Rutgers Football: Scarlet Knights Not Worthy of Playing in BCS Bowl Game

Kyle Flood's Rutgers squad might as well start acting like Wayne and Garth did when they met Alice Cooper, because despite having a shiny 9-2 record, the Scarlet Knights don't belong anywhere near a BCS Bowl Game in 2012.

They proved as much with their heartless, lackluster effort against the Pittsburgh Panthers, a game in which they were never able to mount any semblance of an offensive attack and were soundly thrashed, 27-6.

Even in defeat, Rutgers managed to clinch at least a share of the Big East title, and the Scarlet Knights still control their destiny against a Louisville team on Thursday night that is coming off of its own disheartening loss, a 23-20 overtime defeat at the hands of the UConn Huskies.

But let's forget this game for a second.

They still sit with a 9-2 record and have a shot at a 10-win season.

But what was their signature game? Who did they play that was noteworthy?

Arkansas, with four wins on the season.

That's it.

At least Louisville took on a North Carolina team that would be playing in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State were the Tar Heels eligible for postseason play.

Maybe it's not fair to point that out since most people expected the Razorbacks to field a solid team this season and their struggles certainly shouldn't affect Rutgers.

But let's look at the Scarlet Knights' three toughest opponents on its 2012 schedule: They beat Cincinnati by seven points, Arkansas by nine and Syracuse by eight.

Not exactly overwhelming victories—or signs that Rutgers can hang with the best teams in the country in a BCS Bowl Game.

Even if it somehow gets past Louisville on Thursday night—something I have serious doubts that it can pull off—it won't change anything.

If the Scarlet Knights thought that the Pittsburgh Panthers' defense was tough, they won't know what to do against Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Rutgers doesn't belong in a BCS Bowl Game this year. They simply don't have the talent needed to put up a challenge against one of the best teams in the country.