Dreadful. Miserable. Disappointed. These are some of the feelings Rutgers fans stomached during the Scarlet Knights latest loss. The Scarlet Knights may have had a better showing than in the previous rout from the West Virginia Mountaineers, yet this loss may have hurt even more. With the loss to Connecticut, Rutgers has found another way to lower the post-season expectations for the 2007 campaign. In just 3 short weeks, the Scarlet Knights have descended from the National Top 25 Picture, Big East Conference Championship race and the latest loss practically eliminated the Knights from traveling to a better Bowl game this season. This season has been similar to a long wait for an amusement park ride with the expectation that I will be the most thrilling ride you have ever been on. Rutgers fans anticipated an exhilarating season after last year's magical campaign that came with national attention. The season started strong with three home victories, but with two losses to Maryland and Cincinnati, Rutgers fans began to realize this season might not be as amazing as anticipated. Since then the Knights have showed sparks of emotion and the will to win against Syracuse and in a thrilling upset of #2 South Florida at Rutgers Stadium. Yet, the Knights couldn't seem to find that same will to win against West Virginia and Connecticut. Saturday night against UConn, Rutgers was outplayed from the start on special teams play as Connecticut blocked a punt for a safety and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. UConn had its way on special teams, while Rutgers struggled mightily, also dropping two kickoffs that gave Rutgers starting position inside their own 10-yard line. I don’t care how amazing your offense is because if you have to start each offensive position with 90+ yards to get a touchdown, you are not going to win the game. This season we have realized how young these Scarlet Knights are and even though this season may not be as glamorous as projected, this season will be a great learning experience for Greg Schiano's club. The Knights still can muster a respectable bowl game if they win out against Army, Pitt and Louisville, yet no opponent should be overlooked. Lets hope the Knights can stick to their motto and keep choppin' for the rest of the 2007 season.
As for my prediction, The UConn game sets me back to 0-2 in predictions since creating this blog. Rutgers 24 UConn 17 didn’t seem so crazy last week, but UConn 38 Rutgers 19 didn't seem so likely either. What can you do. Lets all hope the Knights bounce back Friday night @ Army.
KEEP CHOPPIN'
-Mike Briggs
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