2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Preview

2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Rutgers Scarlet Knights football preview as well as the 2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Schedule. After reading this article check out our college football predictions against the current point spread.

Coach: Greg Schiano (8th year at Rutgers)
Team Name: Scarlet Knights
2007 Overall Record: 8-5
Returning Starters: 15

In 2007, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-5 overall, 3-4 Big East) finished tied for fifth in the conference. They had a tough time beating the better teams in the conference, although they did manage a slim 30-27 victory over the USF Bulls. At the International Bowl, the Scarlet Knights buried Ball State 52-30.

Senior QB Mike Teel (349 ATT, 203 COMP, 3,147 YDS, 20 TDs, 13 INT) returns and is ready to throw for 3,000 more yards. He had a fine season in 2007 despite the fact that he played with an injured throwing hand. Junior WR Kenny Britt and senior WR Tiquan Underwood had 1,232 yards and 1,100 yards in catches respectively. They are back. The running back position is tenuous with talented sophomore Kordell Young returning from major knee surgery. The frontline, which has been rebuilt, includes sophomore LT Anthony Davis who was a Freshman All-American in 2007.

This team’s pass defense was exemplary last year with Rutgers being ranked fifth nationally, allowing just 170.5 yards per game. The secondary will be one of the best in the Big East and there’s plenty of depth on the frontline. Senior DE Jamaal Westerman is the returning sack leader with eight. The defensive end slots are especially deep and rich. The linebacking unit includes the skilled and talented Ryan D’Imperio, who missed the entire 2007 season due to injury.

A wining record looks to be in Rutgers’ near future. West Virginia should beat them on October 4, but all other games can be won. Two swing contests—Pittsburgh away on October 25 and South Florida away on November 15—will determine where this team ends up in the post-season.

Head coach Greg Schiano (38-46 in seven years) has said that the 2008 Scarlet Knights are the most talented team he’s ever coached. But this clubs’ success hangs on the play of inexperienced freshmen and sophomores. If they can learn, develop and thrive quickly, this will be a tough team to beat. A fourth straight bowl appearance is possible but not guaranteed.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Sep 1	Fresno State	Home
Sep 11	North Carolina	Home
Sep 20	Navy	Away
Sep 27	Morgan State	Home
Oct 4	West Virginia	Away
Oct 11	Cincinnati	Away
Oct 18	Connecticut	Home
Oct 25	Pittsburgh	Away
Nov 8	Syracuse	Home
Nov 15	South Florida	Away
Nov 22	Army	Home
Dec 4	Louisville	Home

 

For more info on the 2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football program, view the Scarlet Knights football site or you can read about other Big East teams below.