Givng the Bulls the Horns Again
Last night's 31-0 thrashing of the South Florida Bulls by the Scarlet Knights was a huge win for the program. With South Florida having recently defeated West Virginia and sitting pretty with a No. 23 ranking, Rutgers can make a case that it's the third best team in the Big East. Of course, RU will have to prove that over the next three weeks.
Here's my breakdown of some of the things on game night as I saw it:
The Atmosphere
It was bone chillingly cold in the upper level where I sit. I think many fans elected to stay in the parking lot and drink or keep the grill going to stay warm. I can't say I completely blame them. Many people sitting around me left at halftime because they simply couldn't take it anymore. I bought a pair of what appear to be women's gloves from the merchandise trailer on my way in just to keep warm, looking manly be damned.
Sure there should have been more fans there and more fans should have stayed. But the weather report and the way the temperature actually felt at the game were two different things. The other issue is that I certainly is tougher for people to get to these evening games. I like the idea that Rutgers gets to play on national television as the only game in town, but there is a reason why outdoor fall sporting events are usually scheduled for the daytime or early evening...in most parts of the country it gets cold when November rolls around. I wish RU would get back to playing more traditional Saturday games. But as the Knights continue to build their regional and national profile I guess it's a necessary evil.
The Offense
Sure the first half was a little frustrating when everyone knew RU should've headed into the locker room up another 10 pts. Our best offensive player other than Sanu was the punt returner for USF. He made more big plays in our favor than even Tom Savage did.
When all was said in done Martinek ran well. The rushing attack (Martinek and Sanu) wore down the Bulls over the course of the game and made their hay in the 4th quarter the way it should be. And you have to give the offensive line credit in both the running and passing games. They got the job done and took very few penalties.
Savage had a pick, sure. But he played a great game. It's getting to the point where you don't even remember he's a freshman. The TD pass he made to Tim Brown was a professional pass.
Special Teams
Devin McCourty has got to be one of the ten best special teams players in the nation. He's come into his own to the point where he's an NFL prospect.
I've been tough on San San Te this year, but I think he should improvement this game. He barely missed the 51 yarder and made the 49 yarder with plenty of room to spare. He didn't let the blown snap or the first miss rattle him and he finished strong.
I also thought Teddy Dellaganna had a good game kicking off. He had a touch back and when he didn't kick it far he kicked it high. Most importantly, on a windy night none of his kickoffs went out of bounds.
The Defense
It's almost impossible to pinpoint any one person as the standout on defense. The entire defense was bone crushing last night. It may have been the best defensive performance I've ever seen from a Rutgers team based on the level of competition. I can't wait to see The Sporting News college football stats for next week to see if they end up in the top 10 in total defense. They are practically assured of leading the country in takeaways again.
Perception
Becoming bowl eligible for the 5th straight year is huge. It's to the point now that it's expected. Going back just 10 years, it's amazing to me that the program is at this level. There will always be more to do until they win a conference title. But the fact that the program is now a perennial winner should not be overlooked.
After last game, RU made some headway as far as receiving votes in the national polls. With a little help from more teams in front of them losing, the Scarlet could end up ranked again, but I think it's a long shot for this week. But if they beat Syracuse and Louisville I believe they'll be ranked heading into the WVU game.
Here's my breakdown of some of the things on game night as I saw it:
The Atmosphere
It was bone chillingly cold in the upper level where I sit. I think many fans elected to stay in the parking lot and drink or keep the grill going to stay warm. I can't say I completely blame them. Many people sitting around me left at halftime because they simply couldn't take it anymore. I bought a pair of what appear to be women's gloves from the merchandise trailer on my way in just to keep warm, looking manly be damned.
Sure there should have been more fans there and more fans should have stayed. But the weather report and the way the temperature actually felt at the game were two different things. The other issue is that I certainly is tougher for people to get to these evening games. I like the idea that Rutgers gets to play on national television as the only game in town, but there is a reason why outdoor fall sporting events are usually scheduled for the daytime or early evening...in most parts of the country it gets cold when November rolls around. I wish RU would get back to playing more traditional Saturday games. But as the Knights continue to build their regional and national profile I guess it's a necessary evil.
The Offense
Sure the first half was a little frustrating when everyone knew RU should've headed into the locker room up another 10 pts. Our best offensive player other than Sanu was the punt returner for USF. He made more big plays in our favor than even Tom Savage did.
When all was said in done Martinek ran well. The rushing attack (Martinek and Sanu) wore down the Bulls over the course of the game and made their hay in the 4th quarter the way it should be. And you have to give the offensive line credit in both the running and passing games. They got the job done and took very few penalties.
Savage had a pick, sure. But he played a great game. It's getting to the point where you don't even remember he's a freshman. The TD pass he made to Tim Brown was a professional pass.
Special Teams
Devin McCourty has got to be one of the ten best special teams players in the nation. He's come into his own to the point where he's an NFL prospect.
I've been tough on San San Te this year, but I think he should improvement this game. He barely missed the 51 yarder and made the 49 yarder with plenty of room to spare. He didn't let the blown snap or the first miss rattle him and he finished strong.
I also thought Teddy Dellaganna had a good game kicking off. He had a touch back and when he didn't kick it far he kicked it high. Most importantly, on a windy night none of his kickoffs went out of bounds.
The Defense
It's almost impossible to pinpoint any one person as the standout on defense. The entire defense was bone crushing last night. It may have been the best defensive performance I've ever seen from a Rutgers team based on the level of competition. I can't wait to see The Sporting News college football stats for next week to see if they end up in the top 10 in total defense. They are practically assured of leading the country in takeaways again.
Perception
Becoming bowl eligible for the 5th straight year is huge. It's to the point now that it's expected. Going back just 10 years, it's amazing to me that the program is at this level. There will always be more to do until they win a conference title. But the fact that the program is now a perennial winner should not be overlooked.
After last game, RU made some headway as far as receiving votes in the national polls. With a little help from more teams in front of them losing, the Scarlet could end up ranked again, but I think it's a long shot for this week. But if they beat Syracuse and Louisville I believe they'll be ranked heading into the WVU game.
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