The Rutgers Scarlet Knights didn't quite live up to expectations in 2009 even though they won nine games. A 45-24 win over UCF in the St. Petersburg bowl supplied some needed momentum heading into this season. The Big East is up for grabs and if everything comes together the conference could be looking up at Rutgers at the end. Head coach Greg Schiano is widely respected throughout college football as one of the best teachers. This season will be one of his finest if he gets the players to buy in. The Scarlet Knights are +500 to take home the Big East crown. View the full conference breakdown in our 2010 Big East college football predictions article.
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A balanced attack on offense was the name of the game for Rutgers a year ago as they broke in a true freshman quarterback. Tom Savage didn't disappoint, tossing 14 td passes against only seven interceptions while learning the ropes as a college QB. The highly touted recruit will be one of the most experienced at his position in the conference this season. Throwing for 294 yards in a bowl game will build confidence for the young star. WR/RB Brandon Sanu is one of the most versatile players in the Big East. He came to Rutgers as a wide receiver, but was used as a runner also last season which resulted in five touchdowns and almost six yards per carry. RB Joe Martinek led the team in rushing with 967 yards and had a team high nine touchdowns. Running the ball has been a Rutgers staple under Schiano as the school produced Baltimore Ravens star Ray Rice a few years ago. The Scarlet Knights will be working under two new offensive coordinators that have similar philosophies. This unit should eclipse the 326 yards average/game with the weapons that they possess.
Rutgers turned their opponent over at an alarming rate in 09' resulting in a +20 turnover differential. This number is remarkable and is the major reason for the nine win season they experienced. It will be difficult to even come close to this stat this year as only six starters return. The Scarlet Knights lost five of their top six tacklers in a group that included their best player CB Devin McCourty. There will be many new faces that Rutgers fans will have to get acclimated to. DE Jonathan Freeny is one of the top playmakers for the defense. His 9.5 sacks led the team by quite a bit. LB Antonio Lowery should see his tackle total increase after a 55 stop performance as a junior. DT Scott Vallone had a impressive freshman year with 7.5 tackles for loss. It will take a collective team effort for Rutgers to be considered one of the top defenses in the Big East.
Rutgers will face the 81st ranked schedule in 2010. They only host three conference games at Rutgers Stadium but do play three of their five non conference games at home (one neutral site). Hosting Uconn in the conference opener will be no easy task as Randy Edsall always has his players ready. Rutgers will try to make it three in a row at Pitt on October 23rd. A trip to West Virginia in the season finale could have conference title and bowl implications. I predict Rutgers will go 8-4 once again.
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