Greg’s Greatest Coaching Job Yet

[rutgersal]

At the onset of preseason camp, this team was capable of going undefeated against the presented schedule. But No one could have predicted the catastrophic amount of injuries that we would have to endure. This was the worst amount observed since the Terry Shea era, and the team could very well have ended up 4-8.
But the team persevered, and we are currently 6-5, with a good chance at a win Saturday.
It’s important to note the losses we’ve had to absorb.

1. Mohamed Toure - Starting LB and possible Defensive MVP
2. Brian Felter - Starting Left Guard
3. Robert Needham - Starting Right Tackle
4. Tyreem Powell - Starting MLB; played much of the season well bellow 100%
5. Robert Longerbeam - Starting CB; played much of the season below 100%
6. Kenny Fletcher - Starting TE - led team in receptions before lost to injury
7. Victor Konopka - #2 Tight End
8. Logan Blake - Reserve Tight End- replaced Fletcher, but then lost
9. Wesley Bailey- Starting DE lost for season
10. Aaron Lewis - Starting DE - currently playing well below 100%
11. Sam Brown - 2nd String RB lost for season
12. Kyle Monangai- starting RB - playing well below 100%; missed Minnesota game
13. Ian Strong - missed a few games but back to 100%
14. Abram Wright - LB
15. Flip Dixon - playing less than 100%

The replacements went in, did their best, and continue to fight:

1. Jordan Walker - DE
2. Mike Higgins - TE
3. Antwan Raymond - RB
4. Jashon Benjamín- RB
5. Taj White - OT
6. Dontae Chin - OG
7. Ben Black - WR
8. Dariel Djabome - LB
9. Jordan Thompson - DE
10. Al Shadee Salas - CB
11. Terrance Salami - TE/OG
12. Timmy Hinspeter - LB
13. Bo Mascoe - CB
14. Kaj Sanders - S

Since the Minnesota Gsme, we made one big adjustment on defense, and that is to play three safeties, (Sanders, Dixon, Loyal) with Loyal playing more of a hybrid DB/LB type role.

The Offensive Line is back to peak performance, as it took time for new starters to acclimate.

Injuries cost us wins, because it took time for replacement players to achieve peak productivity thx to learning curves. Mistakes were made, but players grew from them, to rebound to beat Maryland and Minnesota, and today Rutgers is well positioned to beat any non playoff Big Ten Team.

Let’s Get Michigan State! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[RCBeta79]

Totally agree! Greg Schiano and his staff have done a remarkable job of keeping things together and delivered gut-checking two wins.
Too bad for the Illinois game....Greg should have called a timeout before they lined up for the kick. Greg did take the blame.

Some of our Fans are angry with the losses this season. It part of being a Fan (short for fanatic).
Understandable given Rutgers had a reasonable chance of competing for a CFP slot. Even Herbstreit mentioned Rutgers with a shot at the CFP.

Many were disappointed, but the long list of injuries made it difficult at times with new players getting acclimated as starters/2nd team in their position or moving to an entirely new position.
Rutgers defense looked better after a bye week, but it is not the best team out on the field when you consider the starters sidelined with injuries.

I look forward to seeing how our team responds against MSU.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

 

[RU Cheese]

Would've, could've, should've...
Excuses for mediocre coach.

Team would be 11-0 if we had a field house

 

[LotusAggressor]

Would've, could've, should've...
Excuses for mediocre coach.

Team would be 11-0 if we had a field house

Or could cover RBs out of the backfield, defend an offense with any modicum of sophistication, or keep a team from turning a 4th and 13 with seconds left in the game into a game winning catch and run TD.

 

[Shelby65]

Would've, could've, should've...
Excuses for mediocre coach.

Team would be 11-0 if we had a field house

Actually, with a Fieldhouse the team is so loaded in all three phases and led by the greatest coach since Lombardi it would have been 16-0 after 11 games, ain’t that right Adonis Al of La Mancha ?

We’d have won the NC already, two months before the title game.

 

[newwavedave1]

Mediocre coach produces another mediocre record. Same thing for way too many years.

 

[Kbee3]

Mediocre coach produces another mediocre record. Same thing for way too many years.

With the mediocre support from sports fans in New Jersey, a mediocre history of success since "going Big Time", and little talent produced for the NFL....mediocrity seems to be in the cards for RU.
If no one has ever achieved much success here since the move to the Big Time, what makes anyone think it's possible ?

 

[rutgersal]

Mediocre coach produces another mediocre record. Same thing for way too many years.

Only due to a significant number of injuries. It is a minor miracle we were able to achieve mediocrity this year. This season could have easily gone sideways.

 

[brgRC90]

Deja vu all over again. How many times have I heard that excuse for another mediocre Schiano season?

 

[rutgersal]

Deja vu all over again. How many times have I heard that excuse for another mediocre Schiano season?

Why is it that you disappear when we have any success only to reappear once adversity strikes? We win Saturday and it will be an incremental step forward.

 

[Extra Point]

Losing Mohamed Toure was a huge blow and a major bummer for me and probably all us fans. Mohamed is a one man wrecking crew as we saw in 2023. The good news is he will be a one man wrecking crew for RU in the soon to be here 2025 season, with newer defenders who will need to learn to play complementary/unison defense. Reflecting back, the Minnesota and Maryland wins were impressive. Of course the Illinois game that we won for a brief second before the official spoke.

 

[ashokan]

Rutgers problems were evident in first 4 games.
RU improved its game only after changing its high school, offensive playbook after Mongo injury.
In AKs first games he looked like the QB Minn got rid off.
After the change to larger WR sets, and more dynamic routes, he looked much better.
Interestingly AK @ Minn was running same basic offense that KC left them with.
I've seen some players working their butts off (even Lewis looks better despite injury) so credit them.
I'm not real high on RU coaching for most part.
The silly-Illy TO pushed me over the line - right-up there with tackling QB on kneel down

 

[fluoxetine]

Meh, you’re kind of trolling as usual but yes I don’t think this season is a failure (pending the the last couple games) because of the injuries. I don’t think many teams could be successful at a high level with so many key injuries. That said, if this is his “greatest coaching job ever” that says pretty bad things about him as a coach. We are 6-5.

 

[RUGuitarMan]

Injuries have played a role this year but that happens to a lot of other schools also. I don’t think it completely explains the poor defensive play for many games. We will see what happens on Saturday, personally I don’t think a win is likely but hope it happens. I think GS should get 2 more seasons to make a legitimate breakthrough in the B1G. If it doesn’t happen, it’s time to reevaluate.

 

[brgRC90]

Why is it that you disappear when we have any success only to reappear once adversity strikes? We win Saturday and it will be an incremental step forward.

I disappeared because I lost interest in the program once they signed Schiano for life. But I came back briefly to see what's on the board and unbelievably its the exact same posts I've seen for years--with people like you making the exact same excuses. You seem utterly unaware that you make the same lame excuses for YEARS. I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified. I'll never understood the literally undying devotion you guys have to a coach that never wins much. I didn't disappear when the team had any success because it didn't have any real success. Beating easy early season chumps isn't success 5 years in.

 

[fluoxetine]

I disappeared because I lost interest in the program once they signed Schiano for life. But I came back briefly to see what's on the board and unbelievably its the exact same posts I've seen for years--with people like you making the exact same excuses. You seem utterly unaware that you make the same lame excuses for YEARS. I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified. I'll never understood the literally undying devotion you guys have to a coach that never wins much. I didn't disappear when the team had any success because it didn't have any real success.

This seems a little unfair regarding this season specifically. Whatever you think of Schiano, we have had a devastating number of injuries. That’s not making excuses, it’s just reality.

 

[brgRC90]

This seems a little unfair regarding this season specifically. Whatever you think of Schiano, we have had a devastating number of injuries. That’s not making excuses, it’s just reality.

If you knew how many times I've heard that excuse...

 

[retired711]

Schiano would be the last to try to use injuries as an excuse. He would say, "injuries are part of the game; it's my job to overcome them."

 

[rutgersal]

I disappeared because I lost interest in the program once they signed Schiano for life. But I came back briefly to see what's on the board and unbelievably its the exact same posts I've seen for years--with people like you making the exact same excuses. You seem utterly unaware that you make the same lame excuses for YEARS. I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified. I'll never understood the literally undying devotion you guys have to a coach that never wins much. I didn't disappear when the team had any success because it didn't have any real success. Beating easy early season chumps isn't success 5 years in.

Come on! You came back because you knew the board would be a shitshow after Schiano made a mistake. I provide explanations not excuses. The coach is making incremental progress despite adverse circumstances.

 

[fluoxetine]

If you knew how many times I've heard that excuse...

That’s not really relevant. People may very well have (wrongly) used that excuse when it didn’t apply. I still say it clearly applies *this* year.

 

[rutgersal]

Schiano would be the last to try to use injuries as an excuse. He would say, "injuries are part of the game; it's my job to overcome them."

True, he would say “next man up”. But any observer could plainly see that the replacements were not always up to the task, because they were going through a learning curve.

 

[fluoxetine]

Schiano would be the last to try to use injuries as an excuse. He would say, "injuries are part of the game; it's my job to overcome them."

Right. He’s a leader and that’s what he should say. But we as fans should evaluate based on reality and that reality is that we’ve had a huge amount of injuries that hurt us a lot and we’re not under the coaches’ control.

 

[Kbee3]

Come on. Anyone can see that RU had a strangely long list of key players injured this season. Especially key players on defense. Honestly, going into the season I thought the two most likely injuries that could undermine this season were an injury to Athan or Kyle. Instead it was Bailey, Toure, Lewis, Powell, and half the secondary...and Fletcher, Felter, Needham, and Brown. That's a lot for one season.

 

[retired711]

Right. He’s a leader and that’s what he should say. But we as fans should evaluate based on reality and that reality is that we’ve had a huge amount of injuries that hurt us a lot and we’re not under the coaches’ control.

I understand your point, and I hasten to say that I think Rutgers made the right decision in bringing Schiano back. He knows Rutgers well and I don't see anyone out there who I think would be doing significantly better. But, unfortunately, injuries are part of football. A coach has to take that into account in his recruiting and coaching. We seem to have a big gap in many areas between our starters and the players available to replace them. Doesn't this reflect at least a little on Schiano's recruiting and coaching? And doesn't the huge number of injuries reflect at least a little on the strength and conditioning staff that Schiano hires? My feeling is that Schiano says what he says not just because he's a leader, but because he knows that he and the staff need to do better.

 

[Scarlet16E]

Rutgers problems were evident in first 4 games.
RU improved its game only after changing its high school, offensive playbook after Mongo injury.
In AKs first games he looked like the QB Minn got rid off.
After the change to larger WR sets, and more dynamic routes, he looked much better.
Interestingly AK @ Minn was running same basic offense that KC left them with.
I've seen some players working their butts off (even Lewis looks better despite injury) so credit them.
I'm not real high on RU coaching for most part.
The silly-Illy TO pushed me over the line - right-up there with tackling QB on kneel down

Mo Toure was the single
Most significant loss and that happened before the first four games.

 

[fluoxetine]

I understand your point, and I hasten to say that I think Rutgers made the right decision in bringing Schiano back. He knows Rutgers well and I don't see anyone out there who I think would be doing significantly better. But, unfortunately, injuries are part of football. A coach has to take that into account in his recruiting and coaching. We seem to have a big gap in many areas between our starters and the players available to replace them. Doesn't this reflect at least a little on Schiano's recruiting and coaching?

Sure it does, but really every team has such a gap which is why those players available to replace the starters aren't starters in the first place. Now do the top teams have a smaller gap? Probably. But I already knew we weren't a top top team.

And doesn't the huge number of injuries reflect at least a little on the strength and conditioning staff that Schiano hires?

I don't know. My gut instinct would be "not really" especially as it relates to major season ending kinds of injuries which I feel are mostly bad luck. But it's possible.

My feeling is that Schiano says what he says not just because he's a leader, but because he knows that he and the staff need to do better.

You might be right. I'm certainly not saying Schiano is perfect. I just think he has had a lot of bad luck this season and it should be taken into account.

 

[RU Cheese]

I disappeared because I lost interest in the program once they signed Schiano for life. But I came back briefly to see what's on the board and unbelievably its the exact same posts I've seen for years--with people like you making the exact same excuses. You seem utterly unaware that you make the same lame excuses for YEARS. I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified. I'll never understood the literally undying devotion you guys have to a coach that never wins much. I didn't disappear when the team had any success because it didn't have any real success. Beating easy early season chumps isn't success 5 years in.

A mediocre coach is going to produce the same obnoxious posts from one mediocre fan boy in particular.

 

[Shelby65]

Come on! You came back because you knew the board would be a shitshow after Schiano made a mistake. I provide explanations not excuses. The coach is making incremental progress despite adverse circumstances.

What mistake ? He never makes mistakes. He called the TO so Wagner College sees it on tape for their RU game in three years and will expect the same thing. If there were a Super Hall of Fame that only Hall of Famers were eligible for, he’d be a unanimous selection for the SHoF too, ain’t that right Adonis Al of La Fieldhouse ?

Next, next, next level coaching.

 

[brgRC90]

A mediocre coach is going to produce the same obnoxious posts from one mediocre fan boy in particular.

It's unreal. First we're assured success by him. Then when it doesn't come its because WE didn't give enough money. It's OUR fault not the fault of the coach who has been given everything he's asked for. Finally, buy the fieldhouse and wins will come! Everyone and everything to blame but the millionaire coach. At some point you win or you don't. That point is in the rear view mirror for Schiano. 2006 was EIGHTEEN years ago.

 

[RU from Jersey]

The issue with RU is that Schiano is a 9 out of 10 Sunday through Friday and a 3 on game day. I think he has improved his Sunday to Friday coaching from his first stint, but he has not improved his game day coaching at all and may have taken a step back.

 

[Shelby65]

The issue with RU is that Schiano is a 9 out of 10 Sunday through Friday and a 3 on game day. I think he has improved his Sunday to Friday coaching from his first stint, but he has not improved his game day coaching at all and may have taken a step back.

That’s a popular point to at least give him credit for something but it makes no sense.

What is he good at Sun-Fri? Nothing, because the point is to win on Saturday.

 

[retired711]

Sure it does, but really every team has such a gap which is why those players available to replace the starters aren't starters in the first place. Now do the top teams have a smaller gap? Probably. But I already knew we weren't a top top team.

I don't know. My gut instinct would be "not really" especially as it relates to major season ending kinds of injuries which I feel are mostly bad luck. But it's possible.

You might be right. I'm certainly not saying Schiano is perfect. I just think he has had a lot of bad luck this season and it should be taken into account.

Thanks for your thoughtful response. Let's hope we win on Saturday and get to a good bowl. Athletes have to turn the page on a game like last Saturday's and we fans do, too

 

[RutHut]

I'll give Greg credit for turning the team around since the buy week. Meathead screwed up the last 2 plays last week, but this team has played well the last three games.

However, I don't get the comments that the program has taken a step forward this year. If anything, we failed to capitalize in a year where we were dealt a strong hand. Looking forward, we have too much to replace next year and won't hit the portal hard enough.

As pointed out previously by other posters, we had a couple of recruiting years that were big misses under Greg. Not good. I can live with a down year or two, if we would mix in a big year. Alas, it didn't happen this year. Now onto the "we are young" or "we just got a new coordinator", etc. excuses.

It is what it is and none of Al's positive affirmations will do any good. The only winners are the apathetic or those who accept mediocrity.

 

[Purple-Ed]

Deja vu all over again. How many times have I heard that excuse for another mediocre Schiano season?

googol times?

 

[rutgersal]

Rutgers problems were evident in first 4 games.
RU improved its game only after changing its high school, offensive playbook after Mongo injury.
In AKs first games he looked like the QB Minn got rid off.
After the change to larger WR sets, and more dynamic routes, he looked much better.
Interestingly AK @ Minn was running same basic offense that KC left them with.
I've seen some players working their butts off (even Lewis looks better despite injury) so credit them.
I'm not real high on RU coaching for most part.
The silly-Illy TO pushed me over the line - right-up there with tackling QB on kneel down

It took time for the kids to acclimate. As we started feeling more comfortable with the kids winning their share of 50/50 balls, we started taking bigger risks.

 

[rutgersal]

I'll give Greg credit for turning the team around since the buy week. Meathead screwed up the last 2 plays last week, but this team has played well the last three games.

However, I don't get the comments that the program has taken a step forward this year. If anything, we failed to capitalize in a year where we were dealt a strong hand. Looking forward, we have too much to replace next year and won't hit the portal hard enough.

As pointed out previously by other posters, we had a couple of recruiting years that were big misses under Greg. Not good. I can live with a down year or two, if we would mix in a big year. Alas, it didn't happen this year. Now onto the "we are young" or "we just got a new coordinator", etc. excuses.

It is what it is and none of Al's positive affirmations will do any good. The only winners are the apathetic or those who accept mediocrity.

If we win our game tomorrow, that will be a significant step forward, as that would be 7 wins and last year we won 6. Incremental progress in a year we confronted significant injury challenges.

If we want big years we have to donate big bucks. There are no freebies in Big Ten football and you win by providing superior support which results in obtaining the players needed to win. If you don’t donate, then you are tacitly accepting mediocrity because then you’re depending on luck.

Everyone wants Championships but not enough people are providing the support needed for success.

 

[rutgersal]

That’s a popular point to at least give him credit for something but it makes no sense.

What is he good at Sun-Fri? Nothing, because the point is to win on Saturday.

The kids do well in the classroom. A decent amount of kids will play in the NFL next year. Most importantly he gives the kids the tools they need to succeed in life.

 

[NickRU714]

If we win our game tomorrow, that will be a significant step forward, as that would be 7 wins and last year we won 6. Incremental progress in a year we confronted significant injury challenges.

If we want big years we have to donate big bucks. There are no freebies in Big Ten football and you win by providing superior support which results in obtaining the players needed to win. If you don’t donate, then you are tacitly accepting mediocrity because then you’re depending on luck.

Everyone wants Championships but not enough people are providing the support needed for success.

Any incremental progress of 6 to 7 wins (which haven't even happened yet) compared to last year is mitigated by the much much easier schedule.

Under your logic, getting 6 or even 5 wins next year would be a step back.
However, I can guarantee you will say "but you have to consider the schedule" and deem the step from 7 to 6 win actually progress.

 

[Shelby65]

The kids do well in the classroom. A decent amount of kids will play in the NFL next year. Most importantly he gives the kids the tools they need to succeed in life.

same can be said for other coaches all across the country and many of them are consistent winners.

 

[rutgersal]

The issue with RU is that Schiano is a 9 out of 10 Sunday through Friday and a 3 on game day. I think he has improved his Sunday to Friday coaching from his first stint, but he has not improved his game day coaching at all and may have taken a step back.

Support NIL and a Fieldhouse and he’ll be a 9 out of 10 on game day. At Miami and OSU, he recruited his share of 4 and 5 star players. At Rutgers, he’s mostly recruited 3 ⭐️ players. What’s the difference?

Those fans prioritize a successful football program and provide significant support accordingly. Why do you think he wanted a Fieldhouse? It wasn’t for his health. It was so he could significantly improve recruiting. Our fanbase talks big on the messageboard but when it’s time to pony up, we’re quiet as mice.

So the bottomline is, we’ll probably be within 5-8 wins most years. Though hope springs eternal.