Scarlet Knights Game Preview - Louisville
Nov 23 | Football
RUTGERS (7-3) at LOUISVILLE (4-7)
Friday, November 27 11:00 a.m.
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium Louisville, Ky.
Series Record: Rutgers leads, 6-2
Last Meeting: Rutgers 63, Louisville 14
Television: ESPN2 Eric Collins, Play-by-Play, Brock Huard, Color Analyst
Television Replay - SNY
Rutgers Rush Hour (60-minute replay)
Saturday, Nov. 28 - 6 a.m./4 p.m.
Internet: ESPN360.com
Radio: Rutgers Football Radio Network
Affiliates: WOR 710-AM (New York City); WPHT 1210-AM (Philadelphia/South Jersey); WCTC 1450-AM (Central Jersey)
Live Statistics: ScarletKnights.com
Student Radio: WRSU 88.7 FM
Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 122, XM Channel 143
Rutgers (7-3, 2-3 BIG EAST) looks to get back in the win column this week as the Scarlet Knights travel to Louisville (4-7, 1-5 BIG EAST) for a Friday morning ESPN2 telecast. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. from Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.
Rutgers lost for just the third time in its last 18 games with a 31-13 setback at Syracuse on Nov. 21. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak vs. the Orange.
The Cardinals lost 34-22 last week at USF. Louisville has played well all season at home, going 4-1 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
ESPN2 will broadcast the game in HD to a national audience with Eric Collins and Brock Huard on the call.
The Rutgers Radio Network has pre-game coverage at 10 a.m. Chris Carlin, Ray Lucas and Anthony Fucilli will call the action on WOR-710 AM in New York City, WCTC-1450 AM in Central Jersey and WPEN-1210 AM in Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Inside the Rutgers-Louisville Series
Rutgers leads the all-time series 6-2, but the Scarlet Knights have not won at Louisville since a 41-0 shutout on Nov. 1, 1986. The series vs. the Cardinals began in 1976 with a 34-0 shutout victory by the Scarlet Knights.
In BIG EAST play, the series is tied at two with each team winning both of their home games. In last season's 63-14 Rutgers victory, Mike Teel set a school record with 447 yards passing and seven touchdowns.
Did You Know?
Rutgers has allowed the sixth-fewest trips into the red zone nationally this season with 21 ... Nebraska leads the nation with the fewest amount of red zone drives on defense with 18 ... Rutgers ranks first in the BIG EAST and 13th nationally in third-down efficiency defense (32.8%) ... Rutgers is second in the BIG EAST and 19th nationally in fewest yards penalized per game (43.8) ... Rutgers is fifth nationally in turnovers gained (29) ... the Scarlet Knights have yielded just 15.7 first downs per game, the 11th-best figure nationally and tops in the BIG EAST ... Rutgers' opponents have averaged just 5.05 yards per punt return, the best figure in the BIG EAST and 21st in the Football Bowl Subdivision ... Tim Brown leads all active players in the nation with a career average of 19.7 yards per reception ... Teddy Dellaganna is ranked first in the BIG EAST and 17th nationally among active players with a 42.0 career average yards per punt. Dellaganna ranks first in school history with the 42.0 career average yards per punt.
Finding the End Zone Three Different Ways
Mohamed Sanu has thrown a touchdown pass, caught a touchdown pass and rushed for a touchdown in 2009. He is the first Scarlet Knight to do so since Bruce Presley turned the trifecta in 1993.
Early Wakeup Call
For the second time in school history, Rutgers will play a game that begins before 12 noon Friday at Louisville. The last time '?Rutgers played a game that kicked off before noon was Thanksgiving Day in 2004 vs. Connecticut. The 10 am kickoff vs. the Huskies was televised by ESPN2 as the Huskies slipped past RU, 41-35.
Second Half Defense
Rutgers has allowed a total of 35 points in the second half of play over the last seven games. Opponents have averaged just 5.0 points per game in the final 30 minutes of action over the last seven games.
Only Connecticut (14 points) has scored more than a touchdown vs. the Scarlet Knight defense in the final 30 minutes of play over the streak.
Following a Loss
Rutgers looks to go 3-0 after a loss this season with a victory Friday at Louisville. Since 2006, the Scarlet Knights are 8-5 following a loss.
Playing on a Short Week
Rutgers is 4-1 since 2006 and 4-4 overall under Greg Schiano when playing on a short week. The Scarlet Knights are 1-1 this season when playing with less than a week to prepare for an opponent. Rutgers downed Howard with four days to prepare and lost to Pittsburgh with five days of preparation time.
Block Party
Rutgers has blocked six kicks in 2009, which ties the most blocks in a season during the nine-year Greg Schiano era. Three other Schiano coached teams at Rutgers also blocked six kicks in a season.
Devin McCourty leads Rutgers and the BIG EAST with three blocked kicks on the season. Joe Lefeged is second on the squad with two blocks - a blocked field goal and punt - at Syracuse.
Blocked Kicks in a Season
2009 6
2008 4
2007 3
2006 5
2005 6
2004 5
2003 6
2002 6
2001 1
| SAVAGE |
Savage Among True Freshmen QB Leaders
Tom Savage is one of nine true freshmen quarterbacks to serve as the primary starter in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He is second nationally in winning percentage as a starter, trailing only USC's Matt Barkley (7-2).
Savage ranks first nationally among all true freshmen quarterbacks in touchdown to interception ratio: 5:2.
Savage is also Rutgers' single-season record holder for a true freshman quarterback in the following categories:
• Winning percentage as starter: 6-2 (.750)
• Wins as a starter: 6
• Touchdown passes: 10
• Passing Yards: 1,601
2009 True freshman QB starters (sorted by passing yards per game)
1. Matt Barkley - Southern California
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
8 146-252-10 57.9 2,035 11 75 226.1
2. Spencer Keith - Kent State
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
10 168-294-11 57.1 2,147 14 58 214.7
3. Nick Florence - Baylor
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
9 165-266-9 62.0 1,786 6 59 198.4
4. Tom Savage - Rutgers
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
9 116-215-4 54.0 1,601 10 81 177.9
5. Patrick Nicely - Akron
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
7 109-204-4 53.4 1,232 6 59 176.0
6. Tate Forcier - Michigan
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
12 165-281-10 58.7 2,050 13 76 170.8
7. Austyn Carta-Samuels - Wyoming
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
11 161-274-4 58.8 1,615 7 54 146.8
8. Jeff Tuel - Washington State
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
6 71-121-5 58.7 789 6 99 131.5
9. Trent Steelman - Army
GP C-A-I Pct. Yards TD Long Avg./G
11 47-90-1 52.2 560 3 34 50.9
Coming of Age
For a program that lost six players from last season's team that are on active NFL rosters in 2009, Rutgers has started the season 7-3.
The Scarlet Knights have 20 players on their current two-deep roster with two or more years of eligibility remaining, including eight freshmen. Two true freshmen are in the starting lineup in QB Tom Savage and WR Mohamed Sanu.
Rutgers has just 12 scholarship seniors on the 2009 roster.
Protecting the Pigskin
Rutgers is +27 in turnover differential over its last 17 games (14-3). The Scarlet Knights have gained 29 turnovers this season, including at least one in nine of the 10 games.
Rutgers leads the nation in turnover differential (1.90).
In 2009, Rutgers is +19 in turnover differential (29 turnovers, 10 giveaways).
Over the last 17 games, Rutgers has gained a total of 46 turnovers.
14-3
Rutgers has won 14 of its last 17 games, dating back to the 2008 season. The Scarlet Knights are 6-1 on the road during the streak.
Over the last 17 games, Rutgers has held eight opponents to under 300 yards of total offense, including a low of 126 yards of total offense vs. Texas Southern. The Scarlet Knights held USF to seven first downs and shutout the Bulls for the first time in the school's history in a regular season game. The seven first downs for USF were also a program low.
The Turnover Story
Rutgers has turned the ball over just 10 times through 10 games, including seven turnovers over the previous nine games. During Greg Schiano's nine-year tenure, the 10 turnovers are the fewest amount for Rutgers through 10 games.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights have gained 29 turnovers through 10 games. The 29 turnovers already rank as the second-highest season total under Schiano.
Turnovers During the Schiano Era
Year Season Total Through 10 Games
2009 - 10
2008 20 17
2007 25 20
2006 20 20
2005 23 20
2004 35 33
2003 29 25
2002 38 30
2001 42 40
Turnovers Gained During the Schiano Era
Year Season Total Through 10 Games
2009 - 29
2008 21 14
2007 19 15
2006 31 25
2005 20 17
2004 28 24
2003 23 21
2002 25 20
2001 20 18
A Continuing Trend
Rutgers is on track to allow under four yards per rush for the fourth time in five seasons. While two games remain in the regular season, Rutgers' opponents have averaged just 3.2 yards per rush on 339 attempts through 10 games.
Against the Run Under Schiano
Year Attempts Yards Yards Per Carry
2009 339 1,097 3.2
2008 469 1,763 3.8
2007 513 2,076 4.0
2006 447 1,313 2.9
2005 483 1,596 3.3
2004 460 1,960 4.3
2003 462 1,957 4.2
2002 525 2,484 4.7
2001 473 2,535 5.4
National Leader in Turnover Margin
Rutgers leads the nation in turnover margin (+1.90) per game. The Scarlet Knights have gained 16 fumbles and 13 interceptions in 2009. The 16 fumbles gained are the second-highest total in the nation, trailing only Houston (17).
NCAA Turnover Margin Leaders
Team Fumbles Gained Interceptions Gained Total Turnover Margin
1. Rutgers 16 13 29 1.90
2. Boise State 9 20 29 1.73
3. Air Force 14 14 28 1.42
4. Ohio State 10 23 33 1.33
5. Alabama 5 18 23 1.18
| BROWN |
Downtown to Brown
Tim Brown is one of the nation's top wide receivers in 2009. The Miami native is 14th nationally with 92.7 receiving yards per game. He is the only player in the nation to rank in the top 15 nationally in receiving yards per game and average over 20 yards per reception (21.1).
Brown is averaging a staggering 43.3 yards per touchdown reception in 2009 over his seven scoring plays.
For his career, Brown's school-record 18 career touchdowns have averaged 41.1 yards per reception.
What Can Brown Do for You?
Tim Brown has continued to get better and better as his career has progressed at Rutgers. The senior WR leads the team with 44 receptions for 927 yards in 2009. Brown also leads RU in yards per reception (21.1), touchdown receptions (7) and receiving yards per game (92.7).
Tim Brown Year-by-Year
Year GP Rec. Yards Avg. TD Yards Per Game
2006 10 8 202 25.2 3 20.2
2007 12 24 340 14.2 2 28.3
2008 13 27 565 20.9 6 43.5
2009 10 44 927 21.1 7 92.7
Touchdown Brown
Tim Brown is Rutgers' career leader with 18 career touchdown receptions. He is also sixth in RU history with 2,034 career receiving yards.
Labeled the "most dangerous deep threat in the BIG EAST" by Lindy's, Brown is second in school history with eight career 100-yard receiving games.
In 2009, 34 of Brown's 44 receptions have resulted in a first down or touchdown. On third downs, 16 of his 20 receptions have moved the chains.
Rutgers Career Receiving Touchdown Leaders
1. Tim Brown (2006-present) 18
2. Kenny Britt (2006-08) 17
2. Chris Brantley (1990-93) 17
4. Marco Battaglia (1992-95) 16
4. Tiquan Underwood (2005-08) 16
4. Marco Battaglia (1992-95) 16
Rutgers Career 100-Yard Receiving Game Leaders
1. Kenny Britt (2006-08) 14
2. Tim Brown (2006-present) 8
3. Tres Moses (2001-05) 7
3. Marco Battaglia (1992-95) 7
5. Tiquan Underwood (2005-08) 6
Rutgers Career Receiving Yardage Leaders
1. Kenny Britt (2006-08) 3,043
2. Tres Moses (2001-05) 2,522
3. Andrew Baker (1981-84) 2,268
4. Marco Battaglia (1992-95) 2,221
5. Jim Guarantano (1989-92) 2,065
6. Tim Brown (2006-present) 2,034
7. Clark Harris (2003-06) 2,015
8. Tiquan Underwood (2005-08) 1,931
Game #100 is in the Win Column
Greg Schiano became the fourth coach in 140 years of Rutgers football to coach at least 100 games for the Scarlet Knights. John Bateman guided the Scarlet Knights for 13 seasons and has coached the most games in school history - 124.
Schiano's 100th game was a 23-15 victory over Florida International. The game was also the first for Schiano vs. a former assistant in Mario Cristobal of FIU. Cristobal served on Schiano's staff at Rutgers from 2001-03.
Schiano won his 50th game at Rutgers in impressive fashion in a 42-0 shutout of Texas Southern Oct. 10. Schiano is one of five coaches in school history to win 50 or more games.
Rutgers Head Coaches with 100 Games
Head Coach Record Years at RU Games
John Bateman 73-51 1960-72 124
Frank Burns 78-43-1 1973-83 122
Harvey Harman 74-44-2 1938-41. 46-55 120
Greg Schiano 53-54 2001-present 107
Inside the 100
Greg Schiano has had a remarkable turnaround during his tenure at Rutgers. After starting 15-35 overall in his first 50 games, Schiano is 38-19 in his last 57 games, including four consecutive bowls for the Scarlet Knights.
Overall BIG EAST
Games 1-50 15-35 4-24
Games 51-100 33-17 16-12
Games 101- 5-2 2-2
Total 53-54 22-38
Shutout in Four Straight Seasons
Rutgers is one of two teams in the nation to record a shutout in each of the last four seasons. In 2006, Rutgers blanked Illinois and Navy. In 2007, Norfolk State was shutout and Morgan State was held scoreless in 2008. In 2009, Rutgers shutout Texas Southern 42-0.
Rutgers - (2006: Illinois and Navy; 2007: Norfolk State; 2008: Morgan State; 2009: Texas Southern, USF)
Boise State - (2006: Sacramento State; 2007: New Mexico State and Utah State; 2008: New Mexico State; 2009: Miami, Ohio)
BIG EAST Shutouts Hard to Come By
For just the third time in 19 seasons, Rutgers posted a shutout in BIG EAST play with a 31-0 win over USF on Nov. 12. The only other two shutouts for Rutgers in BIG EAST play came against Temple. Rutgers shutout the Owls 62-0 on Oct. 2, 1993 and 41-0 on Nov. 16, 1991.
Savage Era Begins in Impressive Fashion
Tom Savage was the fifth quarterback in school history to start as a true freshman for the Scarlet Knights and became just the second true freshman QB to win a game for the Scarlet Knights in RU's 45-7 win over Howard. He joined Ryan Hart (2002/4 starts), Ryan Cubit (2001/11 starts), Mike McMahon (1997/5 starts) and Jacque LaPrairie (1981/1 start) as the only true freshmen to start at quarterback in school history for Rutgers.
True Freshman Quarterbacks During the Schiano Era
Greg Schiano has played three true freshmen at quarterback during his tenure as head coach - Tom Savage in 2009, Ryan Cubit in 2001 and Ryan Hart in 2002.
Savage made his Scarlet Knight debut vs. Cincinnati in the season-opener. The true freshman was 15-of-23 passing for 135 yards and a touchdown vs. the Bearcats.
Savage, a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at quarterback for head coach Dan Algeo at Cardinal O'Hara High School, was rated as the No. 3 pro style quarterback in the nation by Tom Lemming -MaxPreps.com and the No. 8 pro style quarterback nationally by SuperPrep Magazine.
Record-Setting First Start for Savage
Tom Savage finished the Howard game 8-for-13 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Savage set a Rutgers school record for yards per completion by a true freshman QB with 27.8 yards per completion. He broke the single-game record set by Ryan Cubit vs. Navy in 2001, when Cubit passed for an average of 25.1 yards per completion vs. the Mids (13-of-20, 327 yards).
The 223 yards passing was the fifth-best single-game total in school history by a true freshman.
In Rare Company
Tom Savage is one five players who have earned time at quarterback as true freshmen for the Scarlet Knights. Savage is 6-2 as a starter, the most victories by a true freshman QB in school history.
True Freshman QB W-L Record as Starting QB
Quarterback, Year Overall Record BIG EAST Record
Tom Savage, 2009 6-2 2-2
Ryan Hart, 2002 0-4 0-3
Ryan Cubit, 2001 2-9 0-7
Mike McMahon, 1997 0-5 0-3
Jacque LaPrairie, 1981 0-1
Strong Performance in BIG EAST Opener
Tom Savage recorded career-highs in completions (23), attempts (39) and passing yards (248) in his first career BIG EAST start Oct. 16 vs. Pitt. Savage's 248 yards passing were the second-highest total by a true freshman QB in school history in a BIG EAST game. Mike McMahon holds the school record for single-game passing yards vs. a BIG EAST opponent with 269 yards vs. Pitt in 1997.
| SANU |
Sensational Start for Sanu
Mohamed Sanu became the first true freshman to start at wide receiver for the Scarlet Knights in his first game in the Greg Schiano era. Sanu is also the only player on the current roster to start as a true freshman in his first game as a Scarlet Knight.
Sanu caught the most passes by a true freshman WR in his first career start at Rutgers with 10 receptions for 101 yards vs. Cincinnati.
Sanu is just the fourth true freshman to start at wide receiver for Rutgers since Greg Schiano became head coach in 2001.
Sanu is second on the team in receptions (40) and receiving yards (427). He finished with his second 100-yard game of the season with five receptions for a career-high 105 yards in the first half vs. No. 23 USF.
Balanced Ground Attack
Rutgers has four players on the 2009 roster with 100-yard games in their career, including three different 100-yard rushers this season.
It is the first time since the 2002 season that Rutgers has had a 100-yard rushing performance by three different running backs in the same season.
Joe Martinek, Jourdan Brooks, De'Antwan Williams and Kordell Young have each posted 100-yard games during their career. Martinek, Brooks and Williams have surpassed the century mark this season.
Rutgers is 6-0 this season when a player rushes for 100 yards in a game.
100-Yard Rushers on 2009 Roster
Player Opponent Att.-Yards-TD
Jourdan Brooks Howard ('09) 17-124-3
Jourdan Brooks at Navy ('08) 22-134-2
Jourdan Brooks Louisville ('08) 11-124-1
Joe Martinek FIU ('09) 23-121-0
Joe Martinek at Maryland ('09) 19-147-2
Joe Martinek at Army ('09) 25-147-2
Joe Martinek #23 USF ('09) 25-128-1
De'Antwan Williams Texas Southern ('09) 19-132-1
Kordell Young Syracuse ('08) 29-143-1
| MARTINEK |
Back-to-Back
Sophomore running back Joe Martinek became the first Scarlet Knight since Ray Rice in 2007 to rush for 100 yards in two consecutive games. Martinek went over the century mark for the first time in his career with 121 yards vs. Florida International. He eclipsed his career-high with 147 yards rushing, including 130 in the fourth quarter, including two touchdowns in the 34-13 victory over Maryland.
Martinek continued his fourth quarter heroics with nine rushes for 82 yards and a touchdown at Army en route to 147 yards in the Rutgers win.
On the season, Martinek has rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns in the fourth quarter of play. He averages 7.9 yards per carry in the fourth quarter.
"Jersey Joe" in the Fourth Quarter in 2009
Opponent Att.-Yards-TD Avg. Per Carry
at Syracuse 3-18-0 6.0
USF 8-56-1 7.0
at Connecticut 3-5-0 1.7
at Army 9-79-1 8.8
Pittsburgh 1-5-0 5.0
Texas Southern Did not play in fourth quarter
at Maryland 10-130-2 13.0
Florida International 6-32-0 5.3
Howard Did not play in fourth quarter
Cincinnati 1-1-0 1.0
Totals 41-326-5 7.9
Starting a Bowl Tradition
Before Greg Schiano's arrival at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights played in one bowl game in 131 seasons of football. In his first eight seasons at the helm of the program, Schiano has guided Rutgers to four consecutive bowl games.
The Scarlet Knights are one of 31 teams to play in four consecutive bowls. Among BCS members, Rutgers is one of 21 schools to play in four straight bowl games and just one of three BIG EAST programs to play in four consecutive bowls (Rutgers, West Virginia, USF).
All-time, Rutgers is 3-2 in postseason play.
Three Freshmen On ESPNU Top 150 List
Rutgers was the only school in the BIG EAST to have three of the nation's top 150 recruits on the ESPNU150 Class of 2009. Freshman CB Darrell Givens was rated as the nation's No. 61 recruit, Tom Savage was rated No. 125 and freshman DT Antwan Lowery was No. 134 on the top 150 list nationally.
2009 Recruiting Class Ranked Among Nation's Top 25
Rutgers 2009 recruiting class was ranked as the best in the BIG EAST and the No. 21 class nationally according to ESPN's Scouts, Inc.
Nine members of that recruiting class have played as true freshmen for the Scarlet Knights in 2009:
Steve Beauharnais, LB (Saddle Brook, N.J.)
Ka'Lial Glaud, LB (Atco, N.J.)
Duron Harmon, DB (Magnolia, Del.)
Mark Harrison, WR (Stratford, Conn.)
Quron Pratt, WR (Palmyra, N.J.)
Mohamed Sanu, WR (South Brunswick, N.J.)
Tom Savage, QB (Springfield, Pa.)
Tony Trahan, TE (Coppell, Texas)
De'Antwan Williams, RB (Woodbridge, Va.)
| LEFEGED |
From Defense to Offense
Rutgers has scored a defensive touchdown in three games in 2009.
With the first-quarter interception return for a touchdown by David Rowe vs. Texas Southern, Rutgers has four defensive touchdowns in its first seven games this season - the most since 2006, when RU posted four defensive touchdowns in 13 games.
The Scarlet Knights have six starters on defense who have scored touchdowns in their career. Senior CB Devin McCourty leads the way with two touchdowns.
Devin McCourty 2 INT TD returns
Ryan D'Imperio 1 INT TD return
George Johnson 1 Fumble TD return
Joe Lefeged 1 Fumble TD return
Antonio Lowery 1 INT return
David Rowe 1 INT TD return
Finding His Home at DT - and on Special Teams
Sophomore defensive tackle Eric LeGrand has come into his own this season for the Scarlet Knights. After playing defensive end, defensive tackle and fullback as a true freshman in 2008, LeGrand has been one of the team's top defensive linemen in 2009 with 27 tackles, including 5.5 TFLs.
A versatile athlete, he also leads the team with 12 tackles on kickoff coverage in 2009.
| McCOURTY |
The Complete Player
Devin McCourty is one of the nation's premier cornerbacks and one of - if not the best - special team's standouts nationally. McCourty is one of two players in the country to block a punt and return a kickoff for a touchdown in 2009.
He has blocked seven career kicks and scored three touchdowns (two interception returns and one kickoff return).
At cornerback, he leads Rutgers with 67 tackles.
In the win over Connecticut, McCourty played a staggering 111 plays. McCourty was at cornerback for all 86 plays. He logged 25 plays on special teams, where he's part of the punt coverage, punt return, kickoff coverage and kickoff return teams. He was named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in the win at UConn. McCourty was also named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the victory over No. 23 USF. McCourty forced a fumble on punt coverage as the first man down in coverage and also blocked a punt in the shutout victory against the Bulls.
