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| Sunday, August 12 Updated: August 13, 10:55 PM ET Rutgers believes it can win in Big East By Brad Edwards Special to ESPN.com |
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2000 record: 3-8 (0-7). Coach: Greg Schiano (first year). Starters returning: 6 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers. Outlook: The best is yet to come for Rutgers football. The progress which has been made in the last nine months might not show up in the 2001 record, but the program seems to finally be headed in the right direction. Reality, however, is that the Scarlet Knights are once again expected to finish last in the Big East because there is very little talent among the upperclassmen. The offense had been capable under QB Mike McMahon, but now there is no experience at the position. It could be a struggle to generate points with few big-play threats at running back and receiver. Defense has been the real weakness of this team over the past several years, but it should start to improve with a new 4-3 look and the return of seven starters. The team might take its lumps a few more times in the next few months, but this season is all about building for the future in New Jersey. Keep an eye on: MLB Raheem Orr. The long-awaited debut of one of Terry Shea's best recruits will come this September when Orr finally steps on the field. Over the last two years, his coaches and teammates have marveled at his ability, but he has not been academically eligible to play until now. He has the physical tools to excel in the Big East. His challenges will be adjusting to the higher quality of competition and getting used to live game action after so much time off. Key game: Oct. 6 vs. Syracuse. Having won only one of its last 16 conference games, a good goal for Rutgers is to earn a Big East victory this season. Syracuse was the last victim of the Scarlet Knights (in '99), and the Orangemen will also be the first reasonable chance for the State University of New Jersey in 2001. It's a good year if... Rutgers can win four games. Looking at the schedule, Buffalo, UConn and Navy are should-win games for the Knights; any additional victories would be well earned. A big task for new coach Greg Schiano will be building a winning attitude and making his players believe. This is one of the rare situations where moral victories could take place on a football field -- at least for this season. Brad Edwards is a college football researcher for ESPN. |
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