The Rutgers Scarlet Knights went just 6-7 overall in their last season in the AAC, but still they did make it to their 3rd bowl game in a row. This year they take a big jump in competition and have 16 starters back to do so with, but will it be enough to get them to their 4th bowl game in a row? Preview & schedule are below.
The Offense was decent last year as they put up 26.5, but it could have been much better if not for the inconsistent play of QB Gary Nova, who was benched for the last 3 games last year. Nova is slated to begin the season as the starter, but will have a short leash and at some time we could see redshirt freshman Chris Laviano. Whoever is at QB has a nice running game to lean on led by Paul James and Justin Goodwin, who combined for 1402 yards and 14 TDs last year. Those two back will operate behind an OL that has all 5 starters back, with 3 of them being seniors. This is a very good line. The Knights do lose 2 of their top 3 targets in the passing game, but Tyler Kroft (573 yards, 4 TDs) and Leonte Caroo (478 yards, 9 TDs) do return. A decent WR corps. The defense is where the Knights had many problems last year, especially vs the pass where they allowed 312 ypg. They do have 7 starters back on this side of the ball this year. The LB corps is the best unit on this defense, which is led by Steve Longa, who had 123 tackles, 3 sacks and 4.5 TFL last year and Kevin Snyder, who had 96 tackles, 2 sacks and 5.5 TFL last year. Darius Hamilton was a #6 DT out of HS a couple year ago and he leads a decent DL, after grabbing 4.5 sacks and 7 TFL last year. The secondary was a weak spot last year and looks to be again. Although it will be improved.
The Knights have some solid returning players, but also have a new OC and a new DC and the change in schemes may take a bit for the players to get used to. And then there is a tough schedule that includes road games vs Washington State, Navy, Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan State and Maryland, while home games vs Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana will not be easy either. This is an improved team, but that schedule is just too tough for it to show up in the record. Hard to see more than 4 or 5 wins from them this year. KEY TREND: 5-1 ATS their last 6 road games vs the Big 10.
2014 Rutgers Football Schedule
Aug. 28 at Washington State
Sep. 6 Howard
Sep. 13 Penn State
Sep. 20 at Navy
Sep. 27 Tulane
Oct. 4 Michigan
Oct. 11 OPEN DATE
Oct. 18 at Ohio State
Oct. 25 at Nebraska
Nov. 1 Wisconsin
Nov. 8 OPEN DATE
Nov. 15 Indiana
Nov. 22 at Michigan State
Nov. 29 at Maryland
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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