2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to bookmark our free college football odds line service for the upcoming season.

Coach: Greg Schiano (6th year at Rutgers)
Team Name: Scarlet Knights
2005 Overall Record: 7-5
2005 Big East Conference Record 4-3
Returning Starters: 14

Rutgers is a team with a lot of talent and now, it seems it’s time for that talent to finally do something. Will this be a breakthrough year for the Scarlet Knights?

Sophomore QB Mike Teel, who will start this season, has the potential to be the best field general this school has ever seen. Versatile FB Brian Leonard (55 REC, 568 YDS, 6 TDs) returns as the team’s leading pass catcher and sophomore standout Ray Rice (195 CARR, 1,120 YDS, 5 TDs) gives the team a powerful weapon at running back. Three starting offensive linemen return, which should provide a solid base on which the team can build.

The linebackers and secondary bring back 6 out of 7 starters, including free safety Courtney Greene (116 tackles) and strong safety Ron Girault (3 INTS). The front four are fairly new, which means veteran tackle Ramel Meekins (9 sacks) will be taking a strong leadership role.

Last season, the Scarlet Knights went 7-4 in the regular season and then lost to Arizona 40-45 in the Insight Bowl. Rutgers should win 7 again in 2006, but they have the potential to win as many as 11. That means making the most out of swing games against North Carolina, South Florida, Navy and Pittsburgh. This could be their year.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	North Carolina	Road
Sep 9	Illinois	Home
Sep 16	Buffalo	Home
Sep 23	Howard	Home
Sep 30	South Florida	Road
Oct 14	Navy	Road
Oct 21	Pittsburgh	Road
Oct 28	Connecticut	Home
Nov 9	Louisville	Home
Nov 18	Cincinnati	Road
Nov 25	Syracuse	Home
Dec 2	West Virginia	Road

 

For more data on the 2006 Rutgers football program, view the Scarlet Knights team website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the Big East competition.