(10-21-2012 04:19 PM)axeme Wrote:  We will need to play a lot better than we did this week. This will be a tough nut. While we are a whole lot better than we were down in Lexington, Rutgers is a WHOLE lot better than UK.

(10-21-2012 05:21 PM)ksu70 Wrote:  

(10-21-2012 04:19 PM)axeme Wrote:  We will need to play a lot better than we did this week. This will be a tough nut. While we are a whole lot better than we were down in Lexington, Rutgers is a WHOLE lot better than UK.

I agree this will be quite a challege for us. I am not that familiar with Rutgers but it seems we have more trouble with a passing team than running team. For us to have a shot at winning this game I think the turnover margin must be at least +2 and our special teams must score once, Then I think we will have a shot.

(10-21-2012 07:21 PM)cubuffsdoug Wrote:  

(10-21-2012 05:21 PM)ksu70 Wrote:  

(10-21-2012 04:19 PM)axeme Wrote:  We will need to play a lot better than we did this week. This will be a tough nut. While we are a whole lot better than we were down in Lexington, Rutgers is a WHOLE lot better than UK.

I agree this will be quite a challege for us. I am not that familiar with Rutgers but it seems we have more trouble with a passing team than running team. For us to have a shot at winning this game I think the turnover margin must be at least +2 and our special teams must score once, Then I think we will have a shot.

Rutgers fan here. RU has the making of being a very good team, but at times the coaching staff plays conservative on offense and rely on the defense to carry the team. Only twice this season has the offense really opened up and scored at will. Both times RU was down by 10 at Arkansas and Temple. RU scored 35 points against Arkansas in a span of 25 minutes and against Temple RU scored 35 points in 16 minute to take control of both games.

RU offense has pro size with a few guys who should make all Big East. Soph. RB Jawan Jamison leads the Big East in rushing and is ranked in the top 10 nationally, but the receivers may be more dangerous if the staff lets them loose. Soph. Brandon Coleman is 6'6 220 and has score 11 TD in 18 games while average 20 yds a catch. The slot receiver is Sr. Tim Wright (6-4 220) who has some of the best hands on the time. He been a matchup problem for LB and safeties. The other deep threat is Mark Harrison (all-Big East '10) who stands 6'3 230 and is a burner. He's built like a TE, but runs like a receiver and RU loves to throw the deep routes to him. The TE DC Jefferson is a big boy 6'6 250 and just starting to come into his own. He was a QB with a world of athletic talent before the switch to TE. He's starting to understand the new position. The offensive line is like night and day from last year and the year before. In the past the OL couldn't open up holes for the backs or pass protect. This year they have given up on 4 sacks. Three of the sacks are intentional grounding, so the QB has stayed clean for the most part. The QB is Gary Nova who was the top QB coming out of NJ from HS national power Don Bosco Prep. He starting to live up to the hype he received from last year. He stats don't blow you away, but he has made all the throws when needed. Right now he's thrown for 1600 yds with 15 TD and 3 INT.

The defense is one of the best nationally. Rutgers' run defense is 3rd in the nation, 3rd in scoring defense and overall the defense is 14th. Also, they are tied 3rd nationally with your team in takeaways. RU has 4 returning 1st team all-Big East performer starting with DT Scott Vallone (most starts by anyone in the BE at 42), safety Duron Harmon, CB Logan Ryan (considered the best cover corner in the BE) and LB Khaseem Greene who the reigning BE defensive play of the year. Greene has received some preseason all-american pub from several media outlets. RU isn't the biggest defense, but it's fast and plays assignment football.

What helps RU to overwhelm teams is their special teams. Since 2009 RU has blocked more kicks (punts & FG) than any other team in the nation. Also, they are just ahead of your team in kick return as the #1 ranked unit.

(10-22-2012 04:14 AM)dannyb73 Wrote:  Based on what CUBUFFSDOUG says, it should be a battle of wills. Who can run and who can stop the run? Hey CUBUFFSDOUG, what do you say to the handshake agreement that you kick to Dri Archer and we will kick to your guys?

If this game had been the week after the Kentucky game, I would say we were in big trouble. With the confidence we have now, combined with playmakers all over the field, this could be a competitive game down the stretch if we play mistake free football.

(10-22-2012 07:51 AM)Flashes Win Again Wrote:  This is the Gary Waters' revenge game!