Rutgers Football: Five Questions for the Scarlet Knights

Rutgers heads into its season opener tonight against Norfolk State with high hopes for 2010.  As usual, there are questions to answer for the Knights. 

We will get preliminary answers to these questions in tonight's season opener against Norfolk State.

Look for the answers to these questions as you watch the Scarlet Knights tonight at 7:30.

5. Who Will Replace Tim Brown Alongside Mohamed Sanu at WR?

Wide receiver Tim Brown emerged as a deep threat and a game-breaker for Tom Savage and the Scarlet Knights last season.  Replacing him is proving to be quite a chore. 

Timothy Wright, who appeared to be making strides toward that goal, was lost for the 2010 season due to a preseason injury.

Tall and rangy Mark Harrison (pictured) certainly looks the part of a wide receiver and made some plays last season.  He tops the depth chart along with Mohamed Sanu. 

However, the unit is still seeking a deep threat.  Will it be freshman Jeremy Deering?  Will J.T. Tartacoff be the guy?  Or, will Mason Robinson finally realize his potential?  Tonight will be our first chance to watch.

4. Will Tom Savage Take the Next Step to Stardom?

Last season's opening loss to Cincinnati was a blessing in disguise for the Scarlet Knights.

While it was painful to endure, it was the coming-out party of Tom Savage.  He played well last season and led the Knights to a bowl appearance.  The team won't take the next step to the top of the conference without big time play from Savage.  So, will it be a sophomore slump for Savage, or sophomore stardom?

3. What About Running Back? Can Someone Unseat Jersey Joe Martinek?

Incumbent Joe Martinek has done all that has been asked of him since he has joined the Rutgers program.

New Jersey's all-time leading high school rusher has run hard and has used every bit of his ability to chew up every last yard of which his body is capable.

But, there appears to be something missing to his game.  He is occasionally quick, and occasionally will break a big play, but he doesn't do it often enough to anchor the position for Rutgers.

He once again tops the depth chart at RB, but freshman Jordan Thomas has been turning heads in camp this summer and we know Schiano is not afraid to put the true freshmen out on the field if that is where they deserve to be. 

2. Who Will Replace Devin McCourty?

Rutgers was confident to be able to match up Devin McCourty on the opponent's top receiver each week. 

David Rowe and Brandon Bing each played well enough to hold down the other two spots at cornerback.  There is a big difference between matching up against WR2 or WR3, and the No. 1 WR.

Will one of these two men be able to step up, or will the coaching staff have to roll help to the corners?

If they have to roll help, it will greatly affect the defensive gameplan.

Schiano loves an attacking defense where safeties can ball hawk, charge up in run support, and rush the passer. 

Tonight will be interesting to see if Bing and Rowe can lock down lesser athletes on Norfolk State.  If they are unable to do that, corner will be a major concern this season. 

1. Can This O-line Protect Savage and Open Holes for the Running Game?

WIth Anthony Davis (pictured) gone to the NFL, the Knights have huge shoes—both literally and figuratively—to fill at offensive tackle.  The problems don't end there as starting center Ryan Blaszczyk and the mountainous tackle Kevin Haslam were also lost to graduation.

The good news, however, is that the line will return Caleb Ruch and Art Forst who both played significant amounts of time last season. 

It will be interesting to see the new unit play and to see if it can gel effectively.  Line coach Kyle Flood certainly has his hands full.