Our rushing defense has been an issue this season, we currently rank 89th (out of 133 FBS teams) in rushing yards per game allowed at 161.3 ypg. On a per rush basis, Rutgers is even worse at 5.5 yards per carry allowed, which ranks 119th in the FBS. Mind you, this is also against some awful offenses relative to what we'll face later in the year.

Last year Rutgers ranked 45th in rushing defense (yards per game, 141.7) and 56th in yards per carry (4.0) over the course of a full season. So where is Rutgers getting beaten in the run game?

Two main areas: Outside runs and QB scrambles.

Here's how Rutgers' run defense performed against it's opponents this season on inside runs, outside runs and QB scrambles...

Washington
inside runs: 16/109 (6.8 ypc)
outside runs: 10/93 (9.3 ypc)
QB scrambles: 2/9 (4.5 ypc)

Virginia Tech
inside runs: 11/52 (4.7 ypc)
outside runs: 13/100 (7.7 ypc)
QB scrambles: 2/36 (18 ypc)

Akron
inside runs: 12/36 (3 ypc)
outside runs: 8/115 (14.4 ypc)
QB scrambles: 2/24 (12 ypc)

Howard
inside runs: 14/38 (2.7 ypc)
outside runs: 19/106 (5.6 ypc)
QB scrambles: 1/11 (11 ypc)

QB scrambles are more forgivable, as they're fairly infrequent and typically occur when a play breaks down. But the outside runs are gashing this run defense. I've noticed a few things on outside runs this year that I hope can change throughout the year.

1. Our LBs haven't been able to fight through the trash to get through the line nearly as often as they were last year. Toure and Jennings (along with Powell) did a great job of that last year.
2. Our DEs haven't been getting the push needed in the run game and backs are able to break contain and bounce things outside more often than last season.
3. On outside runs, opposing OTs and TEs have been very sticky to our LBs and Ss in pursuit which have opened holes to the outside.
4. We have been whiffing on a LOT of tackles this year. Last season, we had 52 missed tackles in the run game all season in 13 games (4 missed tackles per game, 4th highest tackling grade on PFF) and this season alone we have 20 missed tackles in the run game already (6.7 missed tackles per game, 89th in tackling grade on PFF).

I wish it was one thing and it was an easy fix, but I think we're seeing a lot of young players getting more reps than anticipated (Djabome, Kaj Sanders, etc) along with veterans not getting the jobs expected of them done in the run game enough. These are problems that need to get fixed, but a lot easier to deal with when you're 3-0.

Nice little piece on Pierce and his journey. Not long but great to see that kid get some air time

Rutgers Alumni will be gathering at the Big Stick in the Navy Yard to watch the RU-Nebraska game on Saturday. 20 M Street, adjacent to the Navy Yard Metro. Be there for the next big RU victory!

Looking for recommendations to watch the game.

Nebraska 24 RUTGERS 16

Let us all pray as we prepare for the Church of Chop as our Lord and Savior Greg Schiano and his Knights take on the Cornhuskers of Nebraska. After a victorious Friday Night Thriller, our Knights celebrate an amazing 4-0 start as we travel Westward to battle those buttery boys from Lincoln. We continue our Holy Crusade for Glory… and we shall have no fear.

Let Monangai the Mighty and Brown the Butcher crush and clobber their cowardly crops. Let King Kaliakmanis and Strong the Summoner fly through their ferocious fields. Let Desmond “The Duke” Igbinosun and Bruisin’ Bo Mascoe blast and burn through their bountiful bushels. And let the Loaded Leg of Pistol Patel fire the pigskin through the Holy Uprights.

And let us not forget the one and only commandment… “THOU. SHALT. CHOP!”

Kid looks like a monster. Going to be very very good.

He has now had me banned twice over there, which I couldn’t give two shits about, but even better started another thread and responded to it with two other monitors that he has registered on that site.. Somebody needs to get this idiot help because he ain’t right in the head. It’s kind of scary, actually (YES… all the responses in that thread, other than our poster “extra point,” belong to same person):

Let us all pray as we prepare for the Church of Chop as our Lord and Savior Greg Schiano and his Knights take on the Cornhuskers of Nebraska. After a victorious Friday Night Thriller, our Knights celebrate an amazing 4-0 start as we travel Westward to battle those buttery boys from Lincoln. We continue our Holy Crusade for Glory… and we shall have no fear.

Let Monangai the Mighty and Brown the Butcher crush and clobber their cowardly crops. Let King Kaliakmanis and Strong the Summoner fly through their ferocious fields. Let Desmond “The Duke” Igbinosun and Bruisin’ Bo Mascoe blast and burn through their bountiful bushels. And let the Loaded Leg of Pistol Patel fire the pigskin through the Holy Uprights.

And let us not forget the one and only commandment… “THOU. SHALT. CHOP!”

If the game is expected to be super hot, that means rotation of fresh players early and often. I think that this factor decides the game - who has more depth to rotate in and still be good - so Richie and Mike, thoughts on who would have the advantage? I don't know anything about Nebraska's depth. I will say that with Kyle and Sam Brown rotating in and out with a splash of Raymond, their D might be worn out by the 4th..

Early start, travel day tomorrow.



Kamdyn K--------------------------------------------------------Bill Nye the Science Guy

I'm a day late with this post, but yesterday began a streak of 55 straight days of televised football! (Either college, pro, or both.)

Up to now the dark days have been Tuesday and Wednesday. However, starting next Tuesday, C-USA takes over Tuesday and Wednesday for the rest of October. You'll usually get two or three games per night to choose from. I've already circled the Kennesaw State - Middle Tennessee State matchup on October 15.

Then in November, it's MACtion time! Mark your calendars for the Akron - Kent State matchup on November 19. The Blue and Gold Wagon Wheel is at stake!

The streak ends on Wednesday November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. But we'll all get our fill again once the weekend starts.

Called to purchase additional ticket for the Rutgers Washington game next week.
I asked when single game basketball tickets would be on sale.
Rep said there will be no single game seats. All tickets are sold to season ticket holders.

Buckle up.

That's big time. You're only one degree of separation away from Daniel Jeremiah & Bucky Brooks! Lol. Seriously though, you've been grinding away at this stuff for a while, and I would imagine at the expense of a lot of your own personal free time. Awesome to see hard work pay off. Congrats man. Well deserved.

Some thoughts on last night's playcalling and what I believe our playcalling should look like moving forward. I'll preface by mentioning that I've never played or coached football at any level.

1) 1st Down:
a) We should run on 1st down 90% of the time or more. We are a run first team who needs to stay on schedule. 2nd & 10 is not where we want to be because it forces us to pass from a disadvantageous position.
b) We should be going hurry up on every 1st down other than on a change of possession. It will allow us to vary tempo, potentially prevents our opponent from substituting, and helps us catch the opponent off guard especially if we're running on 1st down 90+% of the time.

2) 2nd Down:
a) This is where we can look to pass. Anywhere between 2nd & 7 to 2nd & 4 are great spots for a controlled passing game. Screens, slants, quick outs/hitches, TE, playaction.
b) This is also the spot where on 2nd & 3 or less from anywhere between our own ~40 and the opponent's ~30, we can look to go playaction and for the big play.
c) When in doubt, 2nd & 3 or less should be an easy spot for us to move the chains with the run or at minimum set ourselves up for two more downs where we need 3 yds. or less.

3rd Down:
a) If we use the 1st down and 2nd down strategy I've mentioned, we should be in good shape to move the chains in short yardage with runs.
b) 3rd & 4-7/8 is a running down for us. We have the ability to get the 1st or set ourselves up for short yardage on 4th.
c) All 3rd & 1's should be a QB sneak/tush push. Don't make this situation harder than it needs to be.

**As much as I'd like to take shots downfield more frequently, I'd much prefer to stay on schedule, limit turnovers, and keep our QB upright. I have tons of faith in our OL with run blocking, but pass blocking is not where we're strongest.

In looking at the weather forecast I was happy to see that the first half will feature 19mph winds with gusts up to 33mph.

Considering nebraskas run game is ehh, and we are the type of team that likely wont do well if we have to race from behind I think this is a big advantage for us.

As a qb your toughest element to deal with isnt cold, isnt rain, it is wind. Wind makes the ball do weird things. Pair that with a team your facing in Rutgers that already is likely to try to speed up a young qb’s decision making process and I think the elements will help us a good bit. Our favorite pass play thus far is also one that doesnt require the ball to be in the air very long with the split zone bluff (modern day triple option) we keep throwing to kenny fletcher.

Im excited for tomorrow. I think itll be a low scoring affair that comes down to the final 5 minutes and perhaps a team needing a game winning FG. Good news is nebraskas kicking game isnt good when the weather is perfect, I doubt its any better in high winds.

Win and we have a real shot at 7-0. Crazy.

via Zach Smart