I realize it is a ways away but it will be the most important game we play all next year. From what I have read about them they are losing a stud RB a year early to the draft. They return a QB who had a 3/2 TD to INT ratio and lost 4 of their final 6 games. IMO this game is very winnable and could set the tone for a huge year. Anyone have any insight on what Rutgers will look like come next year?

I know that they lost their OC as well and had more than one starter declare early for the draft.  I don't think any of that really matters, because if we are supposed to be the team everyone hopes to be, than we want to play teams at their best and win convincingly, not hope that people leave to create a weakness.  Although, I admit, seeing an opponent lose someone like Rutgers has gives me an immediate smile, I still think we want to play tough opponents.  

I believe they are  going to give us all we can handle, but is going to be tough to come into Fresno and 100 degree weather and win, regardless of who it is.  With what we have coming back, what we have added in recruiting, and with the extra time to implement our full scheme on both sides of the ball with the tempo the coaches are stressing, I feel like this is a game where we can catch them a little overwhelmed with the speed, pace and athleticism we are going to bring.

JMO, but Rutgers will be a formidable opponent.
Take note of this: Recruiting Results, Team Rankings:

#31-- Rutgers tied with Cal.
#42-- Boise

#76-- Fresno State

Rutgers top recruit is a 6'7", 350lb. JC OT.

Edit: Other Rankings, per Scout.com: SDS-- #66
                                                         CSU--  #81
                                                         SJS--  #112

I watched their last 2 games on tv. Their QB is not too good; throws softballs. Their strength on offense is their receivers; all super tall and pretty good at fighting and winning the ball.

Defense I think was pretty good too.

Dogs by 17.

I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

The temp probably contributed to that utter beatdown, though.  We'd just had fall camp where the thermometers were above 100 continuously. Colorado wasn't used to it at all.  They folded like a two-dollar lawn chair.

colorado was also a terrible team, that didnt help them either

I can get behind that answer

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Wouldn't that be more an advantage for the 'Dogs than waiting 'til it's cooled off at 7/8?

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

Excellent post sir

bulldogsblue wrote: I know that they lost their OC as well and had more than one starter declare early for the draft.  I don't think any of that really matters, because if we are supposed to be the team everyone hopes to be, than we want to play teams at their best and win convincingly, not hope that people leave to create a weakness.  Although, I admit, seeing an opponent lose someone like Rutgers has gives me an immediate smile, I still think we want to play tough opponents.  

I believe they are  going to give us all we can handle, but is going to be tough to come into Fresno and 100 degree weather and win, regardless of who it is.  With what we have coming back, what we have added in recruiting, and with the extra time to implement our full scheme on both sides of the ball with the tempo the coaches are stressing, I feel like this is a game where we can catch them a little overwhelmed with the speed, pace and athleticism we are going to bring.

Fresneckistani wrote: Wouldn't that be more an advantage for the 'Dogs than waiting 'til it's cooled off at 7/8?

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

Yes, I agree with you on that point. But others would submit that a high-level college football contest be played under reasonable conditions. For example, I hope that the 'Dogs don't have to play Wyoming in late November.

That is no doubt impressive, but how many of those guys, besides the 350lb monster, will actually contribute week 1 in their first season at Rutgers?

DogFan8 wrote: JMO, but Rutgers will be a formidable opponent.
Take note of this: Recruiting Results, Team Rankings:

#31-- Rutgers tied with Cal.
#42-- Boise

#76-- Fresno State

Rutgers top recruit is a 6'7", 350lb. JC OT.

Edit: Other Rankings, per Scout.com: SDS-- #66
                                                         CSU--  #81
                                                         SJS--  #112

It would absolutely be a advantage for the dogs, i think he is speaking fro those who will be in the stands sweating their balls off...

Fresneckistani wrote: Wouldn't that be more an advantage for the 'Dogs than waiting 'til it's cooled off at 7/8?

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Also it is a going to set the tone for the rest of the year. Last year we went undefeated at home and that is something we can really hang our hat on. With a convincing win over a better than average Big East school and Bulldog home field advantage can start becoming a tradition when schools like Boise and Nevada roll into town later in the season. I guess what I am saying is that it is a statement game which is very important with a up and coming program like ours...

What was the game time weather when we played them in new jersey

babydaddyschlegel12 wrote: What was the game time weather when we played them in new jersey

80 degrees and no humidity, perfect day to tailgate and go to a game.

They're important on a ladder level as far as ranking goes. If we lose, we have to treat every single game thereafter as games needing wins by style points. We lose to Rutgers and every game thereafter needs to be an utter bloodshed win. We're counting on the Scarlet Knights being our marquee win aside Boise; they should be ranked coming into Bulldog Stadium. Thus, the fashion in which we win after a loss to Rutgers will matter greatly in the human portion of the final BCS poll. 

Win against Rutgers and the team should go 13-0 heading into the BCS at large. Rutgers will be the toughest team we'll face outside Boise. They will provide an instant gauge for how well our offense is clicking at full strength (full playbook with a conditioned OL) and how well we address the loss of Thomas and Okpalaugo from the year before. Win convincingly against them and we may have the best season in Fresno State history. Struggle against Rutgers and we may end up with more questions than answers after game one and most likely an instantly dead BCS bowl game dream. The OOC portion of our schedule hinges on Rutgers being the strongest opponent we'll face aside Boise and the one we look to in confirming our strength as a team against a BCS opponent; a validation win. Obviously obliterating Colorado in Boulder does nothing for us, and Idaho and Cal Poly mean next to nothing in benefits with a win. But if Rutgers lays down in a tailspin against us and proceeds to go downhill from there for their season, we're going to need outside help. 

We may well meet Boise twice next year. But if we lose game one, beating Boise twice may not mean too much. We can't afford any slip ups. All it takes is one single undefeated team from the MAC or CUSA and we're out of the running for the at large bid if we fall in game one, even if we blow every other team out afterwards. So there's more to it than just Rutgers being the first game of the season or an AQ team. 

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Honestly, I think we are going to have a ton of trouble with the other Cali schools.  I expect SJSU to be very, very good again next year.  They have great receivers, one of the better QB's in college football coming back, and nearly all of their defense back.  Plus we play at their house.  Very tough.  

SDSU is going to be very good as well.  I understand the next game is most important, but let's not all fall back into the trap of going BCS or bust next season; we should have learned our lesson by now.  I'll take a MWC championship any day of the week.  Undefeated is asking for so, so much, and by the way we got destroyed in our bowl game with the absolute exposure of O-Line and DC2's inability to deal with that kind of pass rush, I would warn everyone to go into the season with optimism, but healthy optimism.  That way, if something is not up to where we expect, it is not an absolute mind blow like it used to be.  No one likes losing, but don't set yourself for disaster.  Remember, we lost by an embarrassing margin to an average C-USA team less than two months ago.

They lose their #2 WR to graduation

bulldog50 wrote: I watched their last 2 games on tv. Their QB is not too good; throws softballs. Their strength on offense is their receivers; all super tall and pretty good at fighting and winning the ball.

Defense I think was pretty good too.

Dogs by 17.

Also remember that we ended the season winning 6 out our last 7. I'm not hanging my hat on the bowl game as it was imo due to a new coaching staff that didn't know how to prepare properly.... Expectations are a good thing, that means your team is heading in the right direction. I also agree with you that BCS chatter is non sense. Rome wasn't built over night and the fact that a great season means playing boise twice, lets get real here people. The odds of us beating them twice although both games may be at home are very slim. I have heard both NFL and college coaches say that the hardest thing to do in football is beat the same team twice in one year. Especially when we haven't beaten that team in 10 years. Especially when that team is coached by the greatest game planner in all of college football. 10-11 wins would be a huge step forward. BCS would be a dream that might come true but there are too many iffs right now. I am surprised that ARX is taking the stand on the BCS dream.

bulldogsblue wrote: Honestly, I think we are going to have a ton of trouble with the other Cali schools.  I expect SJSU to be very, very good again next year.  They have great receivers, one of the better QB's in college football coming back, and nearly all of their defense back.  Plus we play at their house.  Very tough.  

SDSU is going to be very good as well.  I understand the next game is most important, but let's not all fall back into the trap of going BCS or bust next season; we should have learned our lesson by now.  I'll take a MWC championship any day of the week.  Undefeated is asking for so, so much, and by the way we got destroyed in our bowl game with the absolute exposure of O-Line and DC2's inability to deal with that kind of pass rush, I would warn everyone to go into the season with optimism, but healthy optimism.  That way, if something is not up to where we expect, it is not an absolute mind blow like it used to be.  No one likes losing, but don't set yourself for disaster.  Remember, we lost by an embarrassing margin to an average C-USA team less than two months ago 

The Dogs should bust out the throwback "Bulldogs" unis in honor of Sweeny for the game

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

Because of what he said or because he used correct grammar?

arx162218 wrote: They're important on a ladder level as far as ranking goes. If we lose, we have to treat every single game thereafter as games needing wins by style points. We lose to Rutgers and every game thereafter needs to be an utter bloodshed win. We're counting on the Scarlet Knights being our marquee win aside Boise; they should be ranked coming into Bulldog Stadium. Thus, the fashion in which we win after a loss to Rutgers will matter greatly in the human portion of the final BCS poll. 

Win against Rutgers and the team should go 13-0 heading into the BCS at large. Rutgers will be the toughest team we'll face outside Boise. They will provide an instant gauge for how well our offense is clicking at full strength (full playbook with a conditioned OL) and how well we address the loss of Thomas and Okpalaugo from the year before. Win convincingly against them and we may have the best season in Fresno State history. Struggle against Rutgers and we may end up with more questions than answers after game one and most likely an instantly dead BCS bowl game dream. The OOC portion of our schedule hinges on Rutgers being the strongest opponent we'll face aside Boise and the one we look to in confirming our strength as a team against a BCS opponent; a validation win. Obviously obliterating Colorado in Boulder does nothing for us, and Idaho and Cal Poly mean next to nothing in benefits with a win. But if Rutgers lays down in a tailspin against us and proceeds to go downhill from there for their season, we're going to need outside help. 

We may well meet Boise twice next year. But if we lose game one, beating Boise twice may not mean too much. We can't afford any slip ups. All it takes is one single undefeated team from the MAC or CUSA and we're out of the running for the at large bid if we fall in game one, even if we blow every other team out afterwards. So there's more to it than just Rutgers being the first game of the season or an AQ team. 

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Are you being serious ARX? Win against Rutgers and we are 1-0. To say we will win the next 12 is crazy talk. Boise twice, @SDSU, @SJSU, Nevada, @ Colorado, @ Wyoming, New Mexico.... Are we that improved and did i say Boise twice!!!!! Come on now, I hear a lot of Pat Hill coming from you. Forget the BCS and focus 1 game at a time....

559notown wrote:

arx162218 wrote: They're important on a ladder level as far as ranking goes. If we lose, we have to treat every single game thereafter as games needing wins by style points. We lose to Rutgers and every game thereafter needs to be an utter bloodshed win. We're counting on the Scarlet Knights being our marquee win aside Boise; they should be ranked coming into Bulldog Stadium. Thus, the fashion in which we win after a loss to Rutgers will matter greatly in the human portion of the final BCS poll. 

Win against Rutgers and the team should go 13-0 heading into the BCS at large. Rutgers will be the toughest team we'll face outside Boise. They will provide an instant gauge for how well our offense is clicking at full strength (full playbook with a conditioned OL) and how well we address the loss of Thomas and Okpalaugo from the year before. Win convincingly against them and we may have the best season in Fresno State history. Struggle against Rutgers and we may end up with more questions than answers after game one and most likely an instantly dead BCS bowl game dream. The OOC portion of our schedule hinges on Rutgers being the strongest opponent we'll face aside Boise and the one we look to in confirming our strength as a team against a BCS opponent; a validation win. Obviously obliterating Colorado in Boulder does nothing for us, and Idaho and Cal Poly mean next to nothing in benefits with a win. But if Rutgers lays down in a tailspin against us and proceeds to go downhill from there for their season, we're going to need outside help. 

We may well meet Boise twice next year. But if we lose game one, beating Boise twice may not mean too much. We can't afford any slip ups. All it takes is one single undefeated team from the MAC or CUSA and we're out of the running for the at large bid if we fall in game one, even if we blow every other team out afterwards. So there's more to it than just Rutgers being the first game of the season or an AQ team. 

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Are you being serious ARX? Win against Rutgers and we are 1-0. To say we will win the next 12 is crazy talk. Boise twice, @SDSU, @SJSU, Nevada, @ Colorado, @ Wyoming, New Mexico.... Are we that improved and did i say Boise twice!!!!! Come on now, I hear a lot of Pat Hill coming from you. Forget the BCS and focus 1 game at a time....

couldn't agree with you more 559.

players coaches and fans need to focus on the task at hand; not pie in the sky.

One word: SMU

Yes, I am being serious. 

There's a difference between should and will.

Rutgers presents a situation that's eerily similar to Oregon State 2001. Despite losing a ton of all Big East talent to graduation and early departure, Rutgers is still projected to contend for the Big East crown. They have more so a lack of experience than a lack of talent returning. Plus, HC Kyle Flood should be able to get this team rolling in his second year. Having said that, this team is very beatable. And doing so would mean we'll reap the benefits of what they did in 2012 as much as what they can do in 2013. 

But the one thing that Rutgers bring in the first game that intrigues me quite a bit is a run defense that should force Carr and the OL to perform right out of the gate. They may not have the gaudy 40 sacks we had, but they pressure enough to have gotten 18 interceptions last year, and that's a test that the OL needs. 

We beat back that pressure on the OL and everything else will take care of itself.

arx162218 wrote: Yes, I am being serious. 

There's a difference between should and will.

Rutgers presents a situation that's eerily similar to Oregon State 2001. Despite losing a ton of all Big East talent to graduation and early departure, Rutgers is still projected to contend for the Big East crown. They have more so a lack of experience than a lack of talent returning. Plus, HC Kyle Flood should be able to get this team rolling in his second year. Having said that, this team is very beatable. And doing so would mean we'll reap the benefits of what they did in 2012 as much as what they can do in 2013. 

But the one thing that Rutgers bring in the first game that intrigues me quite a bit is a run defense that should force Carr and the OL to perform right out of the gate. They may not have the gaudy 40 sacks we had, but they pressure enough to have gotten 18 interceptions last year, and that's a test that the OL needs. 

We beat back that pressure on the OL and everything else will take care of itself.

That is all fine and dandy, I was speaking more of your comment that a win against Rutgers would mean a 13-0 season.

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

They will probably want it at 1:00 PM instead!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only be 110 degrees..

srodrig5 wrote:

DogFan8 wrote:

ROFLCOPTERofDoom wrote:

Dogs4Me wrote:

Fresneckistani wrote: I realize Rutgers is an AQ team, but how are they "the most important game" for the 'Dogs?

Honest question.

Because they're the next game, which is the only game that matters.

Five. F*cking. Stars.

+1!

Note: Let's hope that the TV Network has some common sense and doesn't schedule a 5:00pm starting time--- remember the Colorado game with 105+ degree temp!!

They will probably want it at 1:00 PM instead!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only be 110 degrees..

Lulz...homefield advantage bro.

I don't care if it's 120 degrees.  I'm there.

Jay Mohr

We need to get him up to this game from LA.

Any of you listen to his podcast/radio show? He is a Rutgers/New Jersey guy

559notown wrote: I realize it is a ways away but it will be the most important game we play all next year. From what I have read about them they are losing a stud RB a year early to the draft. They return a QB who had a 3/2 TD to INT ratio and lost 4 of their final 6 games. IMO this game is very winnable and could set the tone for a huge year. Anyone have any insight on what Rutgers will look like come next year?

We have lost both our OC and DC.  Neither has been replaced yet.  

  Gary Nova started the year off really well.  He seemed to be able to manage games and not make mistakes. Best game was @Arky.  That really looked like a coming out party for him.  The second half of the season the wheels just came off.  He face adversity and didn't respond well.  I would expect any OC to be hired to want an open QB competition in spring practice.  Flood has hinted at such, even after speaking against it in post bowl interviews.  He must have thought different after seeing the tapes.  We have signed a highly rated QB in each of the last four years.  
  Even with JJ leaving early, we have a stable of RBs ready to step up.  Huggins is the lead candidate for the job.  There is also local kid from Madison coming in who is supposed to be a running monster.  Madison is not a traditional HS power, so he was overlooked by many bigger programs.
  We continue to bring in BIG, fast kids at WR.  They are all very physical players.  Our line has been the biggest concern for the last several years.  It should be improved this year with most of it being returning starters.  
  Defense should continue to be our stronger side.  Our two biggest losses were Greene at LB and Robb Smith at DC.  Other than the Ville game, his schemes were outstanding all season.  I'm not exactly sure who the defensive leader will be next year.  Hamilton will be back on the D-line.  That is a major upgrade.  
  Special teams continues to be a concern.  Our coverage teams have been pretty good.  We have become particularly adept at blocking punts/kicks.  Our punting and kicking games are problems.  We will be bringing in a fifth year senior punter from Utah as a one year fix.  Our best kicker suffered a non-contact hip injury last year that prevented him from playing the second half of the season.  
  Our recruiting class was a good one.  Coach said it was more about filling needs than star ratings. Still, is was rated the best in the BE and as 4th-6th best for the BIG.  The announcement of our move came very late in the recruiting season so only a few kids switched.  BTW, that JC lineman flipped to NCSt.  He was concerned about the transfer of credits and getting into the top rated RU business school.  No preferential treatment for athletes here.  Apparently NCS is a lot easier with that stuff.

mikeinsec127 wrote:

559notown wrote: I realize it is a ways away but it will be the most important game we play all next year. From what I have read about them they are losing a stud RB a year early to the draft. They return a QB who had a 3/2 TD to INT ratio and lost 4 of their final 6 games. IMO this game is very winnable and could set the tone for a huge year. Anyone have any insight on what Rutgers will look like come next year?

We have lost both our OC and DC.  Neither has been replaced yet.  

  Gary Nova started the year off really well.  He seemed to be able to manage games and not make mistakes. Best game was @Arky.  That really looked like a coming out party for him.  The second half of the season the wheels just came off.  He face adversity and didn't respond well.  I would expect any OC to be hired to want an open QB competition in spring practice.  Flood has hinted at such, even after speaking against it in post bowl interviews.  He must have thought different after seeing the tapes.  We have signed a highly rated QB in each of the last four years.  
  Even with JJ leaving early, we have a stable of RBs ready to step up.  Huggins is the lead candidate for the job.  There is also local kid from Madison coming in who is supposed to be a running monster.  Madison is not a traditional HS power, so he was overlooked by many bigger programs.
  We continue to bring in BIG, fast kids at WR.  They are all very physical players.  Our line has been the biggest concern for the last several years.  It should be improved this year with most of it being returning starters.  
  Defense should continue to be our stronger side.  Our two biggest losses were Greene at LB and Robb Smith at DC.  Other than the Ville game, his schemes were outstanding all season.  I'm not exactly sure who the defensive leader will be next year.  Hamilton will be back on the D-line.  That is a major upgrade.  
  Special teams continues to be a concern.  Our coverage teams have been pretty good.  We have become particularly adept at blocking punts/kicks.  Our punting and kicking games are problems.  We will be bringing in a fifth year senior punter from Utah as a one year fix.  Our best kicker suffered a non-contact hip injury last year that prevented him from playing the second half of the season.  
  Our recruiting class was a good one.  Coach said it was more about filling needs than star ratings. Still, is was rated the best in the BE and as 4th-6th best for the BIG.  The announcement of our move came very late in the recruiting season so only a few kids switched.  BTW, that JC lineman flipped to NCSt.  He was concerned about the transfer of credits and getting into the top rated RU business school.  No preferential treatment for athletes here.  Apparently NCS is a lot easier with that stuff.

Thank you for your post Mike. It seems we have very similar situations except for one, and it's a big one. Where you have questions with Nova, we have a kid named Derek Carr who is a red shirt senior and could/should have a record setting year. We have 4 WR's that all have NFL potential led by Davante Adams who could be the best in school history, RS sophomore..... Our-line is much like you're. Below average last year but our staff brought in some JC guys and a few talented youngster to compete with the three starters that return. If they can get their act together our offense should be one of the best in the country statistically(given our level of competition). Also, unlike your situation we have in my opinion the best Defensive coordinator that we have ever had that lights a fire in our players like I have never seen. We were top 30 in nearly every category after being dead last just two seasons ago. We lose our best player in our secondary in Philip Thomas but we have a JC who will replace him and a speedster named Washington behind him. We return our best LB's and are adding a few studs that red shirted last year. And finally our 3 up front are dominant led by JR Tyler Davidson. However our kicking game has been a problem and we brought in a top 10 kicker from texas who hopefully will come in and fix that. Punting reminds a question mark. Our cover unit is solid but it seems like years since we have brought back a kick to the house. Over all it seems like we are evenly matched with the exception of our extreme QB advantage and you guys having to fly across the country into surprisingly hostile territory. Jim Sweeny field can pack 42k in it and can make it hard for a QB that you said struggles at times. Can't wait and once again thanks for the post. GL on the rest of your games.:)

A win against Rutgers should prove one thing for the start of next year: our OL would be fixed... Fix that and you SHOULD see a 13-0 season before a bowl game. 

Rutgers should have one of the better front 7 we'll face all of next year, even despite losing their stars. If our OL performs well against them, they'll be well conditioned going up against Boise's front 7. And that's at Bulldog Stadium which should make it easier. 

559notown wrote:

arx162218 wrote: Yes, I am being serious. 

There's a difference between should and will.

Rutgers presents a situation that's eerily similar to Oregon State 2001. Despite losing a ton of all Big East talent to graduation and early departure, Rutgers is still projected to contend for the Big East crown. They have more so a lack of experience than a lack of talent returning. Plus, HC Kyle Flood should be able to get this team rolling in his second year. Having said that, this team is very beatable. And doing so would mean we'll reap the benefits of what they did in 2012 as much as what they can do in 2013. 

But the one thing that Rutgers bring in the first game that intrigues me quite a bit is a run defense that should force Carr and the OL to perform right out of the gate. They may not have the gaudy 40 sacks we had, but they pressure enough to have gotten 18 interceptions last year, and that's a test that the OL needs. 

We beat back that pressure on the OL and everything else will take care of itself.

That is all fine and dandy, I was speaking more of your comment that a win against Rutgers would mean a 13-0 season.

Another Rutgers (and Colorado) fan (& former player) here.

To add on to what mikeinsec127 said, RU biggest on field issue is with QB Nova.  A big IF is how consistent will he be this year?  If it's like Arkansas, then Rutgers is dangerous, but if it's like Kent St., then Rutgers is in trouble.  IMO I don't think the OL is an issue.  Mikeinsec127 like a lot of Rutgers fans memories are tied to the performance of the OL from 3 years ago when they were last in the nation in sacks allowed.  The last 2 years Rutgers has been in the top 1/3 of the nation in allowing the fewest sacks.  Altogether the OL has done a nice just of pass and run blocking.  It's been the play calling that has hurt this team.  A prime example of this was against Pittsburgh when Rutgers had the ball on Pitt's 45 on 3rd and 8 and decided for the 3rd series in a row (similar situation) to run a safe play up behind the center for 2 yds.  Rookie HC Flood likes to play field position and rely on his defense.  His defense has come through 99% of the time, but every once in awhile they give up a drive.  Once that happens Rutgers' offense play calling isn't built to play from behind.  The one exception was against Arkansas where Rutgers made great use of a tall and athletic receiver group.  Rutgers threw the ball to set up the run.  It's hard to cover 6'4, 6'3 and 6'6 receivers and two 6'6 TE.  

The defense is not the question even though they lose 5 starters.  Over the years Rutgers has used multiple players as starters, so to say they are losing 5 starters can be somewhat misleading.  A lot of the projected starters average like 40+ snaps a game last year, so how inexperience are they?  I will say this the secondary is the weakest.  The front 7 for Rutgers is loaded with talent and experience.

Overall the Rutgers will go as far as the secondary, QB and HC carry them.  The QB has to show great improvement and the HC has to show more b*lls and heart when coaching.  The secondary is just young, but more athletic than even

Good info, Doug. Thanks for the post. I expect this to be a very good game and it will probably turn on which team makes the most big plays in the passing game.

A supreme test right out of the gate for the new, improved(?) Bulldog OL. No 'Dogs down!!

Note: Thanks to the Rutgers fans for their good input.

cubuffsdoug wrote: Another Rutgers (and Colorado) fan (& former player) here.

To add on to what mikeinsec127 said, RU biggest on field issue is with QB Nova.  A big IF is how consistent will he be this year?  If it's like Arkansas, then Rutgers is dangerous, but if it's like Kent St., then Rutgers is in trouble.  IMO I don't think the OL is an issue.  Mikeinsec127 like a lot of Rutgers fans memories are tied to the performance of the OL from 3 years ago when they were last in the nation in sacks allowed.  The last 2 years Rutgers has been in the top 1/3 of the nation in allowing the fewest sacks.  Altogether the OL has done a nice just of pass and run blocking.  It's been the play calling that has hurt this team.  A prime example of this was against Pittsburgh when Rutgers had the ball on Pitt's 45 on 3rd and 8 and decided for the 3rd series in a row (similar situation) to run a safe play up behind the center for 2 yds.  Rookie HC Flood likes to play field position and rely on his defense.  His defense has come through 99% of the time, but every once in awhile they give up a drive.  Once that happens Rutgers' offense play calling isn't built to play from behind.  The one exception was against Arkansas where Rutgers made great use of a tall and athletic receiver group.  Rutgers threw the ball to set up the run.  It's hard to cover 6'4, 6'3 and 6'6 receivers and two 6'6 TE.  

The defense is not the question even though they lose 5 starters.  Over the years Rutgers has used multiple players as starters, so to say they are losing 5 starters can be somewhat misleading.  A lot of the projected starters average like 40+ snaps a game last year, so how inexperience are they?  I will say this the secondary is the weakest.  The front 7 for Rutgers is loaded with talent and experience.

Overall the Rutgers will go as far as the secondary, QB and HC carry them.  The QB has to show great improvement and the HC has to show more b*lls and heart when coaching.  The secondary is just young, but more athletic than even

This might be the X Factor.  Last year, when we played against an aggressive and powerful defensive line, we lost.  But, if we gave our QB time to throw, he would make a weak secondary pay dearly. 

We addressed the issues of our OL in this years recruiting class, but we won't know if the problem is fixed for some time.  I'm hoping for our sake the OL will perform 100 times better.

Thanks for posting Doug.  I hope you guys have a great season.

Ron Prince the new OC @ Rutgers?  His KSU team wasn't much of an issue for the Dogs @ Bulldog Stadium a few years back.  Hopefully, we'll see the same results!