Previewing the 2011 New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers

The 2010-2011 NCAA football season has been a roller coaster ride for any and all Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans. They’ve both won and lost in blowout and near fashion and have been an exciting team to watch as anyone. This year’s edition of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl pits them against Big 12 foe Iowa State.

In today’s breakdown, we will check out the Scarlet Knights offense, defense and special teams. We will highlight significant players and keys to the game as well.

This is the second of five articles previewing the Rutgers/Iowa State matchup.

For anyone interested, here is yesterday’s Day One article on the bowl game itself.

Rutgers Offensive Stats and Rankings

The Scarlet Knights offense has been as unpredictable as ever. Week to week, players rise to the occasion just to fall back to a harsh reality days later.

Here are the offensive stats and rankings for this unit:

Category                  Total     Rank

Points per game:         26.3       66

Rush Yards per game:    91.5      115

Pass Yards per game:   245.0      46

Total Yards per game:   336.5     100

Rutgers is middle of the pack when it comes to points per game, but is near the bottom in both the rushing yards per game and total yards per game.

Rutgers Offense Key Players

Mohamed Sanu, WR

Sanu is a lengthy (6'2") and versatile athlete that Rutgers can put anywhere on the field. This year, the junior WR caught 109 passes totaling 1,144 yards. He is catching passes at 10.5 yards per clip and has reached pay dirt seven times. Sanu is by far the Scarlet Knights most dangerous weapon and is a major factor when this offense is running on all cylinders. Look for Rutgers to spotlight this guy, as they have been all season.

Brandon Coleman, WR

Coleman is a 6’6” sophomore that has really come on strong this season. I know what you’re going to say—he’s only gathered 16 balls. Despite his lack of touches, Coleman is averaging an astonishing 29.1 yards per reception and has reached the end zone five times.

Coleman also has the size and athleticism to jump up and take balls out of the air, as he did against the Uconn Huskies. Look for Coleman’s size to be utilized in red zone situations.

Jawan Jamison, RB

Jamison really entered his own as the season has progressed. After a handful of many lackluster performances, he busted out a 200-yard game (in, up to that point, the biggest game of their season) against Cincinnati. The kid is young and still has a ton of growing to do, but he has matured as this season has come to pass.

Supposing he is healthy, Jamison will be a key factor in the RU running attack. He’s only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, but has 700-plus yards and seven touchdowns. Look for Jamison to get many touches, allowing the Scarlet Knights to control the clock.

Offensive Keys to the Game

Quarterback Play

This year’s quarterback circus has cost this Rutgers team chemistry and fluidity. Chas Dodd started the season, then was replaced by freshman Gary Nova. After only a few weeks, Dodd came back to start again, only to be pulled by Schiano in their last game.

Whoever is at QB for this bowl game must control the ball, limit turnovers and hit their intended receivers. Rutgers has shown this year that with good quarterback play, they're an efficient offense.

Ball Control

The lack of running game this year has hurt the RU offense and team overall. This game versus Iowa State should force Rutgers to hold the ball more and chew up more clock. As long as the offensive line plays well (which they’ve shown they can do) and Jamison gets on a roll, it should be a long day for this Cyclone defense.

 

No Drops

In two games this year, one receiver or another has dropped a key pass that could have kept a drive going or score a touchdown. Against the Tar Heels and the Cardinals of Louisville, the receivers dropped passes that could have ultimately won Rutgers the game. Sanu, Coleman, Pratt and company must make sure to catch and possess the football. Dropped passes will hurt the Knights, especially in a game of this magnitude.

Rutgers Defensive Stats and Rankings

The Rutgers defensive unit has been one of the best, yet most surprising units of the Big East and all of college football. Their knack for getting to the football and attaining it has played a major role for this team. A good defense is key in this game against the Cyclones.

Category                   Total     Rank

Points per game:          18.8      12

Yards per game:          314.4     13

Sacks:                         33.0     17

Interceptions:                17.0     11

Rutgers Defense Key Players

Khaseem Greene, LB

Khaseem Greene has quite possibly been the most all-around best player for this defense. On the season, he has totaled 127 tackles and 11 for a loss. He added three sacks and forced two fumbles to go with multiple quarterback hurries.

Greene has been a pleasant surprise, and as a converted safety, he adds speed to a defense that keeps match ups winnable.

Duron Harmon, S

Harmon has also been a pleasant surprise to his defense. On the season, he has 45 tackles from his safety spot and one pass deflection. The thing that makes him stand out, though, is his team-leading five interceptions.

Harmon does a great job of reading the quarterback's eyes and finding himself around the ball. He is instinctive and talented and is great for this defense to have on their back end. Rutgers should be happy they stole this guy from the likes of Stanford, Penn State and Iowa.

 

Justin Francis, DL

In my opinion, Francis is battling Khaseem Greene for defensive team MVP. Francis has done it all this year and some. On the season, he has totaled 60 tackles, 13 of them in the backfield. He has a team-high 6.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hurries. Justin also has an interception, five pass breakups, a fumble recovery and two blocked kicks. This kid is tough to stop and presents a tough matchup versus any offensive lineman.

 

Defensive Keys to the Game

Quarterback Pressure

For the most part, the defense has done a stellar job getting pressure on the QB. This Pinstripe Bowl will be no different. Rutgers must get pressure on this offense, whether it’s with their front four or sending multiple blitzers. If you give this quarterback time, he can pick apart this secondary and possibly make it a long day for the guys in red.

Keep Getting Turnovers

One of the biggest reasons RU is in the position they are this year is because of its dominance in the turnover battle. Rutgers has forced multiple turnovers and interceptions this year, giving their offense numerous extra possessions throughout games and the season. If Rutgers wants to pull this one out, they must once again win the turnover battle and get their hands on the football from this side of the ball.

 

Solid Tackling

Once again, for the most part, the Scarlet Knights have been very efficient in the tackling department. They have shown, however, times where their tackling was sub-par or guys weren’t hustling to the ball. If you give these guys extra yards, it could prove very costly. Tackling will be key in keeping this offense in check and in third and long situations.

Special Teams Players and Stats

The Scarlet Knights special teams has been very special this year. Minus a few slips, they have done a great job in garnering points and keeping the field advantage battle in their favor.

Here are some of the key players for these units:

San San Te, K

Extra Points: 34-of-35 (97.1 percent)

Field Goals: 18-of-28 (64.3 percent)

Justin Doerner, P

Punts: 58 attempts = 39.3 yard average and 35.8 net.

Zero blocks

22 punts downed inside the 20

Jeremy Deering

31.2 yards per kick return, long of 98

One touchdown

Special Teams Keys to the Game

No Missed Opportunities

Whether its for a San San Te extra point or a 39-yard field goal, Rutgers must capitalize. Leaving points on the board could prove pivotal and cost this team a victory. They should make their kicks, execute their punts and get blocks when the opportunity arises. They say momentum can be made or broke on special teams, so these units must capitalize.

Win Field Position Battle

Other than the game against Uconn, Rutgers has done a great job in winning the field position battles. Deering’s returning abilities allow them to start with decent field position, and Doerner’s punts could change the game. If RU could pin the Cyclones deep multiple times and/or start in or close to Cyclone territory, the game will look favorable for the Scarlet Knights.

Solid Coverage

Again, the coverage units have been solid for the most part. A few slip-ups and big returns will happen throughout the course of a season, but RU must limit them on December 30. They must attack all returners and stay lane and assignment responsible. A big return could change the game completely and put the defense’s backs against the figurative wall.

Overview

Those are just some of the things to look for in this game. If the guys in red can play sound, fundamental football it should be a very winnable contest. If they lack moxie and responsibility, it could be another long day. Schiano should have these guys ready and hungry to go up against an above average Big 12 opponent. I think if RU plays the way they can, it should be a walk in the park.