Game 8: Temple

 I have no ill-will towards the Owls, but I want the Scarlet Knights to crush them like a bug today. There is a lot of frustration around the program after two ugly losses, and it would be nice to take it out on somebody. Temple is exactly the kind of team you can take your frustrations out on, especially since little brother can't keep his mouth shut.

I'm SICK of hearing about Rutgers not recruiting PJ Walker as a quarterback. He is more of a runner than a passer and he is just simply not a fit for the style of offense Rutgers runs. Chris Laviano was a better prospect than he was coming out of high school too, and you usually don't want to take more than one quarterback per recruiting class.

I'm also not sure why people think Rutgers would be better if he was their quarterback instead of Gary Nova. As I said, he's not exactly a strong passer, so do you think he would have been able to lead the comeback against Arkansas like Nova did? Do you think he would make those fourth quarter and overtime throws against SMU like Nova did? I don't. Rutgers would be 2-5 with him. Maybe they would have beaten Louisville with out the turn overs (probably not), but let's not forget that the defense gave up 52 and 49 points in two of the three loses on the Knights' record.

Rutgers will almost certainly go with a run heavy game plan considering Nova's turn over problems, and they should find sucess in doing so. Justin Goodwin is running really well, and the offensive line looked as powerful as ever last week and appear to be back on the right track. Hopefully a strong running game will open up the play action pass, and Nova can get the ball down field to Brandon Coleman and Leonte Carroo with out having it picked. Those two have been way too silent lately.

On defense, the Knights fortunately will not have to deal with another spread passing attack. They can stay in their base personnel with out worrying about the inevitable mismatches, and focus on stopping the run. Expect to see nine defenders in the box. Rutgers' front seven is one of their biggest strengths, and they can finally start doing their thing after being neutralized by quick passing attacks. I don't think Walker can beat you with his arm, and if they can't run they will be in big trouble. A big early lead would help in this regard too.

Prediction:
Temple's style of offense will be much easier for Rutgers to deal with than Houston or SMU or Fresno State, so I expect a strong performance from the defense. Rutgers' ground and pound offense will be too much for the Owls to handle, and Nova will connect for a deep touchdown pass.

Rutgers 31 Temple 10