This game is the reason why we were all excited to join the B1G. A SATURDAY night prime time game on ABC vs the number 1 team in the land.
This game is much more important than W-L. Rutgers MUST compete and play well. It must challenge Ohio St. and show the viewers, the league, the analysts, the RECRUITS, the fans ... that the team is close and ready to take the next step! This is critical. I'm as big of a fan as it comes, but if there is ever a "moral" victory to be had, Saturday is the day where losing in style matters .. A LOT.
If we don't compete the script remains RU is a mess and a bottom feeder. The rest of NJ will buy into that storyline for another year or two no matter if we make a bowl game or not.
If we challenge OSU and play well (does not have to be a win) and perhaps even pull off the upset .. Things will change VERY quickly regarding perception. The rest of NJ will all of a sudden be proud and ready to chat up RU to their neighbors. Analysts will call it a fluke but certainly won't forget to mention it every time RU appears from now until the start of next season. Michigan fans will shower us with gifts when we arrive there as visiting fans in two weeks !
This game is big for us to turn the script, begin the "awakening of the sleeping giant". Turn those NJ recruits towards RU. All it takes is for RU to entertain people and keep the game interesting. Everyone is expecting us to be blown out of the water .. if RU hangs around people will take notice. It's time for RU to step up and re-write their own script !!
This game is much more important than W-L. Rutgers MUST compete and play well. It must challenge Ohio St. and show the viewers, the league, the analysts, the RECRUITS, the fans ... that the team is close and ready to take the next step! This is critical. I'm as big of a fan as it comes, but if there is ever a "moral" victory to be had, Saturday is the day where losing in style matters .. A LOT.
If we don't compete the script remains RU is a mess and a bottom feeder. The rest of NJ will buy into that storyline for another year or two no matter if we make a bowl game or not.
If we challenge OSU and play well (does not have to be a win) and perhaps even pull off the upset .. Things will change VERY quickly regarding perception. The rest of NJ will all of a sudden be proud and ready to chat up RU to their neighbors. Analysts will call it a fluke but certainly won't forget to mention it every time RU appears from now until the start of next season. Michigan fans will shower us with gifts when we arrive there as visiting fans in two weeks !
This game is big for us to turn the script, begin the "awakening of the sleeping giant". Turn those NJ recruits towards RU. All it takes is for RU to entertain people and keep the game interesting. Everyone is expecting us to be blown out of the water .. if RU hangs around people will take notice. It's time for RU to step up and re-write their own script !!