After an 11-2 season and a Texas Bowl win, metropolitan sport fans are feeling quite excited about the 2007-2008 Rutgers Football team. For a program that is only 4 seasons removed from a 1-11 season, the Scarlet Knights have made extreme leaps and bounds toward becoming a Big East powerhouse along with a national title contender.
Going into the 2007 season, Rutgers will be led by Heisman Trophy canidate Ray Rice. Rice is looking to improve on a 1,687 rushing yard and 19 touchdown season. Not only does Rice have to duplicate his play in order for Rutgers to continue their success but quaterback Mike Teel must improve on his numbers from 2006. For Rutgers to contend for the Big East title, Teel must lower his interception total (13) and increase his touchdown production from the previous season (10). With the imergence of Kenny Britt and the flash of talent shown in the Texas Bowl by Tim Brown, Rutgers air attack should make a vast improvement this season.
The defense was one of Rutgers strong points in the past season will look to shut down the Big East again. With Ron Girault and Courtney Greene leading the secondary, we should look for first year starter Kevin Malast to provide some producation in the linebacking core. With Ryan D'Imperio breaking his leg during spring ball, Rutgers will be a bit undermanned in this position but look for Malast to big a leader for the defense. Also keep an eye on true freshmen Manny Abreu. He may see some playing time at the linebacker core by mid-season. This four star recruit recorded 100 tackles his senior year along with 5 sacks for Union City High School.
After a fairy-tale season for Rutgers fans, expectations are extremely high for the Scarlet Knights. The quest for the Knights begins August 30th when the Scarlet Knights face-off against the Buffalo Bulls.
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