Rutgers Football

Rutgers missed out on a second chance to secure its first-ever outright Big East football title and BCS bowl berth with a 20-17 loss to Louisville last Thursday night before 52,978 fans at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.

The Scarlet Knights now have one more shot to get both goals accomplished in 2013, before  moving to the Big Ten Conference the following fall.

Don't plan on buying tickets to Pasadena for a while, though.

The news last month that Rutgers University was moving from the Big East Football Conference it helped found over 20 years ago to the much more storied Big Ten was seen as a win-win situation for the athletic and academic departments of New Jersey's largest public university.

Yet, how competitive will it be on the field?

The Scarlet Knights were in the Top 25 and on a 9-1 roll (5-0 in the Big East) heading into Pittsburgh on Nov. 24. Now, following two losses to the unranked Panthers and Cardinals (disputed call or not), they didn't earn an undisputed conference crown or a berth in the Orange or Sugar Bowls.

Rather, Rutgers had to share the league title with several other schools, and will now head to the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 28 to face former Big East foe Virginia Tech.

The only blemish for the Scarlet Knights in their first 10 outings this fall was a loss to now-18th ranked Kent State; but along the way, Rutgers ultimately only defeated two FBS (formerly Division I-A schools) with winning records, in Syracuse and Cincinnati.

Rutgers has done a good job of keeping New Jersey players home under former head coach Greg Schiano and successor Kyle Flood. It should definitely get good and even better recruits now, with the Big Ten name backing it up. How could it not?

Still, don't be surprised to see new conference opponents like Michigan, Ohio State and especially "nearby" Penn State step up their own recruiting efforts in the Garden State, instead of merely just welcoming the new kid on the Big Ten block with open arms. It's dog-eat-dog, of course, and those schools can and likely will tout their longer traditions of success than what Rutgers has already accomplished, to potential four- and five-star recruits.

Rutgers is probably better off now than at any other point in its football history, all the way back to that historic first game against Princeton in 1869. The Schiano era helped to erase a lot of the frustration and futility the school had suffered on the football field in recent decades, and a title this year would have been a boon for the Scarlet Knights entering the Big Ten.

Barring a superlative 2013 campaign, it likely was also their last league title (and BCS bowl appearance) opportunity for a while.

The Scarlet Knights probably stand a chance of beating schools like Indiana or Illinois when they join the Big Ten in 2014; but lining up against Wisconsin, Nebraska and even Penn State and Michigan State will be a lot tougher than facing UConn and South Florida on a weekly basis. Never mind the "Big Two" of Michigan and Ohio State.

If the goal is at least making it to the (former) "Granddady of Them All", it's not going to be an easy one, especially in the early going.

Just look at some of the other, more established Big Ten schools not named Michigan or Ohio State. Purdue hasn't played in the Rose Bowl since 2001, while other long-time droughts belong to Northwestern (1996), Iowa (1991), Michigan State (1988), Indiana (1968) and Minnesota (1962).

So don't expect a Rose Bowl berth for Rutgers for several years after it joins the Big Ten. Maybe even longer. Actually, expect times to get tough again on the gridiron in Piscataway.

After rushing out to undefeated records, the two top teams in the Big East have now both absorbed defeats and fallen from the BCS National Rankings.

Rutgers suffered its first defeat at the hands of Kent State on Oct. 27, whereas Louisville fell on Nov. 10 at Syracuse.

Both teams are 9-2 on the season and are meeting for the twelfth time in their history. RU leads the all-time series 7-4-0, however, Louisville has won the last two games between the two.

To win, Rutgers will need to rely on its defense, which is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation. 

Against RU's defense (which surrenders an average of 13.7 points per game), quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will lead the No. 40-ranked Louisville offense. The sophomore QB is 247-of-359 for 3,189 yards this season—one of the many reasons why the Cardinals average 32 points per game.

Bridgewater is Louisville's primary weapon, boasting a QB rating of 161.2 with 23 touchdown passes this season.

Ranked No. 26 nationally in passing yards, the Louisville aerial attack is prolific to say the least. The Cardinals have a myriad of wide receivers to whom Bridgewater can distribute the ball, including Damian Copeland (42 receptions), Eli Rogers (38 receptions), DeVante Parker (35 receptions) and Andrell Smith (27 receptions).

The dual-threat of running back Jeremy Wright may pose problems for the RU linebackers, where he is both a talented runner (723 yards and nine touchdowns) and a capable receiver (33 receptions).

The junior running back is complimented nicely by fellow junior Senorise Perry, who can catch (18 receptions), as well as contribute solidly in the running game (705 yards, 11 TDs).

The two teams appear to be evenly matched, and besides having identical records, the real question on Thursday night will be: Which team will be able to put together a winning scheme in a short week?

"We need to approach this game the exact same way we approached the first 11 games,” said RU coach Kyle Flood (via Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News). “Do everything we can to prepare, practice as well as we can, execute on offense."

Rutgers must also contend with a number of starters who may see limited action due to injury. Two key players who sustained injuries against Pittsburgh were QB Gary Nova and LB Khaseem Greene and, while they will play Thursday night, their effectiveness may be compromised.

Additionally, the lingering ankle injuries of RB Jawan Jamison and Andre Civil remain a concern for the Knights, as does injured lineman Taj Alexander.

One major deficit that the Knights continue to deal with this season is the hip injury of kicker Kyle Federico, who will miss Thursday's game.

For Louisville, more than the inherent problems associated with a short week to prepare is the Cardinals' bigger concern: the injury to QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Originally listed as questionable for the game, most recent reports indicate that he is likely to play (per Tom Luicci of The Star-Ledger on NJ.com) in the game. How effective he will be remains a question due to a left wrist injury and a right ankle injury.

"Yes, Teddy will play," said Louisville head coach Charlie Strong (per Luicci's The Star Ledger article). "He finished against Connecticut, so it's nothing different."

If the Scarlet Knights win the game, the Big East title is theirs, and not only would it be their first, it would also be their first BCS bowl berth.

However, if they lose and the Cincinnati Bearcats win their game, it would create a four-way tie for first, with each team's final ranking determining the BCS bowl berth.

Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Nov. 29, High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, N.J. Television: ESPN

Kyle Flood's Rutgers squad might as well start acting like Wayne and Garth did when they met Alice Cooper, because despite having a shiny 9-2 record, the Scarlet Knights don't belong anywhere near a BCS Bowl Game in 2012.

They proved as much with their heartless, lackluster effort against the Pittsburgh Panthers, a game in which they were never able to mount any semblance of an offensive attack and were soundly thrashed, 27-6.

Even in defeat, Rutgers managed to clinch at least a share of the Big East title, and the Scarlet Knights still control their destiny against a Louisville team on Thursday night that is coming off of its own disheartening loss, a 23-20 overtime defeat at the hands of the UConn Huskies.

But let's forget this game for a second.

They still sit with a 9-2 record and have a shot at a 10-win season.

But what was their signature game? Who did they play that was noteworthy?

Arkansas, with four wins on the season.

That's it.

At least Louisville took on a North Carolina team that would be playing in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State were the Tar Heels eligible for postseason play.

Maybe it's not fair to point that out since most people expected the Razorbacks to field a solid team this season and their struggles certainly shouldn't affect Rutgers.

But let's look at the Scarlet Knights' three toughest opponents on its 2012 schedule: They beat Cincinnati by seven points, Arkansas by nine and Syracuse by eight.

Not exactly overwhelming victories—or signs that Rutgers can hang with the best teams in the country in a BCS Bowl Game.

Even if it somehow gets past Louisville on Thursday night—something I have serious doubts that it can pull off—it won't change anything.

If the Scarlet Knights thought that the Pittsburgh Panthers' defense was tough, they won't know what to do against Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Rutgers doesn't belong in a BCS Bowl Game this year. They simply don't have the talent needed to put up a challenge against one of the best teams in the country.

The college football season is winding down, and every game means something.

Although all eyes will be on the SEC Championship game between Alabama and Georgia, there is a midweek Big East battle that deserves some attention.

On Thursday night, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Louisville Cardinals play with BCS implications on the line.

Last week, Rutgers laid an egg against Pittsburgh and fell flat in an embarrassing 27-6 defeat.

That loss set the Scarlet Knights back in the race for the Big East title and knocked them out of the AP Top 25 college football rankings. Luckily for Rutgers, another Big East contender suffered an unforgivable loss.

The Louisville Cardinals managed to go to overtime against the inferior UConn Huskies, but they still left with a loss. That loss knocked the Cardinals from the college football rankings, but the focus of the defeat is an injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Bridgewater injured his non-throwing left wrist on a sack late in the game against the Huskies. He returned from the injury to navigate the Cardinals down the field for a scoring drive to tie the game.

To make matters worse, Bridgewater suffered a lower ankle injury in overtime.

Louisville’s head coach points to the wrist injury as the main area of concern. ‘‘The leg injury is fine,’’ Louisville coach Charlie Strong said after the game. ‘‘I would say he either fractured or broke his wrist.’’ (via Boston.com)

The Cardinals will need him in the lineup if they hope to stay alive for a BCS berth. They will also need some help from other teams in the Big East. For Louisville to grab the BCS berth, they need to beat Rutgers and have Cincinnati lose to UConn.  There is a scenario that involves a three-way logjam atop the Big East, but for Rutgers it’s simple.

For Rutgers to get the BCS game, they just need to win this game against Louisville at home on Thursday night.

The college football odds for this game have Rutgers labeled as (-2.5) point favorites over Louisville. This line is set up due to the home-field advantage in what should be a close game.

Like Louisville, Rutgers is hurting on offense.

Jawan Jamison is still recovering from an ankle injury, and quarterback Gary Nova was knocked out of the game against Pittsburgh (his status is currently up in the air). Since it is suspected to be a head injury, do not be shocked to see Chas Dodd under center for Rutgers.

The real edge in this game can be found on defense.

Before the game against Pittsburgh on Saturday, the Knights had allowed just 44 points in conference play this season, the fewest of any I-A team in college football. That defense will feast on a banged-up quarterback and an offensive line that allowed five sacks against UConn.

This defense also knows how to get the turnover. After recovering a fumble against Pittsburgh, that marked the 14th game in a row that Rutgers has forced a turnover.

Although they won’t admit it, Rutgers was distracted last week with the announcement that they are moving to the Big Ten. The loss against Pittsburgh is a wake-up call that will have this team focused for the game against Louisville.

This will be a tough, physical game, and the Scarlet Knights will emerge victorious securing a BCS bowl game.

Louisville vs Rutgers Predictions: Rutgers 17 Louisville 14

James Brown is a B/R featured columnist and can be followed on Twitter. Feel free to contact James at jtsneaks@gmail.com. He also is a contributor at Bookie Blitz, a sports picks website.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a chance to clinch at least a share of their first ever Big East title, but will have to endure a road test against the pesky Pittsburgh Panthers to pull it off. With one of the premier defenses in the country, Kyle Flood's team will be able to hold back the Pitt attack and emerge victorious on Saturday afternoon.

Other than the team's only loss to Kent State earlier in the season, the No. 18 Scarlet Knights sport an unblemished record and haven't allowed an opponent to have a 100-yard rusher.

Pittsburgh RB Ray Graham is dynamic and will be doing his best to help the Panthers' cause as they fight to hang onto bowl contention. They need to win their final two games to qualify.

But Graham will be shut down even in front of the home crowd in Heinz Field despite the fact that he may wind up playing there some Sunday in the future. Flood is a first-year coach, but has instilled a particular toughness in the Rutgers' front seven, which allows just 108 yards per game (h/t NCAA), good for 12th in the nation.

The obvious loophole in this argument is Graham's standout performance at Notre Dame just weeks ago, when he ran for 172 yards against the vaunted Fighting Irish defense.

However, the Irish simply had a letdown in the midst of an undefeated, national championship-caliber season. It was by far the defense's worst game of the year, and the Panthers played what had to be considered their best game of 2012.

Although there will be a sense of desperation with this Pitt team, the Scarlet Knights know what is at stake. They won't be looking ahead to next week's tilt with Louisville, where the outright Big East title could be on the line.

In last week's 10-3 victory over Cincinnati—the Big East's highest scoring offense—the Bearcats didn't get on the board until the waning moments of the game.

Kevin Goheen of the Star-Ledger pointed out a revealing quote by Scarlet Knights LB Khaseem Greene after UC decided to go for it on fourth down early in the game deep in Rutgers territory:

We feel that someone is disrespecting us when they go for it on fourth down against us. We take that real personal...That was the message; If they’re going to go for it, we’re going to make them pay for it. That’s exactly what we did.

Greene, a senior, happens to be the half-brother of Pittsburgh's Graham, and will be eager to stuff him in their last contest in collegiate competition.

Panthers QB Tino Sunseri has been extremely efficient this year, posting a 16-2 touchdown to interception ratio. But he was picked three times in this matchup last year, and the Scarlet Knights' secondary is able to more than hold their own on the back end, ranking first in the conference in passing efficiency defense (h/t Pittsburgh Post Gazette).

There is a reason Rutgers is 9-1 and its opponent is 4-6, but there is plenty of reason to think that this will be a tight game.

Despite the big news of a move to the Big Ten, expect the Scarlet Knights to focus on the golden opportunity at hand of an unprecedented Big East championship and take care of business against the Panthers.

Moving to the Big Ten conference will be a major boost to the Rutgers football program because the Scarlet Knights will become a more attractive team to the nation's best high school players.

The school released a press release on its web site to reveal the news:

The Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors (COP/C) announced unanimous approval today for Rutgers University to join the Big Ten Conference, with competition to begin in all sports at a date to be determined. Rutgers University also looks forward to joining the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), a consortium of world-class research institutions dedicated to advancing their academic missions.

Recruits, for the most part, want to play against top teams. Not only does this help them improve their skills, playing quality opponents can make them more visible to NFL scouts because these games are often found on national television.

Having schools such as Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin on their schedule will benefit the Scarlet Knights.

Football at Rutgers has come a long way over the last decade, and thanks to former head coach Greg Schiano (currently the head coach of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers), it is now a respectable program.

For football reasons, the Big Ten is a much better place for Rutgers because the Big East has fewer quality programs and is the weakest BCS conference.

Rutgers has proven over the last few years that it is worthy of being in a better conference, and since the Big Ten has been unimpressive this season, the Scarlet Knights should be able to compete for the conference championship in their first season away from the Big East.

Rutgers is currently ranked No. 18 in the nation with a record of 9-1, and should go to a very good bowl game if it can defeat No. 20 Louisville in the season's final week.

Not only will the move to the Big Ten help Rutgers on the field, it will also help off the field. The potential for more revenue and overall exposure is greater in the Big Ten than the Big East.

Going to the Big Ten makes a lot of sense for Rutgers, and it's a move that will help the football program continue to get better and recruit better players.

Playing in the Big Ten will be a challenge for Rutgers, but it's one that the school is ready for.

On the surface, Rutgers University's move from the Big East to the Big Ten seems like a substantial upgrade for the University: more revenue, greater national exposure and a more respectable schedule.

But what are the Big Ten's real motives in this move, along with adding Maryland University the day before? Could the Big Ten be using Rutgers just to gain access to the New York City market? 

First off, the Rutgers football program is having one of it's best year's ever. They are 9-1, ranked number 18 in the nation, have the number four ranked points against average defense in the country and have a legitimate shot at their first Big East Conference Title. Despite losing former head coach Greg Schiano to the NFL, the Scarlet Knights have continued to flourish on the foundation that Schiano built. 

Right now they are the big fish in the little pond that is Big East football. Yes, we've all heard that the Big East is a basketball conference. But Big East football is centered on the ground and pound, and defensive struggles during tough games. This is the foundation that Greg Schiano had built and passed on to current head coach Kyle Flood.

So on the precipice of finally establishing itself as one of the elite programs in the Big East and winning that elusive conference title, why jump ship to a bigger pond where they will undoubtedly struggle to adjust to the offensive-minded Big Ten and have to travel further distances to play conference games? 

Big Ten per team average points for this season in conference is currently 182.25; for a Big East team it is 125.125. To be competitive, Rutgers will need to bolster their offense, effectively changing the identity of the program. The Big Ten garners more prominent offensive recruits, thus ultimately have a focus of putting points on the board.

So why does the Big Ten want to add a defensively-minded program? As The New York Times' Nate Silver and ESPN's Adam Rittenberg have pointed out, the Big Ten wants the fan-ship of New York City and Washington D.C., while Rutgers (and Maryland) both want more revenue. However, the Northeast really isn't college football territory—it's more about pro sports.

And as Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told ESPN, "You can't have influence without being here [New York City]." 

Not only does that gross estimate hurt Rutgers, but it also will hurt the Big Ten for a few reasons.

First, Big Ten schools will have less games on the schedule available for the out of conference rivalries because they will have to play Rutgers and Maryland. 

Second, Rutgers and Maryland provide less compelling competition for the Big Ten schools, but could hurt BCS Title Game opportunities. 

Third, the Northeast really isn't as passionate about college football as much as the Midwest and the South. To the Northeast, Saturday is the day before NFL games. Plus, New York City is made up mostly of transplants, meaning there isn't that huge of a Rutgers fan base there anyway. 

With the Big Ten waiting to cash in on a new television deal within the next five years (2017 it's current deal is up), this is a financial decision for the Big Ten and they just want to use Rutgers to gain access to NYC.

It's also clear that Rutgers is making this decision based on money alone. Completely changing your identity, schedule, travel plans and foundation just when you start becoming successful makes absolutely no sense.

Rutgers and Maryland are going to struggle terribly in their first years in the Big Ten.

Eventually they might adapt and become a mid-level team, but they will never gain BCS Bowl Bids fighting amongst superior programs with different focuses. Turning their backs on a sure thing for years to come right now will be their downfall. They should enjoy the potential BCS Bowl slot they gain this year, because it might be their last for a long time. 

And of course, joining a conference named 'The Big Ten' when there will be 14 schools is just completely contradictory...

Shortly before the beginning of the season, Scarlet Knights head coach Kyle Flood stood at a podium and declared (as quoted by Keith Sargeant on APP.com), "The time is right not only to win bowl championships but Big East championships and BCS championships."

Well, they'd better hurry.

On the heels of their victory over rival Cincinnati (putting the Big East title within their grasp), Rutgers made the announcement this week that they intend to leave the very conference that they have never won in order to join the Big 10.

Whether that bombshell now serves as a distraction in their upcoming game with the Pitt Panthers this weekend remains to be seen, but with just two games left in the season and destiny in their own hands, the timing is terrible.

As the Knights steam towards their anticipated showdown with Louisville, this week's game against the Panthers sets up as the classic "trap" game for Rutgers. Despite being 4-6 this season, Pittsburgh is a respectable No. 38 in passing yards nationally and ranked No. 31 in points against.

To assume the Panthers are a pushover would be a mistake—just ask the Virginia Tech Hokies, who were ranked No. 13 when they were beaten by Pitt, 35-17. Of course, it was also Pitt that took undefeated Notre Dame to three overtimes before the Irish finally prevailed, 29-26.

The Panthers are led by quarterback Tino Sunseri, whose eye-popping QB rating of 159.1 and 16 touchdowns are clear indicators of the talent he possesses. Sunseri (200-of-297 for 2,665 yards) has only thrown two interceptions this season, and plays best at Heinz Field, where he sports a completion percentage of 70.7 and a QB rating of 180.6.

On the receiving end of Sunseri's throws are talented pass catchers Devin Street (59 receptions), Mike Shanahan (44 receptions) and Ray Graham (31 receptions). Graham, the senior running back from Elizabeth, N.J., is also the team's leading rusher, having amassed 835 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012.

Amid all the talk this week about the move to the Big 10, overlooked is the fact that should the Scarlet Knights win this weekend at Pittsburgh, they would clinch a share of the Big East title. If they lose, it sets up a one-game showdown with Louisville for the Big East title. It's a fact not lost on senior linebacker Steve Beauharnais.

"This year, we’re determined to finish," said Beauharnais (as quoted by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger on NJ.com). "There won’t be any distractions."

Game Time: Saturday, Nov. 24, Pittsburgh, Pa., 12 noon ET. Television: ESPN 2

It wasn't pretty, but when it was finally over, the Scarlet Knights left Nippert Stadium with a 10-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats to keep their hopes for a Big East title alive.

Two turnovers and seven penalties by Rutgers helped to keep the Cincinnati in the game, as the Scarlet Knights rolled up 19 first downs and 420 total yards on the afternoon, which normally would translate to a commanding lead. Instead, the Knights once again had to rely on their defense to continually bail them out as it held Cincinnati scoreless until a Tony Miliano field goal put the Bearcats on the board with 11 seconds remaining in the contest.

Rutgers QB Gary Nova was a very pedestrian 11-of-19 for 186 yards, and while he had a touchdown pass, his two interceptions were drive-killers. The lone touchdown in the game was Nova's TD pass to Mark Harrison, whose four receptions for 106 yards led all receivers in the game.

Rutgers RB Jawan Jamison attempted to make himself available, but while his four rushing attempts for 37 yards was admirable, his lack of playing time was not due to his injured ankle as much as it was due to the career day of backup running back Savon Huggins. Huggins was the RU workhorse, carrying the ball 41 times for a whopping 179 yards. Prior to Saturday's game, Huggins had only had 165 yards for the entire season.

Huggins' time at Rutgers has been something of a disappointment since coming in as a 5-star recruit (per Scout.com) in 2011. Injuries have plagued his time in Piscataway, but not as much as the success of first-stringer Jawan Jamison.

"I seized my opportunity and I did my job,” said Huggins (as quoted by Kevin Goheen of The Star-Ledger on NJ.com). “The more carries I get, the better I get."

The strength of Huggins' performance helped the Scarlet Knights control the clock for over 37 minutes in the game as they continued to work towards their announced preseason goal of a conference championship. Incredibly, when it seems that Rutgers is on the verge of it's first-ever Big East title comes the news that they will be jumping to the Big 10 Conference in 2014.

But well before then, the Scarlet Knights must first turn their attention to the Pitt Panthers, who will host the Scarlet Knights this upcoming weekend. The victory over Cincinnati helped boost Rutgers to No. 18 in the BCS standings on a weekend that saw the both Kansas State and Oregon tumble from the top spots.