UB beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights last year, their only win. The Scarlet nights beat Army last year, which was their only win. So what we have here are a couple of very young, 1-11 teams looking to break the line and get their program off in the right direction. Let us examine to see if Rutgers has what it takes to turn it around.
Offense
The Scarlet Knights saw a number of quarterbacks last season, and sophomore Ryan Hart has been selected to lead the charge this year. His 77.33 passer rating and 45.9 completion percentage as a freshman last year show he is a work in progress at best. Accordingly, head coach Greg Schiano has decided to go to a running-based game.
The problem is the team accumulated 620 rushing yards combined. The Knights giving up 51 sacks last year complicate this stat, but the truth remains, there is no running game. Look for sophomore Markis Facyson to be given a shot in the first game, although the position is very much up for grabs.
Receiver juniors Jerry Andre and Tres Moses will attempt to take some pressure off of the running game, as Andre had a team high 17.1 yards per catch, although on only eight catches. The team lost it's best receiver to graduation in tight end L.J. Smith, who led the team in receptions (32), yards (384), and touchdowns (3). (Editors note: he also threatened to end former and current senior sports editors', Mike Scott and Jim Byrne's lives after the game)
Replacing Smith at tight end will not be easy, and the job could go to either senior Ed Jordan or senior Ray Pilch. If Rutgers truly goes to the running game, the nature of that position may change from passing threat to possession/blocking. If so, the passing will land solely on the shoulders of a very young receiving corps.
The offensive line is in flux, losing both tackles to graduation. Returning is senior center Marty Pyszczymuka, who will hopefully provide some stability. The line is going to have to play as long and hard as his last name if there is any hope for the quarterbacks to survive. The team cannot succeed while letting defensive players assault the backfield for 51 sacks again.
Defense
The defense has actually improved over the past few years. Anchoring the defensive line are returning seniors Raheem Orr and Gary Gibson. Defensive end Orr was the most productive pass rusher last year for the Knights, if you can call 4.5 sacks productive pass rushing. Gibson was the best Rutgers tackle last year, but the team still surrendered 207 yards per game on the ground.
Senior linebackers Brain Bender and Brian Hohmann will play a keep part in how the Rutgers defense performs. Combining for 128 tackles and two interceptions, they will carry the brunt of the linebacking duties for the year, if they can stay healthy.
Defensive back Brandon Haw is probably the best Rutgers corner, along with corner Nate Jones who combined for six interceptions. Jones is a star on the team, having won BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year honors and rated as the eighth best kick returner by the Sporting News. He had two touchdowns each for 100 yards last season. Jones can be a factor if he can give his offense good field position to start a drive with.
Kicking
Senior Ryan Sands will handle the kicking duties this year, unless he drops further below his own 5 for 12 field goal mark. Sophomore punter Joe Radigan will get his chance at the job after playing for the scout team last year. If the Rutgers offense does not improve, he will get a lot of chances to prove himself.
Overall
There is a lot of youth on this roster. Trying to put face on the team is not easy this early, especially with a redesigned offense. If Rutgers is going to a running game with a patched up offensive line, expect the defense to carry them as far as they can. Special teams will be huge for the Scarlet Knights in any case. Without good field position, the offense will struggle to produce points. UB has just as many problems and youngsters, and the outcome of this game will answer a simple question. Who grew up faster?
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
