BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW: GAME #3 RUTGERS

September 19, 2008



Greg Schiano has resisted pressing the panic button and will stick with quarterback Mike Teel after the Scarlet Knights have opened the season 0-2. Teel has just one touchdown and has been picked off five times in their first two games, a 24-7 loss to Fresno State and an embarrassing 44-12 loss to North Carolina on national television, both at home.

Making matters worse for RU has been the injury to running back Kordell Young, who was supposed to fill the large shoes of star Ray Rice who is now with the Baltimore Ravens. With Young shelved, the running game has not held its own, adding more pressure on the senior Teel, who has struggled.

After their opening home losses, Rutgers now hits the road for a date with the Navy Midshipmen in a must-win game. Navy comes into the contest at 1-2, dropping two straight on the road against Ball State (35-23) and Duke (41-31). Last season Navy lost at Rutgers, 41-24, but managed to beat Pittsburgh and Notre Dame on the road in earning a bowl bid.

Rutgers has the playmakers at WR to put up some points, Teel needs to deliver the ball to them. Navy is VERY prone to give up points (76 last two weeks) and last season they yielded 36 a game, so this should be a game that helps the RU offense get on track, but the Navy attack will definitely test the Scarlet Knights.

With the oddsmakers installing Rutgers as a road favorite of 6 and a half points, the play this weekend is to Bet on Rutgers to cover the points and come up with a MUCH needed first vistory of the 2008 season.

Prediction:

Rutgers 38
Navy 28