Just over 11 months ago as many would recall, The Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeated the #3 Louisville Cardinals and launched themselves into the national spotlight with the 28-25 upset victory. On this coming Thursday RU will again host a highly ranked opponent but instead of trying to launch themselves onto the scene it's more of a self preservation game for the un-ranked Scarlet Knights.
This year's new kid on the block, The University of South Florida Bulls, come to Piscataway with an unblemished record and a swagger usually reserved for more traditional powerhouses. Sophomore Quaterback Matt Grothe, a dual threat QB , is a true playmaker and can get things done with his arm or by pulling it down and taking off operating out of a spread offense.
On the other side of the ball Senior linebacker Ben Moffitt leads a relentless, speedy, defense that is actually more responsible for USF's so far undefeated season. To beat USF you need to wear this defense down, something that obviously hasn't been done yet this season. At no time yet in this season has Ray Rice been more needed as he will be on Thursday night.
Rice ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the Scarlet Knight's 38-14 pasting of the Syracuse Orangemen. If Rice, who goes into this game with 818 rushing yards, can eclipse the 1,000 yard mark for the season on Thursday then RU will be in a great position to win this game. Any success that Rice has will open things up for QB Mike Teel and recievers Tiquan Underwood, Kenny Britt and Timmy Brown.
On the defensive side of the ball the Rutgers young and improving defense will have a good bit of work to do. The secondary will need to account for the 4 and 5 wide reciever sets that Grothe will have at his disposal. If the DB's can force Grothe to try and run the linebackers will have to answer the call. I will keep my eyes on Senior Linebacker and Draddy Award Semi-finalist Brandon Renkart who will likely have the job of spying on Grothe for the duration of the contest.
Although Rutgers will be an underdog heading into this game I would not be in complete shock if they were to pull of the upset. On the other hand I wouldn't be shocked if they get completely blown out. One thing this College Football Season has shown us is that nothing should be shocking anymore.
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