Protect R Turf: FanPosts

SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice

2010-03-20T00:48:01Z

>> Take SB Nation Survey

Hello sports fans! We're always striving to provide you with the best experience possible and it's been quite some time since we checked in with you.

So we're rolling out this survey to learn more about you and your sports world. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete.

We really appreciate your time and this is also going to help make a donation to a good cause.

By next Thursday (3/25) at 11:59pm PST the site that has the highest percentage of their community filling out the attached survey about their sports interests and consumption will win $500 to donate to a charity of their choice. We will leave it up to the discretion of the community manager(s) of the winning blog to decide how to choose the particular charity.

You can take the survey HERE

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WYR2WQT

Thanks for your support!

Over the Hill?....

2010-03-18T00:05:16Z

......Apparently not. In another bold and daring move (sarcasm) by the Rutgers brass Pernetti declared today that he is going to give coach Fred Hill another shot. Personally, I do not think two fluke wins should be enough to account for losses to Providence, Seton Hall, and Vermont. Not to mention the countless other embarrassments this program has suffered for four years with Hill at the helm. But hey, what do I know.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-rutgers-hill

Upcoming Georgia Tech baseball series

2010-02-26T21:48:14Z

Hey guys, it's time for the annual Rutgers baseball series at Georgia Tech. We play the Knights in Atlanta next weekend and were looking for a good preview of your guys.

All time, Tech is 35-11 against the Scarlet Knights. We've hosted Rutgers for a while now in early March and it'd be cool to get some insight from their supporters.

If you wouldn't mind talking about RU baseball with From the Rumble Seat, send us an e-mail (fromtherumbleseat@gmail.com). Or if you could recommend a Rutgers blogger who follows the baseballers, that'd be really cool, too.

Thanks, Bird

Rutgers 2010 Recruiting Wrap-Up

2010-02-10T21:32:35Z

Whats up guys, Here's a Rutgers Recruiting Wrap-Up i did for 2010

At the forefront of a somewhat fairy tale story of how the little football team that could came to be is Rutgers head coach, Greg Schiano. Schiano, who signed on to be the coach of the Scarlet Knights in 2000, knew he had a huge task in front of him. For the first four seasons of Schiano’s tenure, RU went 3-24 against in-conference teams. The recruiting during this time had actually been decent compared to how Rutgers fared in the recruiting game before he came to Piscataway.

After the 2004 season though, many RU fans were harboring some malevolent feelings towards Schiano and even he knew that it would take a miracle in 2005 to keep his career moving in the right direction. That miracle came true and the Knights capped the season off with an upset over Pittsburgh. Since 2005, the rebuilding effort has become a strengthening effort by Mr. Schiano and his staff. After a bowl qualifying season in 2009, recruiting looked great heading into National Signing day. In the aftermath of National Signing Day, it looks like Coach Schiano has brought in one of the best RU recruiting classes to date.

Leading the 2010 class for the Knights on defense is safety Rashad Knight. Many believe Knight has the potential to play both cornerback and safety for RU during his tenure in New Jersey. As the highest rated pure defensive player, Rashad didn’t receive as many offers as he wanted, (i.e. FLA, ALA) but there’s no doubt that he has the ability to thrive wherever he plays in the Big East. Another notable defensive recruit that headed up to NJ is Kenneth Kirksey. Kenneth is somewhat undersized, but he has great speed for a 270-pound defensive linemen.

In the 2009 class, RU received commitments from both quarterback Tom Savage and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. Throughout the whole season, these playmakers were lethal to any defense. To add to Savage’s arsenal of wide outs, Schiano was able to sign Brandon Coleman. The 6’6” Maryland product has the potential to be Tom Savage’s deep threat for the next three years.

Coleman has obvious height and he is surprisingly fast for such a tall player. He also has very good balance which he uses to snag almost every jump-ball sent his way. One serious issue with Brandon is his hands. He has all the other skills almost down to a tee, but still cannot catch many balls being thrown to him at distances of 20 yards or less. Without the short threat implemented to his game, Coleman could become a one-dimensional risk to opposing defenses.

Usually Greg Schiano is able to lock up much of New Jersey during the recruiting season, but in this case, the 2010 class only has seven New Jersey natives. This would be a grave concern for the RU coaching staff if they hadn’t received such diverse talent from other fruitful states. With the majority of their high-end talent coming from Florida and Maryland, the next few years are sure to be exciting for Scarlet Knight fans.

SanUUUUUUUUUU

2009-11-13T15:42:56Z

Can the glass be half full yet? 7-2....first shut out in Big East Conference play.....ever.

I see a lot to look forward to....

Sanu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6TU_FNALkA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJPVaLK2b5w&feature=related

Martineck has had 3 TDs in the last two ESPN games

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=238832

Tom Savage is who we hoped he was

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/stats?playerId=480252

Getting the Rutgers Offense Back Into Gear

2009-10-22T10:33:45Z

If Rutgers plans to show us more then just a "W" against the Black Knights on Friday, it must cure its schizophrenic offense by getting back to being a run first throw second team. That's the same formula that worked so well during the 2006 season when Teel was a first year and unproven sophomore starter. I'm not saying that any one of four RB's is Ray Rice but being able to collectively pound the ball inside with a sustained running game while showing a threat to break off the long run is the first step in solving this apparent identity crisis and opens up Savage to make his down field passes to Sanu, Brown and the chorus line of potential third WR options.

O-line Injuries: Although the running game against Pitt produced only 38 yards on 20 carries, 29 of which came from Sanu via the wildcat, the o-line seemingly had it's best of the year against BCS competition in terms of QB protection. Could this unit finally be coming together without the services of season opening starter Caleb Ruch and Desmond Wynn?

Will the rocket take off finally? Everyone else has pretty much beaten the drum on this one but it's worth mentioning once again. The cover is off the Schiano's new offensive sports car and the kid's red shirt has been burned. Give the kid a chance against FBS competition and make him part of your running game for more then just fourth quarter mop up work.

Wildcat Offense: Whether this is just a gimmick conceived by Schiano and the OC's or if there is a vision of having the wildcat become a strategic piece of the offense, I do not know. If it is the later, integrate it into the offense and use it consistently (the polar opposite of how it was intermittently used during the Pitt loss). Use it when you need a wrinkle play inside of the red zone but remember, run first, pass second. It's time to end the gimmicks and regain a semblance of an identity for this offensive unit.

Penalty Mistakes: Although the penalty line from the box score of the Pitt game shows 6 penalties for 55 yards, it seemed very clear that we committed many of these penalties in key third down situations both on offense and defense that ended drives for us or extended drives for Pitt. This undisciplined play has got to stop if this team is going to go anywhere looking ahead to Connecticut, South Florida and West Virginia. The truth is we do not score a lot of points and every possession is precious.

Devin McCourty: Not enough has been said about Devin's play on defense and special teams this year. The development of his game is one of the few positive stories that have developed this year. His line on Friday was 11 tackles, 1.0 for loss and a blocked punt. Look for # 21 all over the field at Michie Stadium on Friday.

Scouting the Pittsburgh Offense

2009-10-15T01:11:29Z

Finally, redemption is about to arrive in the form of a Big East matchup vs the Pittsburgh Panthers (5-1, 2-0). Hard to believe 46 days will have passed since the humiliating defeat against the Bearcats once the Scarlet Knights suit up on Friday night. Dave Wannstedt enters the game riding a four game losing streak vs Rutgers but guides a squad that is vastly different from the defensive focused teams that have faced the knights over the four years of his tenure.

The 2009 edition of QB Bill Stull looks nothing like the player who managed just 9 TD’s and 10 INT’s including an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Oregon St. in the Sun Bowl to close the 2008 season. Through the first six games of 2009, Stull has thrown for 1,256 yards and 13 TD’s against just 3 INT’s and has elevated his game over the past three weeks in which the Panthers have faced consecutive BCS opponents. With superior pass protection provided by the Pitt O-line, Stull currently holds the nations 4th highest passer rating trailing only Jimmy Clausen, Kellen Moore and Tim Tebow.

Leading the receiving corps is freakish sophomore Jonathan Baldwin. The 6’5” Baldwin not only towers over opposing CB’s and possesses NFL caliber physical tools, but he is also blessed with 4.4 speed that he uses to separate from coverage and gain 532 yards on just 27 receptions including 3 TD’s. The Panthers also hope to exploit several advantages at the TE position where Dorian Dickerson leads the team with 7 TD’s. "We have a great matchup with our tight ends," Stull says. "With Dorin (Dickerson) running down the middle of the field against their linebackers, we like that matchup. They play a lot of man-to-man defense. If we protect well, with their man coverages, we can have some great matchup advantages."

Freshman RB Dion Lewis enrolled at Pitt in January and quickly answered the question of who would replace LeSean McCoy. Lewis was virtually assured the starting roll following a stellar spring and hasn’t looked back since bursting out of the gate with consecutive 100 yard games on the way to 738 yards and 7 TD’s through the first half of 2009. Lewis is a classic thickly built, low center of gravity runner who bounces between would be tacklers and quickly accelerates to full speed. Joining Lewis in the running game is fellow freshman Ray Graham (step brother of Khaseem Greene) who has 176 yards on 32 carries and is more of a downhill, workhorse straight line back who provides a strong complement to the cutting, slashing style of Dion Lewis.

Notes: Other then Big East standings implications, Friday night’s game could also help sway the balance of powers in local Big Eat recruiting pecking order. Pittsburgh boasts 11 current players from New York and New Jersey but more importantly has made some significant inroads recently by receiving non binding verbal commitments from 5 players from the NY/NJ area in its 2010 class.

Custom Rutgers Jersey?

2009-09-08T05:11:43Z

Sorry about the fanpost. I know this probably doesn't warrant one, but does anyone have any idea where I can get a customized Rutgers football jersey? Ive been searching the interwebs for a while and all ive found is one website which sells custom adidas RU jerseys, and I'd definitely prefer the Nike jersey.

Like I said, I know this may be a bit selfish for a fanpost, and I apologize for that. I just figured if anyone would know, itd probably be someone on here.Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Rutgers football preview

2009-08-30T21:02:47Z

Not as much confidence in the Scarlet Knights as I have, but it could be worse. Some people out there actually think Rutgers is going to stink but most of us don't. From the story:

Greg Schiano has built something nice at the State University of New Jersey. Football, which was barely a blip on the RU radar a decade ago, matters now, and the coach is the main reason.

http://bustersports.com/blog/big-east-news/2009/08/30/big-east-pix-rutgers/

Big East order in a perfect world is?

2009-08-28T00:17:10Z

If the powers that run the Big East could choose the order of finish in the conference for football, how would the eight schools fall out?

Would West Virginia be on top or what about Louisville, Rutgers, maybe even Syracuse? And why? This answers the question and WVU fans are probably going to like it, at least one would think so. UConn fans may take issue with the take here in this bit.

http://bustersports.com/podcast/big-east-news/2009/08/26/whats-good-for-the-big-east-/

Rutgers Alum Shine in First Pre-Season Game

2009-08-10T16:05:00Z

So the Titans and Bills squared off in last nights Hall of Fame Game. Even though the anticipation of seeing Kenny Britt play was haulted when he was ruled inactive nursing his hamstring, Rutger Loyales we able to watch another Rutger Rookie play on the big stage.

Jason Mccourty, played almost the second half at CB and KR for the Titans. He got his first chance at a Kick Return that was kicked poorly and basically squibbed to the five. Mccourty bobled it, but was able to recover for a few yards. He also shut down the left side of the Titans defense, covering WR well enough that the QB would look the other way. He didn't make to many tackles, but his coverage skills were not allowing the ball to come his way.

He got another chance at a KR, which was much better than the first and he brought the ball past the 25 maybe even the 30. But it was until he was on Defense again where he shined. The Bills were trying to rally for a 4th quarter comeback, when Mccourty jumbed a ten yard button hook to pick off the pass. He did an excellent job of tip toeing the side line to keep two feet in bounds. This play prompted a 3 minute discussion by the announcers on Mccourty and Rutgers, and made me proud to see that RU was getting so air time!

Did this quick at work, please excuse any mistakes

So, uh, who's our QB? (Poll)

2009-07-25T15:43:32Z

Four choices... who'll it be?

S e v e n t y f i v e w o r d s S e v e n t y f i v e w o r d s S e v e n t y f i v e w o r d s S e v e n t y f i v e w o r d s S e v e n t y f i v e w o r d s

Poll

Who do you want to see as RU's quarterback?

Dom Natale

5 votes

Jabu Lovelace

0 votes

DC Jefferson

1 votes

Tom Savage

3 votes

9 votes | Poll has closed

Rutgers/Nova

2009-02-20T00:31:09Z

I can see this game getting ugly early for the Knights. I think that the inside/outside combination of Cunningham/Reynolds is going to make for a landslide for the Wildcats unfortunately. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Villanova 83 Rutgers 65

NFL Draft

2009-02-18T03:31:26Z

Anyone have any thoughts on which Scarlet Knights will be drafted this season, and in which round?

RU Apparel - 50% Off - Vday Weekend Only

2009-02-12T22:45:02Z

FYI, 50% off all apparel from RUjerseys.com this weekend, Friday February 13th til Sunday February 15th. The site has a lot of stuff already on clearance, so you should be able to get some great deals.

Use promo code: VDAY09

Enjoy!

A Little Help With Kenny Britt

2009-02-09T14:26:52Z

Hey guys,

It is Jimmy from Music City Miracles, the SB Nation Tennessee Titans blog, here with a couple of questions about Kenny Britt. He looks to be pretty high up on most people's draft boards at receiver. The Titans will be looking for a receiver, so I was wondering if some of you here could give me your thoughts on him. I would love to have something to post on our site.

Thanks for your help.

Who will be QB1 in 2009?

2009-02-05T14:28:00Z

I don't claim to know everything about the politics of college football, but I am certainly interested in the way the quarterback situation will shake out in 2009 for our Scarlet Knights.

On one hand, you have experience. Natale and Lovelace have been in this system for a couple years now, so you have to think that this would be an advantage for one of them getting the nod when the season starts out. I've been to every game the past two years and I have seen very little of each of these guys. But what I have seen has not filled me with confidence going forward. I went to a few games early and was able to see Natale working out in pregame. While his arm looked decent, his play (in his limited time) left something to be desired. Jabu, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have the full arsenal at his disposal. (I suppose if you were able to combine the 2 guys like the Six Million Dollar Man, we might have a dangerous weapon on our hands.)

Which brings me to my point. Would we be better off starting a younger, more athletic prospect this year? I look at DC Jefferson on the sideline and what I have read about his rocket arm, and think that he must get a look. But now, with Savage (and Shimko I guess), where do we go from here. I watch other college football, but concentrate mainly on RU. How do other teams deal with an influx of talent at the QB position that maybe we have not had in a while, if at all. From everything I hear Savage is the real deal, but where does that leave everyone else? It seems to me that bringing a highly touted recruit like DC, redshirting him and then starting Natale or even Savage over him this year will not let us use DC in any way. Im under the assumption that once Savage is handed the ball, it will be his team for as long as he stays.

So where does that leave us with a physical specimin like DC and two elder QB waiting in the wings with the "Golden Boy" breathing down their necks..

Interested in hearing what the Scarlet Knight fans have to say on the subject..

I just want to say

2009-01-28T01:51:45Z

Congratulations and Thank You.

Congratulations for becoming a SbNation Blogger.

I like what you have going on over here. You're a good kid...and I believe in you.

And Thank You. Thanks for making the commitment of starting a Scarlet Knights Blog. God Knows we need one. As a big fan of the Knights...I'll drop in every now and then.

Again...just keep it going and soon you'll have a very popular set up.

The rest of the way(Or: How many Big East wins?)

2009-01-25T19:49:21Z

1/29 - @ Seton Hall

1/31 - vs. Depaul

2/3 - @ Georgetown

2/8 - vs. Seton Hall

2/14 - @ Providence

2/19 - @ Villanova

2/22 - vs. West Virginia

2/25 - @ Notre Dame

3/1 - vs. Providence

3/3 - @ Syracuse

3/7 - vs. South Florida

So, how many Big East wins do you think the Knights can wind up with? I'll go with 4: A split of the Seton Hall series, wins over Depaul and South Florida, and one random upset(Providence or Villanova would be my guess).

Rutgers loses Hodges

2009-01-23T15:14:38Z

Big loss for Rutgers. Gerald Hodges is a 4* DB recruit and is now headed to Penn State.