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Updated: August 18, 5:40 PM ET Despite the record, Rutgers is getting better By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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Coach: Greg Schiano (3-20, 3rd season) 2002 overall record: 1-11 Conference record: 0-7 Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Markis Facyson* (398 yds) Passing: Ted Trump* (740 yds) Receiving: L.J. Smith (384 yds) Tackles: Gary Brackett (130) Sacks: Raheem Orr* (4.5) Interceptions: Brandon Haw* (4) Outlook: You couldn't tell by the record, but Rutgers was actually better last season than it was in Greg Schiano's first year as coach. After being outscored by its Big East opponents by an average 41.3 points in 2001, the Scarlet Knights lowered that margin a year ago to 24.3 ppg. That's not anything to brag about, but at Rutgers any improvement is welcomed. If the Knights enjoy any success this season it will likely be the result of a defense that returns seven starters. That same group represented itself well last season, holding its own against Miami and Tennessee while pitching a shutout -- the second in nine seasons -- against Army. The best of the defenders is cornerback Nate Jones, who is also one of the top special teams players in the Big East. The real problems are on offense. A total of 97 Division I-A players rushed for more than the 620 yards Rutgers gained as a team last season. The Knights gave up 51 sacks, punted a school-record 93 times and averaged 13.9 points, which ranked last among 117 Division I-A teams. To turn things around, Schiano hired former Utah offensive coordinator Craig Ver Steeg to install an offense that centers on a two-back set with heavy emphasis on a timing passing game. Quarterback Ryan Hart, who survived four starts as a true freshman, is expected to lead the offense. Not much else is settled, particularly on the offensive line where five new starters are needed. Schiano has done an excellent job of recruiting and the Knights figure to be more competitive than they have the past two seasons. Just don't expect to see the improvement apparent in the win column. Key game: Of Rutgers' seven victories since 1999, two have come over Buffalo. As luck would have it, Buffalo is back on the schedule again, opening the season against the Scarlet Knights on August 30. Of course, when it comes to Rutgers, nothing is a certainty. The Bulls, arguably Division I-A's weakest link, pounded the Knights last season. Keep an eye on: Nate Robinson. The freshman defensive tackle is the highest-regarded high school player Rutgers has signed since it joined the Big East. Robinson signed with Miami, where he was expected to play this season. But Robinson did not qualify academically and enrolled at Rutgers before the start of fall practice. He could be playing right away. It's a good year if: Rutgers wins a Big East game. The Scarlet Knights haven't won a conference game in this century, losing 22 straight Big East meetings dating back to a victory against Syracuse in 1999. The best chance at snapping the streak this season will come on Oct. 25 at Temple. The bad news is that Rutgers hasn't beaten the Owls on the road since 1995. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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