The Knights Watchman

Last week, Rutgers defensive backs coach Henry Baker answered questions about the cornerbacks. On what has impressed him most about the corners since he's been with the Scarlet Knights, Baker said, "how these guys work...these guys are willing to embrace the process of learning." On whether he's talked with the defensive backs about last year, Baker said that they only go back and watch film "to reiterate how far they've come." Asked about some of the new players, Baker said Edwin "Tank" Lopez "has the willingness to go in there and put his face in there." He also mentioned that Tim Barrow is "coming along" in terms of getting to the point where he can make a contribution. In terms of returning players, senior Isaiah Wharton is "methodical, he knows the defense" and other players "know that they can count on him to be able to do his job." Baker says that Damon Hayes is a "produ...

This weekend the Rutgers Scarlet Knights head out to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. Both teams are still searching for their first conference win of the season. Despite having identical 2-7 records, the odds makers have Rutgers as two-touchdown underdogs. Head coach Chris Ash recapped the Indiana loss in his opening remarks during this past Monday's press conference, pointing out some encouraging signs. He "thought it was one of our best defensive efforts in terms of stopping the run," and that the "linebackers played their best game of the year." He was also happy with the three takeaways and two blocked kicks. He also said that at one point he looked out on the field and noticed that 9 of the 11 guys playing were guys who are returning next year. My thought on that is that it's good if those guys continue to improve, which under this coaching staff I believe they will. I think with some players it seems that they plateau in t...

"We recovered, rebounded, and hung in there..." "Some groups needed to have a fire lit under them and some of them didn't." Those quotes by Rutgers head coach Chris Ash pretty well sum up how I felt about Rutgers eventual 52-14 thrashing of the Howard Bison. The start of the game was of course a little disturbing. Rutgers actually covered the opening kickoff well, as Larry Stevens got downfield and tackled the Howard returner at his own 11-yard line. But Howard's first drive was the classic example of one team coming out with energy and ready to roll, while the Rutgers defense was caught on its heels. Indecision, poor tackling, and some hard running on the part of Howard tailback Anthony Philyaw was a recipe for disaster for Rutgers . Nine plays, 89 yards and 4:19 later, Rutgers was down 7 after cornerback Ross Douglass got smoked on a 38-yard deep ball. After the game, RU defensive coordinator Jay Niemann said, "Obviously, that's an unacce...