2010 NCAA Football Preview: Rutgers
Greg Schiano is proof that when given enough time a strong tradition can be built. When he took over the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Football Program in 2001 he did not exactly get off to the best of starts. His first season saw the team only win two games; his second only one. It was not until his third season in 2003 that the team won its first conference game. In his first four seasons the team won just 12 games.
Many programs would have looked for a new coach after the second season let alone the fourth, but Schiano made his believers glad they held on to him in his fifth season in 2005 by leading Rutgers to a 7-5 record (4-3 in conference play) and their first bowl game since the 1978 Garden State Bowl. Incidentally, they ended up playing the same opponent in the 2005 Insight Bowl, Arizona State, and lost.
The following season Schiano made any doubters glad that they remained patient with him. On the season the team went 11-2 (5-2 in conference play), tied for second in the Big East, won their first bowl game (the inaugural Texas Bowl against Kansas State), and finished the season ranked 12th in the nation.
Fast forward to 2010 and the Scarlet Knights are looking to play in their sixth consecutive bowl game and win their fifth in a row. With the players that Schiano has coming back that goal could very well be within reach.
Offense
Quarterback Tom Savage was not expected to step in and lead the team his freshman year, but Schiano is sure glad that he did. Savage came in during the second half of the blowout loss to Cincinnati in week one and did not look back. During the course of the season he would complete just over 50 per cent of his passes (149 of 285) for 2211 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. If his performance against Central Florida in the St. Petersburg Bowl is any indication the offense should be in good shape going forward, as he threw for 294 yards on 14 of 27 passing with two touchdowns.
Skill wise, the team is thin when it comes to experience; but the guys they do have are pretty good. Savage will improve off of his freshman year with the help of his best returning target, Mohamed Sanu. Last season he caught 51 balls for 639 yards and three touchdowns; with Tim Brown and his prolific output gone gone Sanu should see a real jump in his numbers. Freshman Brandon Coleman could end up starting opposite Sanu; his 6ft 6in 200lb frame should do well in the end zone.
If running back Joe Martinek could improve off his first full time season it would take some pressure off of Savage to perform. He was not spectacular last season, but he did look good running for almost 1000 yards on 206 carries with nine touchdowns.
As long as those guys are able to stay on the field and perform up to expectations than the Scarlet Knights could very well finish the season with their first Big East title.
Defense
The defense was a strong one in 2009 (18th in the nation); with the speed and talent that the team has coming back they stand a chance of being even better.
Against the rush the front four was pretty solid ranking 15th in the nation; they were even better when it came to rushing the quarterback, finishing fourth in sacks. Losing George Johnson will hurt. Jonathan Freeny will likely go from being a part time player used mostly on passing downs to being a starter; last season he led the team with 9.5 sacks.
Along with Freeny the front seven could end up being stacked with potential all-conference selections. Last year the team led the nation in tackles for a loss, and with the talent returning could do so again.
The secondary lost a key member in Devin McCourty, but secondary is one position which the team is well stocked at. There could be a great completion for playing time between some elite talent, Logan Ryan and Brandon Bing.
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