Will this season come down to the final play?

So the Spring football period has come and gone, and we've got some answers to some of our pressing questions.  With the schedule finally filled out, let's take a look at the way I see the season breaking down:

Monday September 7th vs. Cincinnati (4 PM, ESPN)

It's not exactly ideal to be playing a conference game as your opener, but if there is any time to catch the Bearcats, this might be it.  Cincy basically turned over it's entire defense and will have no game action under their belts.  Tony Pike proved last year that he is no fluke, but the inexperience of the defense, plus the Labor Day home crowd push RU to a narrow 24-20 victory.  Record: 1-0 (1-0)

Saturday, September 12 vs. Howard

At least stay through halftime as the renowned Howard matching band makes it way to the Banks.  RU wins in a laugher 45-0 as Natale is given the opportunity to throw the ball wherever he wants. Record: 2-0 (1-0)

Saturday, September 19, 2009 vs. Florida International University

FIU isn't exactly a pushover like many people think, and I think they keep it close for a half.  Schiano lights a fire under them in the second half with Joe Martinek running for 2 TD's and a 38-13 victory.  Record: 3-0 (1-0)

Saturday, September 26th, 2009 @ University of Maryland

In 2007 Rutgers was 3-0 and ranked in the Top 10 as they faced off against the Terps which didn't end up so well for RU, starting their slide back to Earth.  Maryland springs another "upset" on RU down in College Park this time, as QB Chris Turner (remember him?) leads Maryland to just enough points to send the Knights home unhappy.  Maryland 17 Rutgers 14.  Record: 3-1 (1-0)

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 vs. Texas Southern

A bad team + coming off a loss + returning home= an absolute slaughter.  RU dominates TSU in every aspect of the game, including the coin toss and wins 56-3.  Maybe we'll see DC Jefferson or Tom Savage get some action.  Record: 4-1 (1-0)

Friday, October 16th, 2009 vs Pittsburgh (8:00, ESPN)

The Friday Night Lights return to the Banks in what could be a marquee battle for the early lead in the Big East race.  It's unclear right now who will be under center for the Panthers (I'd say Bill Stull), but one thing is certain:  Lesean McCoy won't be in the backfield.  RU forces Pitt into 3 turnovers, and Natale throws for 2 TD's as RU moves to 2-0 in conference play with a 24-17 victory.  Record:  5-1 (2-0)

Friday, October 23rd, 2009 @ Army (8:00, ESPN)

2 Friday Night Games in a row?!?!  That's the nature of the Big East these days, and these off-night games are always dangerous for the favorites.  But RU just has too much size up front for the Black Knights of Army as the stable of RU running backs runs wild.  Natale might not even attempt a pass in this one.  RU 27 Army 10.  Record:  6-1 (2-0)

Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ UConn

Rutgers narrowly avoided losing to the Huskies last season (saved by the goal posts), and traditionally has struggled with UConn.  No different this time.  Natale has his worst game so far, throwing 3 picks, and UConn grounds out a low-scoring slugfest and wins 13-7.  Rutgers always seems to play one game in ridiculous weather so you can bet it would be this one on Halloween weekend.  Record:  6-2 (2-1)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

There's no QB in this league with more talent than Matt Grothe, which makes it so strange that this USF team has not accomplished more than it has with him under center.  For as good as he is though, Grothe is prone to mistakes (Ints, fumbles..), and RU owns USF.  Expect South Florida to come into this game high in the BE standings, making for a fun night of college football.  RU turns Grothe over just enough, and gets a late San San Te FG to lift them to victory 23-20.  Record:  7-2 (3-1).

Saturday, November 21st, 2009 @ Syracuse

It's a rebuilding year in upstate New York, but the Orange always play hard.  Just look at what they did to both Louisville and ND last year.  Syracuse will keep it close for the first half, but RU showcases it's depth and size in the 2nd half, running away late 27-7.  Syracuse will be a factor in 2010 though, mark my words.  Record: 8-2 (4-1).

Friday, November 27th, 2007 @ Louisville (TBA, ESPN/ESPN2/ABC)

The day after Thanksgiving, and RU lays itself a turkey.  With bowl representatives from BCS bowls looking on, Rutgers looks like they just finished eating Thanksgiving dinner as Louisville starts early and doesn't let up against the Knights.  Last years thumping by RU isn't forgotten as U of L pummels the Knights 34-17 on national television.  Record:  8-3 (4-2)

Saturday, December 5, 2009 vs. West Virginia

West Virginia has been nothing but a nightmare for the Knights over the years.  80-7.  Triple Overtime.  Teel's meltdown last season.  But wait you say, there's no Pat White!  Right you are, but have you forgotten about Jarrett Brown, the man who led WVU to the victory in '06, and who came on in relief to seal last season's game.  In a tight affair that has everyone hanging on the edge of their seats, Brown's experience coupled with Noel Devine's athleticism edges RU 26-20 in overtime, ending any hopes of RU winning a share of the conference title.  Final Record: 8-4 (4-3).

So, would you sign for 8-4 with a rookie QB at the helm?  Do you think Rutgers will win more? less?  Let us know how you see the season playing out in the comments section.....