Rutgers (4-2) at Army (3-4)
Time: 8:00 pm TV: ESPN2
Radio: WOR-710 AM, WCTC-1450 AM
35:00 minutes before Kickoff: The Rutgers band is filing in behind the south end goalpost. The red looks sharp against the night sky. I’m sort of disappointed the games I’ve covered here have been at night. It’s hard to see the river.
I apologize for the later start, but I was upstairs saying hello to John Minko. Most of you likely know him as one of the (great) update anchors at WFAN, but he’s also Army’s play-by-play man and he was also training me this summer when I was learning about anchoring. In any case, John says defensive end Josh McNary is the real deal. He had four sacks last week at Temple, the junior is already Army’s single season (9.5) and career (15.0) sack leader and when asked if he’s seen any of him this week, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said, “I’ve seen more than I’ve wanted to.” John also said 6-10 offensive tackle-turned-wideout Alejandro Villanueva (that’s not a typo – he’s six foot ten) has decent hands. And makes jump balls an Army automatic.
22:04 before Kickoff: There are only six true freshmen starting quarterbacks in the highest level of college football this year. Tonight, we get to see two of them. For Rutgers, Tom Savage makes his first ever start on the road. (Remember, he missed Maryland with the concussion.) For Army, Trent Steelman will be going with a cracked rib and a bruised shoulder. Not that he throws that much anyway. His 407 rush yards lead freshmen QBs; Army’s 66.1 yards per game of passing rank 120th in the country. Out of 120.
19:09 before Kickoff: Brian Dohn of ScarletReport.com just came in from outside (he has two little boys sitting in the stands with his wife) and he said it’s pouring out there. Ha – and I just got a text from a former Rutgers athlete who’s out in the stands and wanting to know if I could swing him a spot inside!
13:00 before Kickoff: Spanky, thanks for coming back. I hope the boys let you stay on the computer! Duh-II, RUMan, Double G, welcome… I’m looking forward to some good conversation. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions or thoughts or need me to find something out. I’ll do my best. I’m sitting in the second row of the press box, next to a stats box, behind all the newspaper writers and a woman with a Pat Conroy book and directly in front of an open window. I need to ask to have that closed…
7:04 before Kickoff: It worked. A gentleman closed that one window and then everyone else along the row asked for the ones above them to be closed too. The cadets just broke their lines (formations?) and ran across the field… it’s still one of the coolest things to see. This really is a great place to watch a game. Rutgers fans are lining the tunnel/pathway where the teams will run out.
5:37 before Kickoff: NEWSFLASH: Anthony Davis won’t start tonight. He was late to a team function and that’s his discipline. Desmond Stapleton will start in his stead. Alright, what’s your guess: does he miss one snap? Two? Or, a whole drive? You have five minutes to get your bets in…
15:00 before Kickoff: It is COMING DOWN. I don’t know if you can tell that on the TV.
10:40 left in the 1st Quarter: Army scored on its opening drive in four of its first five games. It didn’t against Vandy and Temple and then it did again tonight. I think that 21-yard pass on the second snap second-and-six surprised everyone. (It surprised me.) And that big 26-yard run up the gut by Kingsley Ehle wasn’t a bust from my angle – I thought two guys missed tackles right in the scrum by the line of scrimmage. Army, 3-0.
6:10 left in 1st Quarter: FatCat, I’m with you on the football gods thing. Then again, it’s not so bad to have a Saturday to watch football… Brodo, first quarter might be tough, but at least we have a full first drive out. And for those of you wondering, that was NOT Stapleton that got beat on that opening snap sack. Nice to see Mark Harrison get involved and involved early. Someone asked about him on the chat I did this week with State of Rutgers – good eye. Rutgers 7, Army 3.
4:56 left in the 1st Quarter: FatCat’s not so much into the Wildcat, rutgersguy likes it. Do you feel that in this day and age, offenses need some sort of wrinkle, something to mix things up and keep defenses guessing? I’m curious to see if we see Jourdan Brooks on the next drive. We’re in a timeout right now and I really cannot believe the cadets are standing so darn straight. I’m glad I can use the flat-footed excuse for not ever being interested in the US Military Academy. Or is that an urban legend?
1:31 left in 1st Quarter: That 48-yard pass to Tim Brown almost looked unfair. He just motored by no. 3, looking like he wasn’t even breathing heavy. That’s Desmond Stapleton down right now. San San Te’s 27-yard kick is good, Rutgers is up 10-3.
End of the 1st Quarter: Here’s our fan of the night, Zachary. He can’t type yet, but if his dad stays with us, then we’re all good.
Nice blocked punt by Steve Beauharnais. Lucky that punter Jonathan Bulls dropped the snap. Like I said, the rain’s really coming down. Rutgers has 110 yards of offense on 12 plays, Army has 57 on 16 plays and Rutgers is up 17-3.
12:11 left in the 2nd Quarter: I have to say I have no idea where the Kordell-Wildcat came from. I can’t say Sanu’s fumble/hands at the end of last week have anything to do with it – the kid IS a wideout and he WAS a high school QB. Someone up here moaned, “Why does Greg have to try to be cute?” when we first saw that. I’m surprised by the throwing too rutgersguy, especially after that completion for minus-five yards.
11:36 left in the 2nd Quarter: I can’t hear the ESPN feed, so it’s interesting to hear what you all have to say about the broadcasters’ conversation. Brodo was right: one quarter. Or do we think Desmond getting hurt had anything to do with that?
5:40 left in the 2nd Quarter: How right you are, FatCat. Quarterback sneak on third-and-one failed. So again on fourth-and-one and again failed. You’ve talked about how much more physical – and physically superior – Rutgers looks. Running the same play, one that relies on strength, twice, and failing both times… what does that say to you?
You guys are seriously a riot. I’m having a lot more fun reading what you have to say than watching this right now.
1:39 left in the 2nd Quarter: My brother and I had an Atari! This crowd really is sad and I will openly say I would NOT sit in the pouring rain, when it’s 40 degrees out, and dark. The Yankee Bowl will have to be during the day, have to. That was a good mention, FatCat. Does anyone have any questions about the scene here? Or are the announcers filling in the blanks well?
:43.5 left in the 2nd Quarter: Spanky and rutgersguy saying the same thing at about the same time. Okay, this is the dumbest map I’m seeing on the TV screen. Are they really surprised the western part of the country thinks the Mountain West plays better football than the Big East? I really am so over the rip-on-the-Big East thing. Honestly, if West Virginia had just beaten Pitt in 2007 and gone on to the national title game, I think SO much would be different. That maybe didn’t set the league back, but a West Virginia win sure would’ve had the potential to get the conference over the hump and past all the denigrating.
Halftime: There are four teams of Pop Warner kids playing on each half of the field right now. They’re swarming around, playing fast, it’s like real football.
Okay, so Rutgers has 135 yards of offense on 27 plays, Army 118 on the same 27. Rutgers’ breakdown is 19 rushes for 30 yards, 5 of 8 for 105 yards passing. Army’s 21 for 102 rushing, 2 of 6 for 16 yards in the air. Savage has been sacked twice, Steelman hasn’t been sacked yet. The time of possession’s pretty even (14:37 for Rutgers, 15:15 for Army) and the only real difference is that blocked punt for a score. Blocked because the Black Knights’ punter dropped a slick ball. Section 117, I know what you mean about the national attention being a double-edged sword. I’m guessing this one doesn’t draw huge numbers.
14:52 left in the 3rd Quarter: I’m sitting next to a Mr. Galko, who’s a Penn State grad and who very kindly just gave me some Twizzlers. His 18-year old son Eric runs a scouting website called nflhouse.com and he’s in the press box, running around working. I can’t get to the site for some reason. But the Twizzlers are yummy.
12:10 left in the 3rd Quarter: Like that pass by Teddy Dellaganna surprised anyone. Or the illegal formation call either. I AM surprised by Jabu being in today. On Sunday, when I asked if Sanu’s Wildcat package and Jabu’s Wildcat-esque package differed (that sounds so wrong and I am just repeating what Greg Schiano’s called the set of plays) much, Greg said something vague about it coming down to touches and who you want touching the ball. Then later in the week, when he was reminded of the solid game Jabu had here two years ago, he very quickly said, “Very different defense.” I thought that meant the phasing out of the fifth-year senior. Guess I was wrong.
Attendance was just announced as 24,098. I can’t see the seats on this side of the stadium, so I have no idea how reasonable that sounds. There IS a nice contingent of Rutgers fans here though.
10:15 left in the 3rd Quarter: Here come the cadets! Why do the cadets do push-ups? That’s work and shouldn’t celebration not be work? The 17-yard lane to the end zone couldn’t have been any more open for freshman Lonnie Liggins. It’s Rutgers 17, Army 10 and Rutgers really better get its act together. Quick.
6:35 left in the 3rd Quarter: These are the things that are totally maddening to me. Rutgers is plugging along, putting together a nice drive, mixing things up and then, just as the red zone closes in, everything stalls. First-and-10 on the Army 24, Shamar Graves is wide open – and overthrown. Second-and-10, still on the 24, everyone breaks through the line and Joe Martinek somehow manages to stay up long enough to at least save the zero gain. Third-and-10, still on the 24, Savage has ALL DAY – and he overshoots the end zone. Where’d the execution go? San San Te kicks the 41-yarder, it’s Rutgers 20, Army 10.
2:13 left in the 3rd Quarter: Wow, that was fortunate. The ball popped out of Kingsley Ehle’s hands (is it just me or did he look like he was about to cry?), Alex Silvestro jumped on it and Rutgers ends Army’s charging at the Scarlet Knights’ 34. Oh beautiful, five yard penalty to open the ensuing drive. Army’s fans are bouncing. Rutgers’ fans are sitting, hunched over, looking a little miserable. These people are awesome to sit through this.
End of the 3rd Quarter: I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised the Black Knights are being so generous. They DID come into the game with 21 fumbles. They’d lost six. Of course, none of those came in a two minute span as these two just have. People are starting to leave. The Palisades Parkway doesn’t have streetlamps, so if that’s the way they’re going, I understand why. I think Rich Ellerson needs to get another one of his recruiting classes in before we see real progress.
11:56 left in the 4th Quarter: Are you all gone? It’s been a while since anyone’s said anything. Have you switched to another channel?
9:25 left in the 4th Quarter: That’s 20 carries fo 128 yards for Martinek. Brooks has two four 14 and it looks like Rutgers has a run game again. The Rutgers band is playing, the cheerleaders are clapping and the dance team’s twirling. In windsuits of course. So if anyone’s still there, what are you thinking about tomorrow’s Pitt-USF match-up? And do emotions give UConn an edge down in Morgantown?
8:39 left in the 4th Quarter: That ball was out! They’re reviewing it now. I didn’t see who recovered it though… Why is Greg slapping the ref and laughing? I never seem him laughing if a ref’s in the vicinity. I suppose the four fumbles are sort of explained by the rain. Then again, football IS an outdoor sport. The ball came loose before Joe Martinek’s knee was down, Army recovers at the two-yard line and the Black Knights have 8:38 to make up 17 points.
1:26 left in the 4th Quarter: I think Paul Johnson got things going in year three or four. I’d have to check to be sure. And every week’s running isn’t like this because the run blocking has just not been that impressive. Let’s see what Greg has to say about the effort tonight.
Game over, Rutgers wins 27-10. I’m heading down to the post-game remarks and locker room, so this’ll be it for a bit. I am enormously appreciative of all of you who came on tonight – the conversation was great and the game was a LOT more enjoyable because of you. Thanks!
Spank, how’s that single malt?
Ooops, Martinek has had a couple of ggod runs – time to take him out!
I think these announcers are right…I just dont think we are a good running team. These backs are not consistent enough. Lets see what Williams can do.
FatCatSPK says: Spank, how’s that single malt?
Pretty good – got a Johnny Walker Green in a snifter with a splash of water.
oh my god he’s got to learn to get rid of the ball!
Savage has gotta do a better job of getting rid of that ball. I think he had enough time on that play action. Just throw it away at the very least.
“Running the same play, one that relies on strength, twice, and failing both times… what does that say to you?”
That we’re WAY too predictable. We will out physical Army at the point of attack IF the opposition doesn’t have the opportunity to concentrate there. But Army knows what’s coming, so it can be stopped in that situation simple by clogging it all up which is all they really did.
We want to be a smash mouth team, a prolific passing team, a razzle dazzle team, a gimmick team and we are all those things. Just not really good at any of them with a QB less than a Junior with 2 years of experience. When Savage is a Junior, our offense will more resemble a Teel lead team. The play calling seems to be a result of a lack of confidence that the starting QB play alone can move the ball.
The announcers are still going on about the Big Eat vs. the Mountain West. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah. By the way, let’s have a poll about this, which shows the west votes for the Mountain West and the East votes for the Big East. Blah, blah, bla-blah, blah, blah.
Again another comparison between the Big East and Mountain West, hmm why don’t we include the ACC. I could say may be both of us are better than the ACC. As far as I know I don’t think any of our or their teams lost too or struggled mightily with FCS teams.
I used to pray that RU would get on ESPN. Having second thoughts after watching embarrassments like tonight, not to mention the Cinci, Fresno and UNC games. RU should be totally dominating this game but our choppy offense had put 10 on a team of smurfs. I had been giving the OL the benefit of the doubt, but after this putrid half — it’s official, the line stinks.
TEN points from the offense … that ain’t part of the process, is it Greg?
Ya know, on a 3rd and 1, why bother running Martinek or Brooks, who are pounding out 6, 8, 10 yards a carry when we can do a QB sneak. After all, it’s unfair to get more yardage when we only need 1 yard, right?
OMG, Lou Holtz and Mark May! Change the channel, change the channel! Before its too late! The sound of their voice saps your will to think for yourself! OMG! Is there a hockey game on?!?!?!?
By the way Aditi, that was Haslem who gave up that first sack. Army guy just out muscled him.
Hey, now we get to hear about how Lou Holtz should play for the NC.
Oops, Notre Dame, not Lou Holtz. And I haven’t even had that much scotch yet!
I knew it was Haslam, Spank. ESPN so kindly showed us the replay. I just figured I’d wait a minute before I called out the kid. ;)
Aditi, Google “wordpress chat room” and show that page to your development guy at SNY. This page needs an open chat on a game day. Not that this isn’t fun :) But a chat room would be better
What does everyone think Rutgers should focus on in the 2nd half?
FatCat, they actually have some sort of chat set-up and the last time I was in the office, they mentioned it. I’ll ask again. Is it annoying to keep up w/ my posts AND the comments? Do you have to keep scrolling up and back?
I agree FatCat…a chat room would be much better, easier to follow along.
I wouldnt say annoying Aditi, its just more difficult to scroll up to see your posts and then all the way back down to catch up on comments.
I look at those stats and I think its Schiano. He doesn’t want to really show anything against this team, with the rest of the BE sched coming up, he already knows we’re better but he’s not just going for it and really putting them to sleep. He doesn’t want to run up the score and embarass a team so he’ll let them stick around. I just hope it doesn’t come back to haunt us
Its not very friendly with the scrolling. OTOH, it does allow for a much fuller comment by the user. I’d prefer he chat room i think of the 2
So much penetration into the backfield, we have to block Army better than that.
holy crap! Did Jabu really just complete a pass???? What is going on?
And we get a complete pass from Jabu, will wonders never cease.
And we lose a little bit of mo with that fumble.
Again these bubble screens, we just have to block better all around. Very disappointing when we have speed guys who can take advantage provided they have the proper blocking.
I hope you are using the Twizzlers like a straw for a nice tasty beverage of some kind
Just took a look at that site..it looks pretty good at first glance
Now what was that, again getting way too cute. Unlike most here I don’t have problems with the wildcat, Jabu throwing it and some of these other plays but than a fake punt. You’re taking it too far. Was it really necessary there.
Good to see Vallone wasn’t hurt seriously, but not good we got the offsides. We’ve been lining up offsides a bit these last couple games.
You’re lining up near the ball can you not see where to line up.
That blown series has just sucked the life out of this team. Thanks, OCs – two Jabus and a fake punt … nicely done. You could have pinned them deep, but no … you just chuck it up. This staff absolutely BLOWS!!!
That was just a pathetic showing by the defense all around with the penalties and effort, all set up by a inexplicable fake punt.
well… not a good development. we’ve been playing an arrogant game, time to reign that in and just put these guys down. what a dumb game plan. seriously seriously dumb.
Wow, was that simply pathetic?
that td was on the staff. put the kids in a bad position and now gave usma confidence. dumb, dumb, dumb, play call. and 1st down had been horrible, too
Better job by Matinek over last week there, picked up 2 guys on that blitz. A pass to an RB, nice to see too.
Oh man wide open and again another nice pickup by Martinek, we can’t miss opportunities like that.
sooooo open….
A bank shot, not bad. Take it anyway you can get it.
Boooong and good
D’imperio must live in pain every day of his life. the kid is always bang up
Oh come on!!!!!!! We’re self destructing on defense.
What happened to our pursuit???
Do these guys not know where to line up. This is the 2nd week we’ve seen this. We’re becoming USF with these dumb penalties.
Turnover really was needed. Bailed out this defense
Another penalty, shooting ourselves in the foot too much.
Aditi, I’m trying to send you a pic of Tyler and Corey in their RU shirts, but I can’t get the card reader to work on either computer.