Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Big East Preview

In Head Coach Greg Schiano's first season the 2002 Rutgers Scarlet Knights had 1 victory. Now in 2007 Rutgers has possible heisman trophy canidates and national title aspirations. Schiano should be given a key to the city the way he has put together this team. Employing similar philosophy as his alma mata Miami Hurricanes, Schiano Knights relies on speed, defense and the running game. With talent galore on D and skill positions this team will be a top 25 squad that will fight tooth and nail for a BCS bowl all year. SportsBetting.com has made the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at 75 to 1 betting odds to win the 2008 BCS.

On offense the Knights play out of the pro set and rely on stud RB Ray Rice to play power football. Rice, 5-9 200, isn't big on paper but he runs like a 230lb. fullback. Rice has some moves that can shake defenders out their socks as he set a Big East record last year with 1,794 yards rushing with 20 TD's. This year however Rice's bulldozing lead blocker Brian Leonard is gone. Jack Corcoran, 6-1 225, looks to be an able replacement for Leonard but those are some big shoes to fill.

QB Mike Teeel will never be mistaken for Dan Marino but he is an accurate passer that knows how to win with 12-3 record as a starter. The wideouts are deep and talented. WR Tim Brown, 5-8 150, runs a legit 4.3 and will make defenses respect the long pass. Rutgers returns three starters on the offensive line from one of the best units in the Big East that allowed just 8 sacks last season. Tackle Jeremy Zuttah, 6-4 290, is a beast that can maul opposing linemen.

The Rutgers defensive play calling is superb. The Scarlet Knights run a 4-3 that is blitz happy with a variety of different packages and looks. Speed kills and Schiano's defense has plenty of it. The team knows how to play intelligently in the system and is always attacking like pit bulls. The D-line is stacked. DT Eric Foster, 6-2 265, isn't the biggest but he is a baller that can smash running backs through the turf. DE Jamaal Westerman, 6-3 250, is recovering from shoulder surgery and when healthy can bring some heat off the edge.

The linebackers are young but they all have speed and can hit. The backers took a few hits on depth however in the off-season with injuries to starting MLB Ryan D'Imperio and OLB Blair Bines. The safties are excellent with playmaker Courtney Greene, 6-1 205, and hard hitting Ron Girault being leaders on D. The corners are also pretty good with returning starter Jason McCourty, 5-11 185, providing stability. The special teams are very good all the way around with Kicker\Punter Jeremy Ito being consistent.

Watch out for the Scarlet Knights they are for real. If the Knights can get a little more production at QB they could win the Big East.

Brad Marchetti Opening Day Rutgers Scarlet Knights Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 75
Quarterback : 55
Backs : 65
Receivers : 65
Offensive Line : 65
Defensive Line : 70
Linebackers : 65
Secondary : 70
Special Teams : 65