My Scarlet Theory: The Rutgers Football Preview

I’ve read the magazines and the tabloids, and I know it is unlikely for Rutgers to come away with a Big East title. I’m no expert, but I can assure you that these analysts are wrong. Plus, I’m biased, but I’m right. Here’s why.

Tom Savage is the best quarterback in the Big East. There’s no doubt about it. He’s proven it, resetting Big East records as a true freshman. He enters his sophomore season on pace to become the best quarterback the Big East has ever seen.

It isn’t like he does it all by himself. Joe Martinek is a reliable and talented runner. As a junior, he has poise beyond his years. Kordell Young, another strong and quick running back, provides skill as a speedster. Injuries, though, are a factor with him. The wide receivers are young, but talented. Mohamed Sanu, as a sophomore, is a projected all-Big East wide-out and kick returner. Sanu can also run the wildcat. He is the whole package. Mark Harrison is another sophomore with a lot of talent that had a special connection with Savage last season. Julian Hayes, the only veteran in the talented group, is also skilled. He can be the team’s third wideout. The offensive line is good again, like it usually is. That rounds out a youthful, but solid offense.

On defense, sophomore Steve Beauharnis, junior Scott Valone, and senior Joe Lefeged lead a dominant defensive attack. Valone and Charlie Noonan serve as the best defensive tackle duo since Ramel Meekins and Eric Foster. Defensive ends Alex Silvestro and Jonathon Freeny return as sack specialists. Beauharnis, Manny Abreu, and Antonio Lowery round out the front seven. The secondary might be the only question. David Rowe and Brandon Bing are both quick corners. Khaseem Greene joins Lefeged at the safety positions. Together they provide great tackling and pass-reading skills.

Lefeged is also skilled on special teams, making some spectacular kick-off returns last year. The other kick returner is Sanu, who returns punts as well. Bing and Young are also options as kickoff returners. San San Te is a strong place-kicker and Teddy Dellaganna, though streaky and inconsistent, can be a fantastic punter at times, as evidence in 2008, when he pinned UConn inside the ten three consecutive times.

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The schedule is also pretty simple. The Knights begin with two games against weak foes, before coming home to face nationally ranked North Carolina. In many ways this is the most important game of the season. A win can set the tone for an extremely exciting season. But a loss can lead up to a disappointing, unspectacular year. Rutgers plays Tulane next and then opens up the Big East season with a home game against UConn. Following UConn is a game at the new Meadowlands stadium against Army. The Scarlet Knights then go on an all-important road trip, facing Pittsburgh, ranked fourteenth nationally, and South Florida. Three straight games, including a road match with Cincinnati, bring Rutgers to a big finale at West Virginia. Morgantown had previously been a nightmare for Rutgers, but hopefully they can turn it around then.

I think Rutgers has a legit chance to win the Big East and come away with an amazing season.

By: Justin Sontupe
BigEast-fans.com Rutgers Correspondent