Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: What to Look for

The days of Mike Teel, Ray Rice and Kenny Britt seem like light years ago. That was the last time the Scarlet Knights had a legitimate shot at beating the powerful Mountaineers.

This year, the Mountaineers have been a team similar to the likes of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, since no one really knows what to expect from week to week.

I mean, who would have thought the team that gave LSU the toughest competition would lay an egg against Syracuse?

However, for Rutgers, things seem to be the same way. The team looks great, then stumbles just days later. Inconsistency has plagued the team and it shows.

That being said, this year's game is shaping up to be an interesting one, and here are some things to look for on Saturday.

Can Gary Nova Rebound?

Freshman QB Gary Nova saw early success. Since then, however, Nova has shown inexperience and his production has decreased. In his two previous starts, Nova has thrown five interceptions compared to zero in his first two starts.

Can Nova return to his form of old?

It will be difficult: For the second straight week, the Scarlet Knights offense will be going up against a Top 25 defense in the country (last week LOU was ranked 16th, this week WVU is ranked 21st). The Mountaineers pass defense is also one of the best, holding teams to under 200 YPG through the air. 

A positive spin is that WVU is only averaging one sack per game. A lack of pass rush should help Nova out and give him time to find his wideouts.

I believe Nova has the ability to become an elite player in the Big East conference over the years. His youth and lack of experience show, but for the most part he handles himself well and he is a drop away from being undefeated as a starter.

I expect a solid game from Nova, and look for the RU passing game to play beyond expectations.

The Running Game

The fact that the Mounties are holding teams to under four yards per rush and are only giving up roughly one touchdown per game does not bode well for the RU offense.

Minus the game with Navy on October 15, the Rutgers' rushing attack has been nearly nonexistent.

Against lowly NCCU, they only averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

North Carolina? Forget about it. They only totaled one rushing yard! One!

The following week, they totaled 159 (against a weak Ohio defense), but followed that rousing performance by totaling 5 yards against Syracuse.

They had 97 against Pitt, 152 against the Naval Academy and finally another sub-100-yard performance against the Cards.

The Scarlet Knights have to get this part of their offense going. Without a running game, they can't control the clock, set a tempo, get into a rhythm or keep their defense off the field. Being behind the chains is bad enough, but with a young QB it makes things even harder.

I applaud that Schiano tries to run the ball, but it just isn't working. Maybe some more work during inside run sessions throughout the week could help. Either way, don't expect a big performance against this defense.  

Schiano Has to Prove His Worth

Don't get me wrong, Greg Schiano has done miraculous work for this institution's athletic department and football program.

The problem is, Schiano's teams (throughout his tenure) have been inconsistent—sometimes sluggish, out-manned and some games are just flat-out terrible.

Last week against LOU, Schiano's team seemed lackadaisical at times, making mental errors and not playing to their ability. He also seemed out-foxed on a few plays by Charlie Strong throughout the game.

Basically, Schiano has to get this team revved up for Saturday. A win still keeps their Big East championship hopes alive and makes them eligible for a bowl, but a loss pretty much diminishes any championship dreams.

Is the Defense Up to the Task?

The Rutgers defense has played stellar all season. They force turnovers, have solid coverage on the back end and have been able to tackle even the most elusive runners.

The only issue I see with this unit is the pass rush. The pass rush at times has been inconsistent or invisible. If they don't blitz, the pass rush is weak at best. Constantly sending blitzes will eventually come to burn you.

Additionally, the RU defense is going up against one of the best all-around QBs in the conference. Geno Smith is averaging over 350 yards passing per game and 18 TDs.

The running game is solid, too. Dustin Garrison has 494 rushing yards and 126 receiving yards, averaging 6.7 yards per rush and 7.4 yards per reception. Vernard Roberts and Shawne Alston are also solid contributors to the backfield.

The receivers are solid and Smith will throw to many different ones throughout the game, so containing multiple players will be tough.

After a scout of their offense, I think the Scarlet Knights' squad is the most solid unit besides Louisville. They will set the edge and hopefully be able to smother receivers. WVU is averaging a high number in PPG, but I think the RU defense could cut that number in half.

Prediction

After seeing both teams play, checking out their stats and doing a lot of research, I found that (with these two teams in particular) either team could play like a championship-caliber team or like a dud.

West Virginia has been impressive in certain weeks, but last week they looked like a middle-of-the-pack Big East foe. Thus, they could be coming to New Jersey licking their wounds and a little vulnerable.

Rutgers, like West Virginia, has shown promise and skill. Last week? Well...we all saw what happened.

Being the optimist that I am, I like Rutgers at home. Historically, RU has fared way better at home than on the road and, honestly, I think WVU will come in feeling sorry for themselves.

Either way, it will be a tough battle for both teams. Either team can win and this will be HUGE game in determining the landscape of the Big East.

Final: RU 17, WVU 16