When Rutgers has the ball
If last season was any indication -- and it should be, since Buffalo returns eight defensive starters -- the Knights' biggest dilemma will be whether they want to exploit the Bulls through the air or on the ground. Do they get Ray Rice his 200 yards first -- or QB Mike Teel his? The Bulls gave up 31 points or more in 10 games last year, were 116th nationally (out of 119 teams) in scoring defense, 117th in pass efficiency defense and 109th against the run. If Buffalo coach Turner Gill's team loads the box to slow Rice, Kenny Britt or Tiquan Underwood (or both) could have 100-plus receiving yards. Rice needs at least 150 rushing yards to prevent his Heisman campaign from stalling before it ever starts.
When Buffalo has the ball
The Bulls have three talented skill players in QB Drew Willy, RB James Starks and WR Naaman Roosevelt, but will they have the time and/or blocking they need? There's a chance he may run some option, since that's what Gill excelled at as Nebraska's quarterback, but Willy isn't mobile enough to do that consistently. You can be sure Gill will try to exploit the middle of Rutgers' defense with starting NT Peter Tverdov out and Damaso Munoz making his first start at middle linebacker.
Special teams
Everyone gets their first look at the new kickoff rule that pushes the ball back to the 30 yard-line. Rutgers has two good returners in starters Dennis Campbell and Kordell Young. The Bulls' Naasam Roosevelt set a school record for single-season kickoff return average (25.9) as a freshman last year. But Rutgers rates a huge advantage because of senior Jeremy Ito, one of the nation's best placekickers.
One more thing ...
Rice is going to become Rutgers' career rushing leader as long as he stays healthy. It could even happen tonight -- the first game of his junior season (and just the 26th of his career). Rice needs 201 yards to surpass Terrell Willis (3,114 yards) as the program's all-time rushing leader. If he gets it, Rutgers should take time to acknowledge the accomplishment, even if it means holding up the game a little bit. Who cares if it bothers Buffalo? The Bulls are trying to pull out of a scheduled game with Rutgers next season for the second time in three years.
If last season was any indication -- and it should be, since Buffalo returns eight defensive starters -- the Knights' biggest dilemma will be whether they want to exploit the Bulls through the air or on the ground. Do they get Ray Rice his 200 yards first -- or QB Mike Teel his? The Bulls gave up 31 points or more in 10 games last year, were 116th nationally (out of 119 teams) in scoring defense, 117th in pass efficiency defense and 109th against the run. If Buffalo coach Turner Gill's team loads the box to slow Rice, Kenny Britt or Tiquan Underwood (or both) could have 100-plus receiving yards. Rice needs at least 150 rushing yards to prevent his Heisman campaign from stalling before it ever starts.
When Buffalo has the ball
The Bulls have three talented skill players in QB Drew Willy, RB James Starks and WR Naaman Roosevelt, but will they have the time and/or blocking they need? There's a chance he may run some option, since that's what Gill excelled at as Nebraska's quarterback, but Willy isn't mobile enough to do that consistently. You can be sure Gill will try to exploit the middle of Rutgers' defense with starting NT Peter Tverdov out and Damaso Munoz making his first start at middle linebacker.
Special teams
Everyone gets their first look at the new kickoff rule that pushes the ball back to the 30 yard-line. Rutgers has two good returners in starters Dennis Campbell and Kordell Young. The Bulls' Naasam Roosevelt set a school record for single-season kickoff return average (25.9) as a freshman last year. But Rutgers rates a huge advantage because of senior Jeremy Ito, one of the nation's best placekickers.
One more thing ...
Rice is going to become Rutgers' career rushing leader as long as he stays healthy. It could even happen tonight -- the first game of his junior season (and just the 26th of his career). Rice needs 201 yards to surpass Terrell Willis (3,114 yards) as the program's all-time rushing leader. If he gets it, Rutgers should take time to acknowledge the accomplishment, even if it means holding up the game a little bit. Who cares if it bothers Buffalo? The Bulls are trying to pull out of a scheduled game with Rutgers next season for the second time in three years.
