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Thoughts on Howard and TTFP

I didn't mind that Howard put up 25. I did mind they put up 7 on their opening drive against our first string D. Most of their points (after the first 7) came in the fourth quarter against kids who were seeing their first college action.

But Rutgers gave up far too many passing yards in the first, second and third quarters. Too many converted third downs. If it weren't for dropped passes, Howard should have scored a lot more. And make no mistake, the teams we face the rest of the year won't drop those passes. I did like the fact the Rutgers' corners were only playing 5 yards off the line. But they need to cover better, and not lose their man in traffic.

Also, Howard's special teams was atrocious. I've never seen a team drop so many kickoffs.

I've also never seen a college kicker boot two kickoffs out of bounds in the same game. The "good" Federico better show up from here on out.

I was a little concerned we couldn't run the ball on Howard as we should. I hope it was due to Fridge dialing up a vanilla game plan, and not because our O line was pushed around.

I loved Fridge calling the two swing passes to PJ (both resulting in TD's). Need to give opposing D coordinators something to think about.

So far, Nova looks good. I'll take 4 TD's no INT's and almost 300 yards every game. I am trying to block out of my mind that Nova started out hot last year too.

It was great giving Peoples some quality time. I believe it was Shaun O'Hara that referenced Thunder and Lightning for PJ and Peoples. Can't wait to see that blossom. Nice to see Hicks and Martin get some touches too. It's early, but Hicks just may become a threat in future years.

On to TTFP. As expected, the tools on Black Shoe Diaries are already dismissing next week's game. Say what you want about Akron beating Howard 41-0 in week one. The transitive property does not apply in football. It looks like we have a lot to worry about with Hackenberg vs our secondary. But Akron held TTFP to 7 points at the half, and 21 overall with the last 7 arguably during garbage time. To be successful, Rutgers needs to Sack A Hack (copyright pending) early and often. The front four needs constant pressure, keeping him on his heels - if not on his ass. TTFP has two legit receivers. Rutgers can't afford to let them run their routes.

On the offense, Rutgers needs to establish the ground game early and control the clock. This has the potential of turning into a shootout. Fridge needs to show a well balanced variety of formations. Let's see Burton lined up in the slot and a few more passes to PJ. Need to spread the D out and take pressure of Nova so he can make his throws.

There was a lot of humble pie served in the Big Ten this week. Based on week 2, we have a very good chance to make some noise in the B1G this year. And it starts this Saturday. The posters on Black Shoe Diaries and other Big Ten blogs like to refer to us as BTPR (Big Ten Powerhouse Rutgers). This week we can make that a fact, and not the joke the intended it to be.



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