Will a victory against UW change your perception of the season?

[DJ Spanky]

For me, personally, I really have no idea how our offense will perform given that we have all new, radically different schemes. And that is the key to the season. If we get decent production out of the offense, I think this season could be relatively successful. But if they stumble out of the gate, it could be a long season. Thoughts?

 

[mdk01]

Will a win over the #14 team on the road change perceptions? Oh, hell yes. Ash becomes the frontrunner in the 2017 governor's race. And RU instantly goes from last or next to last in the B1G East to 4th place with a shot to give the big boys trouble.

 

[PaKnight]

It is one game. Obviously, I would feel better with a win or even a close loss than bad loss.

 

[Mr Magoo]

It would change mine for sure. Actually, I expect us to stumble out of the gate but NOT be in for a long season since (unlike most recent years), I expect the team to actually get better during the season. I have heard really really good things regarding Ash and think we will all be happier at the end of the season than we are early in the season.

A new coach, new system, and a road opener against a ranked PAC 12 team does not bode well for this week IMO but I'm ok with that.

A surprise victory or stronger-than-I-expect showing would be even better.

 

[RU Husky]

SMH

 

[AreYouNUTS]

1 game does not make a season, however, I'd feel a tad better, yes!

 

[RAA-1]

You bet it will. UW has a very good QB, a stud RB and their defense is considered an elite group by many.

Not only does RU have a new offense but, our defensive system is entirely new to our players. I do think we will improve as the season progresses but this is a very challenging opener.

 

[rpiseman]

If we win I would feel good about our chances to go bowling

 

[PatrickRU92]

unquestionably it would. I think the D will be passable at WORST. But the offense is a massive question mark for me. Performing well against the Huskies would be a big big plus.

 

[jmc11201]

My base case is that Ash needs two years to turn over the roster, get his offensive and defensive schemes in place, and see the fruits of his recruiting.

I assume this year is challenging due to the schematic changes and that next year is tough as we lose a number of players on the DL and OL to graduation. By Year Three, Laviano will have graduated, Ash will have one of his QBs in place (Odin, Lewis, other), some of his recruited players moving up the depth chart, the offense and defense will be much more fluid and instinctual for players, etc.

We saw with Washington that Year Three (this season) is when they are expected to make a leap forward (vs. being basically a .500 team since Peterson arrived).

So a win against Washington would definitely change my expectations as it would demonstrate that Ash and the staff have made way more progress than I thought possible in a short period of time.

 

[RUforester72]

Certainly. If UW is really a top 20 team, even a close loss will be a very good sign.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

A victory against Washington will change my perception of my life, let alone the season.

 

[RUinBoston]

If we beat UW I'll feel very good about our chances against Howard.

 

[OldTownPepe]

RU fans need to develop a different mindset. Like the idea that Rutgers will be in every game to win it. Moral victories don't count. It seems a lot of posters on this board have a bit of an inferior complex about your team and that's the first thing that should change. You finally have a solid coach that's serious about building something good in Piscataway, you're in the Big Ten, and everything is pointing in the right direction. The only thing that needs to evolve now is the way you think about yourselves.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

If we beat UW I'll feel very good about our chances against Howard.

[roll]

 

[RutgersRaRa]

RU fans need to develop a different mindset. Like the idea that Rutgers will be in every game to win it. Moral victories don't count. It seems a lot of posters on this board have a bit of an inferior complex about your team and that's the first thing that should change. You finally have a solid coach that's serious about building something good in Piscataway, you're in the Big Ten, and everything is pointing in the right direction. The only thing that needs to evolve now is the way you think about yourselves.

It's a process.

 

[MikeR0102]

It will increase my expectations for the season. Right now I'd sign up for 6-6. If we beat Washington, I get into the 8 win territory, but it's just one game, and we don't need another Michigan State 2004 scenario.

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

I will let you know around 5 on Saturday. Will that work?:okay:

 

[RU-05]

RU fans need to develop a different mindset. Like the idea that Rutgers will be in every game to win it. Moral victories don't count. It seems a lot of posters on this board have a bit of an inferior complex about your team and that's the first thing that should change. You finally have a solid coach that's serious about building something good in Piscataway, you're in the Big Ten, and everything is pointing in the right direction. The only thing that needs to evolve now is the way you think about yourselves.

They need to win games. Like this game on Saturday. Do that, and fans will view things differently.

 

[superfan01]

To me this season and next will be defined how well we recruit NJ. If the nj kids want to come here it tells me things are headed in right direction despite what record says.
Flood left us in a hole. Gotta dig ourselves out.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

Yeah.. Welll.. No sheet Sherlock.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Is the Pope Catholic?