Spring practices are in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it so that means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you get a grasp of what to expect this upcoming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 College Football Preview. #36 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 7-5 SU; 5-6 ATS Fargos Take Rutgers had its first winning season since 1992 and went to a bowl game for the first time since 1978 so what can the Scarlet Knights do for an encore? They likely wont be able to contend for the Big East title but back-to-back winning seasons and bowl berths are a pretty good place to start, the latter being something that has never happened in school history. Rutgers was 44th in total offense and 48th in scoring offense, the best since 1993 and should be even better this season despite losing its starting quarterback. Head coach Greg Schiano took over the defensive coordinator duties last year and it was a successful move as the Scarlet Knights allowed over five less ppg and 57 ypg less than what they gave up in 2004. There is a buzz in New Jersey as Rutgers comes into this season with some of the highest expectations ever. Living up to them will determine if last season was a fluke or if it could be here to stay. Returning Starters on Offense 7 Losing Ryan Hart at quarterback could be considered a big blow to the offense but Mike Teel, who actually started three games as a freshman, is expected to step right in. His numbers in those games were ugly and he will be pushed by freshman Jabu Lovelace but there is enough offense around him to make it a smooth transition. Three receivers who caught 32 or more passes are back, led by fullback Brian Leonard who gives the team a lot of options out of the backfield. The best of the bunch could be tight end Clark Harris, an All-Big East selection and preseason All-American candidate. Sophomore tailback Ray Rice had a spectacular freshman year, rushing for 1,120 yards on 5.7 ypc and he will be running behind a very experienced offensive line that is one of the best in the Big East. Returning Starters on Defense 7 The defense was sloppy at times but it was also very good at other times. The unit allowed 45 or more points in three of its final four games while allowing single digits four times throughout the season. The inconsistency is what needs to be taken care of to improve upon its 55th ranking in total defense from a season ago. Seven starters are back and the problem area could be the defensive line, which was the strength in 2005. The return of defensive tackle Eric Foster, who is coming off knee surgery, will be a big factor for success. The linebackers return all intact but depth could be a problem. The secondary was torched last season, including 467 yards in the Insight Bowl against Arizona St., and finished the season ranked 79th against the pass. Three starters return and if the Scarlet Knights can pressure the passer again after finishing second in the country in sacks, there should be progress. Schedule The schedule is not easy but it isnt overly difficult either. The worst of the four non-conference games is at North Carolina in the season opener but then its three straight home games against weaker competition Illinois, Ohio and Howard. Things do get tougher after that with three consecutive road games beginning with the Big East opener at South Florida. After that, its a trip to Navy followed by a contest at Pittsburgh. Three of the final five games are at home but one of those is against Louisville, the favorite to win the conference. The final home game is against Syracuse while the season finale is at West Virginia. Overall, four of the seven Big East games are on the road so making a run at the conference title likely wont be an option. Bye weeks prior to Navy and Louisville are an added benefit. You can bet on It took Schiano five years to lead Rutgers to a winning record and a bowl game but he finally got it done and now it is time to keep that run going. The Scarlet Knights have an excellent shot at returning to the postseason but it might take an upset on the road to reach that goal. After going an astounding 10-1-1 against the number three years ago, Rutgers has put together two straight losing seasons, combining to go 8-12 ATS. The Scarlet Knights have struggled as the favorite over those two years, going just 2-4 ATS when laying points. They are going to be in that role in their first two lined home games and the first will be an interesting scenario. Rutgers will be looking for some revenge against Illinois after blowing a 20-point lead and losing in overtime in the season opener last season. |
