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2008 Rutgers College Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

Head coach Greg Schiano calls this the most talented roster her has had, but a treacherous schedule will likely keep the Scarlet Knights from a league title. Non-conference contests with Fresno State and North Carolina to start along with October games at West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh is sure to trip up the Knights. Still, Schiano and his boys have a great shot at their fourth straight bowl game. Get the college football predictions on the Knights in Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights season preview.

Offense

A year removed from Ray Rice’s 2,000-yard season, Rutgers will likely feature the most productive passing game the program has ever seen. QB Mike Teel is coming off the second best season in school history by passing for 3,147 yards despite playing nine games with a thumb injury. With Ray Rice out and with the best wide receiver tandem in the league, Teel is poised for a monster year, one in which he will become the all-time leading passer at Rutgers. Wide receiver Kenny Britt is tall, fast, and athletic, and he set a school record with 1,232 receiving yards in 2007. He was a constant big play threat who averaged 19.9 yards per catch. His running mate is Tiquan Underwood, who had 1,100 receiving yards on 65 catches. He set a school mark with 248 receiving yards in one game last season. Replacing tailback Ray Rice, the program’s all-time leading rusher won’t happen this season. The Knights must also find replacements for three offensive line starters. 6′6”, 350-pound tackle Anthony Davis earned Freshman All-American honors and will fill one of those spots. It is most definitely worth noting that Rutgers was the first team in NCAA history to feature a 3,000-yard passer, 2,000-yard rusher, and two 1,000-yard receivers. Without Rice and some key lineman, the offense can’t be quite as potent, but it will still put plenty of points on the board.

Defense

Rutgers will be solid once again up front and will get an added boost if true freshman tackle Scott Vallone is ready to step right in and play well. Ends George Johnson and Jamaal Westerman and nose tackle Pete Tverdov are all proven performers. Senior Courtney Greene is one of the best in the country at the free safety spot. Twins Jason and Devin McCounty are back at the starting corners also. The linebacker spot will be the key to Rutgers once again ranking in the top 20 on the defensive side of the ball. Kevin Malast is a steady returner, but he will likely be joined by newcomers Ryan D’Imperio and Manny Abreu.

Special Teams

Career scoring leader, place kicker Jeremy Ito, must be replaced. The Knights think redshirt frosh San San the is the man for the job. With Kenny Britt back for punt returns, the Knights should see a few fireworks in the open field.

Prediction – 4th Big East

A grueling schedule and a less potent running game will hold the Knights back from challenging for a Big East title. An electrifying passing attack will make Rutgers a great ticket once again however. Expect the Knights to be bowling with seven wins.

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