#13-RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS

Rutgers enters the Big Ten East division for their inaugural season in 2014 and is getting the same treatment Nebraska received a few years ago with a brutal conference schedule. While the move to the Big Ten will be viewed as a huge positive for the program in the long term, the short term outlook for the Scarlet Knights is not so rosy.

Paul James returns at running back and is clearly Rutgers premier weapon on offense. Assuming he stays healthy, a 1400 yard season is not out of the question. Gary Nova is likely to win an open quarterback competition this late summer however don’t be surprised if Mike Bimonte and/or Chris Lavino see snaps early in the season. Freshman All-American Steve Longa highlights a defense that is athletic up front and progressing in the secondary after a rough 2013.

Rutgers non-conference schedule features trips to Washington State and Navy along with two home cupcakes. A home game versus Penn State will kick off the Rutgers Big Ten era.....followed by a brutal stretch of Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

PREDICTION: 1-7 IN THE BIG TEN, 3-9 OVERALL.