Game 1: Tulane

Rutgers begins their 2012 season tonight in New Orleans against Tulane in the Super Dome. The Scarlet Knights come into this season with a rookie head coach, a very talented roster, and high expectations. Tulane is not a very good team, and Rutgers should easily beat them, but season openers can be tough, especially when you are playing on the road and have a new coach at the helm. Rutgers needs to come out and play well to set the tone for the rest of the season.

What's the Deal With Tulane?
First year head coach Curtis Johnson takes over a program that has not had a winning season since 2002, after coaching wide receivers for the Saints from 2006-2011. The New Orleans native has a big rebuilding job ahead of him, and he inherits a young, inexperienced roster that will be with out their best defensive player, starting center, and starting running back tonight. It could be another tough year for the Green Wave.

On offense, they run a pro style offense, but that is a vague way of putting it. They could be a pound it down your throat I formation team, or they could run something similar to the Saints, where they line up in 3 receivers set and attack the defense through the air vertically. Regardless, Rutgers shouldn't be fooled by this offense.

On defense they run a basic 4-3

Rutgers on Offense
Rutgers will probably come out offensively with the intent of running all over Tulane. Savon Huggins and Jawan Jamison should each get plenty of carries, and have the opportuinity to wear the defense out. The offensive line is going to have to be very physical and move defenders off the ball in order to let those two do their thing. They will of course run a lot of zone stuff, but I'm also expecting them to run some more man blocking plays than they have in the past, as RJ Dill and Savin Huggins can both better utilize their talents with this style of play.

If they are able to establish the run early, defenders should start to creep up, and Gary Nova and Rutgers' home run hitting receivers will look to challenge them deep in hopes of breaking off big plays. The line will need to give Nova time to throw, and if they utilize play action, they should have the backs helping them out.

Rutgers on Defense
The defensive line will need to live in the back field, whether it's to stop the run or rush the passer. If Tulane features the run, they will also need to hold blockers and let the linebackers roam free. If Tulane tries to air it out, the defensive backs should shut them down. They are one of the best secondaries in the nation, and they should not struggle at all against a team like Tulane. It should be interesting to see how they substitute, especially on the defensive line. Look for Scott Vallone to have a big game.

Injury Report/Suspension
Starting tightend Paul Carrazola is a game time decision with a lower body injury. If he can't go, DC Jefferson will start, and Tyler Kroft will get his first taste of college action.

Back up middle linebacker Quanzell Lambert will miss the game with a high ankle sprain. Nick DePaola will back up Steve Beauharnais instead.

Running back Paul James is also out, so Huggins and Jamison will be in the entire game.

Defensive ends Michael Larrow (suspension) and Max Issaka (just returned to team after a death in the family) will miss this game, leaving the Scarlet Knights a bit thin at the position.

Prediction
Rutgers 34 Tulane 3