lack of a true center and it was the main reason why the group struggled. The center is gone from last year, but Rutgers signed a JUCO center who is working with the offense now (spring ball). When the offensive line gave the offense time, they were successful moving it and scoring, but it wasn't too often. If the new center can stabilize the line the offense might be dangerous because of the skills players. Rutgers has 2 All-Big East type receivers in Sanu and Harrison and a TE (Jefferson) who could be one of the top 5 guys at his position next year. It’s the running game that still has questions, but it’s not due to the lack of talent. One of Va.’s all-time leading rushers (Williams) has slimmed down and stepped up to take the top spot after only getting meaningless playing time the previous season. The current RB has moved to FB to help make way for incoming frosh (Savon Huggins) who is consider anywhere from the top RB to top 3 RB in the nation. You name the school and they offered him. Also, the offense for years has been a pro-style system until Rutgers hired a spread style coach to run the offense. Under the spread offense (2 years) Rutgers had their worst offensive production in about 30+ years. Most of the kids recruited on offense came to Rutgers for a pro-style system since it produced several pro players. This year Rutgers is going back to a pro style system and from most reports say the players loved it and have adapted to it quickly. The good news is 10 starters (& 9 backups) are back to get work on the new offense during the spring.

 

The defense returns 5 starters (& 7 backups), but it was an unusual season for Rutgers and especially for the defense. Prior to DT Eric LeGrand (paralyzed) injury against Army (Rutgers was 4-2 at the time) the defense was playing well and near the top in most categories in the Big East. Right after his injury the defense fell apart (0-6) and HC Schiano shied away from playing more underclassmen in part due to the injury. He never admit it during the season, but later came out and said he it did to protect the young kids. He admit he didn’t know how to handle that type of injury other than protect the kids as best as he could. Clearly there were starters who could have been replaced by more talented underclassmen. Therefore, the defense wouldn’t have to replace so many in the 2 deep and might not be perceived as a rebuilding group. Two good things are in play for Rutgers now, the first being HC Schiano (former DC while HC at Rutgers) has taken a more hands on approach with the group and he has stocked piled recruits on that side of the ball without burning redshirts. 

 

Overall Rutgers has had a top 3 recruiting class in the Big East each of the last 3 years which should now help them. Forgotten in is the forgetful season was the youth on the team. Last year Rutgers had a total of 16 seniors (13 ‘ships) and didn’t have a lot of leadership to guide them especially through the LeGrand situation.   Early talk from around the league is they expect Rutgers to be back in a bowl game (7-5 at worst), but the season could be better depending on how well the talented underclassmen develop. Rutgers loss 4 games by a total of 10 points.  Most of their games were close and hopefully the experience gain will be the difference this year. Btw, IMO I wouldn't consider this automatic win for either team until spring ball and fall campa are completed. Only then could both sides have a better understanding of what their team brings to the table.