Rutgers defeated South Florida in the Big East opener for both teams Thursday night, to improve to 3-0 on the season. The Scarlet Knights could not get out of their own way early on, committing too many penalties, amongst other mistakes, but a strong defense, balanced offensive attack, and a break out performance from their freshman kicker propelled them to a victory in the New Sombrero.
Rutgers got off to another inauspicious start offensively, committing 4 penalties on their opening series. They picked up a lot of yards in the first quarter, but thanks to the penalties and a botched snap/hold that caused Kyle Federico's kick to be blocked, the Knights were unable to put any points on the board in the opening quarter. They were showing signs of life though, as the line was getting a tremendous push, allowing Jamison to look great once again, and Gary Nova was able to convert some third downs. Following a turnover late in the half, Nova orchestrated a successful 2 minute drill, connecting with Tim Wright three times, to set up a 51 yard field goal try for Federico, and he hooked it through the uprights to get Rutgers on the board for the first time.
Following another USF turn over early in the second half, Nova converted two more third downs by going Wright's way, setting the Scarlet Knights up in the redzone. Quoron Pratt proceeded to miss a wide open Brandon Coleman in the end zone on a trick play and Coleman had a pass knocked out out of his hands in the end zone on the ensuing play, and limiting them to three points once again. Federico's 31 yarder tied the game at 6.
Rutgers was finally able to get the ball in the endozone for the first time on the next drive, after yet another USF turnover, as Nova threw a 6 yard strike to Mark Harrison on a little square in, to put the Knights on top 13-6. South Florida was able to tie the game back up, but Nova marched his squad down the field, as he connected yet again with Tim Wright for a 46 yard completion on a deep corner route. With the ball on the USF 7, Jawan Jamison ran the ball three three straight times, but he was unable to reach the endzone. Federico made a chip shot to put the Knights back on top, this time for good. I did not like the decision to have Jamison run three straight times there, even if it did take a lot of time off the clock. Nova was feeling it and had a hot hand, especially in third down, and I think he should have been given at least one chance to put the ball in the air for a score. Having Savon Huggins, the regular goal line back, out with an injury made the decision even more questionable. I think Dave Brock did a good job calling plays overall, but this sequence was very questionable.
The defense turned in a very strong effort once again, holding South Florida to 7.3 yards per pass and3.3 yards per rush. They also limited the Bulls to 4-12 on third downs, as they continued to be B.J. Daniels nemesis. Daniels was under pressure all game and although he did not get sacked, he was forced to throw the ball away on numerous occasions, and made some bad decisions with rushers in his face that resulted in 3 interceptions (and it could have been more). Daniels had a solid day running the ball, but he did not break a long run, as Khassem Greene was always there to tackle him as a spy. USF's running backs only recorded 27 yards on the ground.
South Florida got on the board with two early field goals, thanks to a 15 yard horse collar penalty and a muffed punt. Despite the points, the Scarlet Knights' D was off to a strong start, as Scott Vallone continued to make plays in the backfield with the help of Isaac Holmes and the back 7 held steady against the pass on third downs. The secondary played very well over all, but they had two big break downs on deep passes when Daniels was able to scramble away from pressure. Thankfully though, the Knights defense came up with big stops after those two mishaps and didn't give up anymore points in the half. The first breakdown resulted in a 44 yard completion to Andre Davis, who was well covered by both Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon, but he was able to go up and snag the ball for the reception, despite Harmon appearing to have ripped the ball out of his hands for a pick. That drive ended when Kevin Snyder stuffed Daniels on a 4th and 1 QB sneak. The second long pass was a 58 yarder to Terrence Mitchell, and Brandon Jones followed that up 3 plays latter with a pick, as Daniels made a bone headed decision under pressure throwing into traffic.
USF only had two possessions in the third quarter, and Daniels threw a pick on both of them. Jamal Merrill intercepted an over thrown screen pass on the first drive, and Wayne Warren picked one off in the end zone, after the ball ricocheted off of South Florida receiver's hands. 2 offside penalties and a missed interception by Marcus Cooper extended a nice drive put together by the Bulls, and Demetrius Murray was able to plunge into the endzone from one yard out to tie the game. That's all South Florida would be able to do the rest of the game though, as the Scarlet Knights D forced a 3 and out on the next drive and made a stand with 2:48 remaining on the clock, to seal the win after the offense got the Knights a lead. Kyle Flood declined a third down penalty on that drive, one that would have made it a 3rd and 13 situation for the Bulls, but he instead declined the penalty, and let things play out on a 4th and 4. I'm usually all for coaches being aggressive, but I would have preferred Flood to accept that penalty. His gutsy decision payed off though, as the defenses was able to force an incomplete pass on 4th down, all but icing the game.
Special teams had a mixed day, but they were able to put points on the board, directly and by forcing a turnover. Fedirico made the 3 big field goals, and Marcus Cooper was able to force a fumble covering a punt, setting up one of the 3. Jeremy Deering did not have a chance to return a kick, as all of USF's kick off sailed out of the back of the endzone. That's unfortunate and may be a continuing problem with the new kick off rules. They need to figure out how to get the ball in his hands one way or another. Mason Robinson had a muffed punt, and I'm starting to get concerned about him not calling for a fair catches. Rutgers usually goes for the block on punts, and with a return not set up, he usually has a guy right in his face when catching the ball. Justin Doerner also had a pretty bad day punting.
Thursday's win was Rutgers' first big test of the year, and they passed with flying colors. The run game renaissance seems legit, Gary Nova stepped up and became a capable QB, converting a bunch of third downs, and Tim Wright looked like he can be the go to receiver the offense sorely needs. The defense was once agin great, only having a few lapses, dominating against the run, rushing the passer, and intercepting some passes. The penalty issues remain a huge problem and need to be fixed ASAP, but this game reenforced the high level of confidence I had in this team coming into the season.
More Notes-
-Jamison carried the ball a school record 41 times. He came up huge, especially with Huggins out.
-The offensive line was phenomenal again. They have yet to give up a sack this season. (USF technically had 1, but it was on a intentional grounding penalty.)
-I don't like using the word "clutch," but Nova was clutch on third down. He completed 11 of his 16 third down attempts for 107 yards, converting 9 for a first down.
-Tim Wright looked like a #1 receiver, hopefully he's able to keep that up. DC Jefferson and Mark Harrison both had productive games as well.
-You can't say enough about how great this defense has been. All three levels are getting the job done, and there is quality depth at every position.
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