As noted in this morning's post, the Big East finally released the schedule for 2009.  Here is a summary of RU's schedule:

RUTGERS
Sat., Sept. 5 CINCINNATI
Sat., Sept. 12 Howard
Sat., Sept. 19 Florida International
Sat., Sept. 26 at Maryland
Sat., Oct. 10 TBA
Fri., Oct. 16 PITTSBURGH (8 p.m., ESPN)
Fri., Oct. 23 at Army (8 p.m., ESPN2)
Sat., Oct. 31 at Connecticut
Thu., Nov. 12 USF (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Sat., Nov. 21 at SYRACUSE
Sat., Nov. 28 at LOUISVILLE
Sat., Dec. 5 WEST VIRGINIA (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)

on SK.com

Over the last few years Rutgers has received increased TV coverage.  Several games have been nationally televised on ESPN and its family of networks.  Several other games were aired regionally on SNY.  That precious airtime continues for 2009.

RU is already scheduled to play four nationally televised games this season.  SNY will probably pick up the Syracuse and Louisville match ups as their game of the week.  The Maryland tilt may also be picked up on ABC regional broadcast.  The worldwide leader may also pick up one more game: all depending on the opponent for the 12th game. 

The question remains on who that 12th and final opponent will be.  This blogger is still hoping for a 1 and 1 with Ole Miss but is not getting my hopes up.  The identity of who that opponent will be is shrouded in such secrecy that it makes the truth of the Kennedy assassination as revealing as Britney Spears coming out of her SUV.

The rest of the schedule does look favorable to RU as the tougher Big East opponents will be in Piscataway this season.  Here is a quick WAY too early prediction:

Game 1: Saturday, September 5th @ RU against University of Cincinnati. 

The date of this matchup is subject to change.  Rumors are circulating that ESPN is looking to move the game to Friday night.  Also, the game may be moved to another date to accommodate the 12th game.  However, playing UC early in the season may be an advantage for RU.  The Bearcats have had Schiano's number over the last few seasons, and this Big East opener may allow Schiano to throw some curveball's to throw off the Bearcats.  UC losing 10 of their 11 starters on defense also does hurt.  A notch under the W column is a nice way to christen the expanded RU Stadium.

Game 2: Saturday, September 12 @ RU against Howard University Bison

This is an easy W for RU and will help with breaking in the new QBs and WRs.  For those that will be in attendance, the Howard Band will be making the trip up from DC.  That alone will be worth the price of admission.

Game 3: Saturday, September 19 @ RU against Florida International University

It is the beginning of a home and home series against FIU that should be another easy W for RU. The series was discussed in a previous post:

FIU

Game 4: Saturday, September 26 @ University of Maryland

Fear the Turtle.  At least I do.  A RU match up against a regional foe joining two other similar match ups between the Big East and the ACC on the same day.  With Maryland having some of the toughest fans in the country and with RU having an inexperienced QB and WR corp, I can see this being a close but tough loss.

Game 5: Saturday, October 10th @ RU against TBA

Lovely. Simply lovely.

Game 6: Friday, October 16th @ RU against the Unversity of Pittsburgh

Bye bye Shady McCoy, hello W.  RU will continue to dominate Pitt as it looks to continue its win streak.  Not many high school players will get to see this game  since it will be on a Friday night.  All must bow down to the worldwide leader.

Game 7: Friday, October 23 @ Army

Another Friday 'Knight' matchup between the Scarlet and Black.  Getting TV exposure is great, but this is what drives the fan base nuts.  Another easy win.

Game 8: Saturday, October 31st @ University of Connecticut

Halloween is the perfect day for this matchup as RU fans will know if RU is an actual contender or if it is just masquerading around as one when it faces its arch rival.  The Huskies have gone down to the wire with the Knights over the last few seasons (save for 2007) and this will probably be a close one too.  One could hope for UCONN's kicker to lay another egg and hits a few more field goal uprights, but I say UCONN by a touchdown. 

Game 9: Thursday, November 12 @ RU against University of South Florida

Thursday night Big East match ups have become a staple on ESPN.  Besides the benefit of having Erin Andrews prowling the sidelines, The Knights look to continue its winning way and should put up another W once again.  2006 kicked it off with RU's historic victory over Louisville, 2007 against then ranked #2 USF, and the complete and utter spanking of Louisville in 2008.  Mr. Grothe, please make your acquaintance with Mr. Lowery.

Game 10: Saturday, November 21 at Syracuse University

Sans G-Rob, the Orange will look to restore their once proud name and reach a level of respectability.  That is a few years from happening and will get smacked around once again by the Knights. 

Game 11: Saturday, November 28 at University of Louisville

How apropos.  Thanksgiving weekend and the Knights get to stuff a bird for another easy W.  Another sub 500 season and Tommy Tuberville will be patrolling the sidelines come 2010 for the Cards.

Game 12: Saturday, December 5 @ RU against West Virginia University

The last time RU beat the Mountaineers, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just shy of 3,900.  While we might reach that 1994 level sometime this year, look for WVU to continue its dominance against RU even without Pat White. 

Without knowing the 12th opponent, I say 8-3.  Of course this all depends on how the yet to be determined QB will play and other key questions.  But that is for another day.