R.U. serious?
In case you missed it -- and you might have since the game ended around 1:30 a.m. -- Rutgers outlasted Washington State, 41-38, to win its first-ever game as a member of the Big Ten. It was a quality win for the conference and an even bigger one for the underdog Scarlet Knights.
Senior quarterback Gary Nova, who appeared to be wiping tears from his eyes on the sideline, addressed the TV cameras after the final whistle. When asked what this game meant to the program, he simply said: “I don’t know. It’s just a great win.”
He’ll have all of Friday to reflect on what it means. But, on the surface, it’s pretty clear: That win just earned Rutgers some much needed respect. And it showed that maybe the “pushover” tag was a bit premature.
Granted, the Cougars are just a mediocre Pac-12 team. Their scoring defense last season was among the worst in the nation, while their pass offense was among the best. Rutgers scored 41 points Thursday night but allowed 532 passing yards. So the game didn’t stray from the script all that much. Except, of course, where it counted -- the winning team.
No, this doesn’t mean the Knights will automatically hang tough against Ohio State or Michigan State. But it does show the Knights were underestimated. By how much? Ask us again after the Penn State game. But none of us five Big Ten bloggers picked Rutgers to win this game. And none of us picked RU to win more than four games on the season.
Kyle Flood's squad was impressive, especially on offense. The line absolutely dominated, and Paul James showed a nice blend of speed and power to the tune of 173 rushing yards and three TDs. Nova tossed a 78-yard TD on the first play, struggled the rest of the first half but then rebounded by going 11-of-17 for 174 yards in just the second half. Wideout Leonte Carroo could even be a popular waiver wire addition when it comes to our fantasy league.
The Knights received a lukewarm reception when they accepted an invitation to the conference. But they proved a lot of analysts and experts wrong with their performance against Washington State. Let’s see if they can keep doing that; there’s no better way to earn respect.
Welcome to the Big Ten, Rutgers.
Postgame wraps
After beating Eastern Illinois, Mitch Leidner looks as if he can be a good quarterback for Minnesota -- but what kind of quarterback? Head coach Jerry Kill believes facility upgrades are critical to the Gophers' next step.
Running back Paul James delivers in Rutgers' win. An overview of the RU-WSU game and what it means for the Scarlet Knights.
East Division
The Buckeyes revamped their pass-defense this offseason, but obviously the focus will be a little different against run-happy Navy.
Devin Gardner is "100 times better" as a leader this season, according to Michigan's Brady Hoke.
Seven things to watch this season with Indiana. A roundtable complete with Hoosiers' previews and predictions.
MSU linebacker Taiwan Jones never showed a "clear indication" he was ready to play middle linebacker this camp, but he also never really had a down day either.
Breaking down and examining Penn State's possible redshirt candidates.
A roundtable on Maryland's season, from predicting team MVPs to what game each blogger is most excited about.
West Division
Illinois players and coaches say there's a renewed sense of hope around campus this season. Tim Beckman is hoping a more experienced roster means more success.
Wisconsin still refuses to disclose its plans at quarterback Saturday, but offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig praised both Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy. A video on Ludwig addressing the quarterback situation.
Everyone already knows about Ameer Abdullah, but what kind of role will the other Nebraska running backs play?
Cameron Dickerson is a name to remember for Northwestern, as the wideout went from role player to key cog in one short offseason.
A scouting report on Purdue, along with a report on its opponent in Western Michigan.
Quarterback Jake Rudock is expected to have more input on this Iowa offense, so communication is especially important.
Extra point
Six Big Ten players made the cut on Mel Kiper's "Big Board,"
a list of the top 25 NFL prospects, with Nebraska DE Randy Gregory the top B1G player at No. 4 overall.