For Rutgers, the interest in their athletic programs surrounds their college basketball coach. And the Athletic Director who presided over him, who could be in serious trouble himself. Their college football coach isn’t known for abusing his players. Rutgers football is known for Ray Rice. They certainly could use him right now.
I know the “Jersey Shore” trend is finally and thankfully over. Still Rutgers University was dumb, pathetic and desperate enough to let Snooki speak there, if she even has the ability to speak, so that’s why her pic leads off the Rutgers season preview.
Rutgers reasons to get EXCITED! ALL CAPS! Welcome to the Big Ten. This is the last year Rutgers gets an easier schedule. The run defense was stellar last season, and although only four defensive starters return, there’s belief that they’ll be good again. Hey, 4th in the nation! First in the weak-ass Big East. They led the lame league in scoring defense too. Good for sixth nationally. There should be better stability in the quarterback position now. Will Gary Nova be the guy who put up a 15-3 TD to INT ratio in the 7-0 start? Hopefully. He could also be the guy who put up a 7-13 during the 2-4 finish. Anything goes!
Rutgers reasons to be worried :( The move to the what the hell is this league called again? Do I have to learn it? They’re just coming to the Big Ten anyway. Well a BCS bid could still happen, because the league is so easy. Yet I wouldn’t count on that. Last year, this team couldn’t run the ball to save their lives. No Ray Rice around here.
The defensive back seven is a potential train wreck; Who will start? How will they rebuild the secondary? The punting game and kickoff return units could be a problem.
Rutgers key games: August 29th Fresno State could go either way. September 21st vs Arkansas is circled. Rutgers could easily start 2-2 in their first four or 4-0. So getting off to a good start is key for building confidence and momentum. On the back end, November and December look pretty manageable for the most part.
Rutgers bottom line: 7-5 to 8-4ish with an appearance in a fourth tier bowl.
Key & Peele East/West College Bowl Roster: skipped due to time constraints
For the 2013 College Football rankings 1-77
#76 Kansas Jayhawks
#70 Minnesota Golden Gophers
#58-#52 had to be skipped this year due to reasons beyond out control
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. The NFL, NBA expert does a weekly spot for 95.7 The Fan. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks), like him on Facebook