Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Big East
Rutgers was so close to winning the Big East and reaching a BCS game. Louisville gave Rutgers a chance to clinch the BCS berth with a game left to play, but Rutgers lost at Pittsburgh by a score of 6 to 27. That set up a winner-take-all game against the Cardinals. Rutgers did take an early lead in that contest, but they let Louisville come right back and reclaim the lead. And Rutgers could not get it back. The Scarlet Knights did tie for the Big East title with a 5-2 mark, but that is of little consolation for a squad that was so close to a big January game.
2012 Record: 9-3, 5-2
Coach: Kyle Flood
Coach Bowl Record: 0-0
Big Wins: 10/13 Syracuse (23-15), 11/17 at Cincinnati (10-3)
Bad Losses: 10/29 Kent State (23-35), 11/24 at Pittsburgh (6-27)
Strengths:
Rutgers wins games with their defense. This is a team that allows about 14 points per game. They have only given up more than 20 points in a game on three occasions…against Arkansas, Kent State and Pittsburgh. Two of those games resulted in losses, so playing quality defense will be very important for the Scarlet Knights when looking for their sixth straight bowl win. Khaseem Greene is a versatile linebacker who has played corner and free safety in the past. This year he led the Scarlet Knights with 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He added a couple interceptions, five pass break-ups and eight quarterback hurries. Versatility is nice to have, but having somebody like Greene who can do everything so effectively has turned this defense into one of the best in the nation. Corners Brandon Jones and Logan Ryan will be tested, but both have had great seasons and usually come out on top. Ryan has broken up an impressive 14 passes during the regular season. If the defense can get pressure on the opposing quarterback, which has been a problem, Rutgers is a tough team to move the chains against.
Weaknesses:
Most of the time quarterback Gary Nova just has to avoid turnovers and let the defense do its job. Rutgers does not have to ask him to win games for them. But sometimes Nova can lose games for the Scarlet Knights. His 15 interceptions are a concern. Yet, there are times when Nova needs to make plays and he is certainly capable of doing that. On the year he has thrown for 2,566 yards and 22 touchdowns. Receivers Brandon Coleman, with ten touchdown receptions, and Mark Harrison, with six, have big play potential. Jawan Jamison is a good running back, tallying 1,054 yards on the ground, but Rutgers has only run for a grand total of six touchdowns on the year. That is not good and a big reason why the Scarlet Knights average under 23 points per game.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jawan Jamison, RB, 1,054 yards
Passing: Gary Nova, QB, 2,566 yards
Receiving: Brandon Coleman, WR, 663 yards
Tackles: Khaseem Greene, LB, 125
Sacks: Khaseem Greene, LB, 5.5
Interceptions: Logan Ryan, CB, 4
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 132.45 (94th in nation, 7th in conference)
Passing Offense: 208.91 (87, 7)
Total Offense: 341.36 (99, 6)
Scoring Offense: 22.91 (93, 6)
Rushing Defense: 110.73 (11, 2)
Pass Defense: 206.64 (32, 4)
Total Defense: 317.36 (14, 2)
Scoring Defense: 13.73 (4, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.00 (14, 1)
Sacks: 1.64 (84, 8)
Sacks Allowed: .73 (6, 1)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 Pinstripe Bowl Iowa State (27-13)
2009 St. Petersburg Bowl UCF (45-24)
2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl North Carolina State (29-23)
2007 International Bowl Ball State (52-30)
2006 Texas Bowl Kansas State (37-10)
*all team stats through 11/24
