Bring On 2014

Let's put 2013 behind us, because it's an era of new beginnings at the State University of New Jersey.

By Kevin Recio Dec 31, 2013, 6:50pm EST

2014 is almost here guys, and it can't come soon enough. The past year has been one of the most tumultuous seasons for both basketball and football in quite some time. From Mike Rice, to the botched AD search, to the worst defense in Rutgers history, I can say without hyperbole that we'll all say good riddance and a nice "F U" to 2013.

Still, before we bid a grateful adieu, let's take a look back on the better moments of the year that was:

Rutgers Beats #24 Pitt at the RAC

One of the better moments of the 2012-2013 basketball season was an upset over ranked Pittsburgh at the RAC to open the new year. A 23-point scoring effort from former Knight Eli Carter helped Rutgers control the entire game from start to finish. Aside from a good run by the Panthers in the second half, it felt like the upset was inevitable all game long.

C. Vivian Stringer Gets 900th Win

The coaching legend netted her milestone win against USF. Stringer currently has the Knights cruising to a good season, receiving votes in both the AP and USA Today polls (good for #32 in AP, #37 in USA Today). Rutgers is 10-2 (1-0) so far, with a win against #16 Georgia.

RHoops Welcomes Back Fast Eddie Jordan

After the Mike Rice scandal, Rutgers was in serious need of good PR to help keep the media wolves at bay. Enter Fast Eddie - the former Scarlet Knight had a plethora of experience as a coach in college and the NBA, and his stand-up demeanor was the perfect antidote to the vitriol of Rice. By all accounts, his homecoming back in April was a huge success for the University.

RFootball Has 7 Players Taken in NFL Draft

The 2012 Rutgers football team was a special group of players, and that was validated by the school's first share of a conference title. But it was also evident in the amount of players chosen in last year's NFL Draft. Seven taken in the draft, 10 players total signed with NFL teams by May. Furthermore, players like Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon, Marcus Cooper, and Khaseem Greene look to be key players on their respective rosters. Considering that exodus of talent, it makes it a little easier to understand what went wrong in 2013.

Eric LeGrand's No. 52 Retired

Rutgers football keeps it classy as always, and this was without a doubt a watershed moment for the program. Big E has been the paragon of Rutgers athletics for years, so it was only deserving that his number be the first to be retired in program history. Keep Chopping Eric.

Another Classic Against Arkansas

Say what you will about Arkansas' recent history - the past two games with Rutgers have been wildly entertaining, and thankfully in Rutgers' favor. They're not the best team by any means, but getting an SEC opponent at home and rallying in front of a raucous crowd will always land you on an end-of-year list.

Women's Soccer Reaches the NCAA Tournament

Rutgers Women's Soccer has quietly become the standard of excellence in Piscataway, as Glenn Crooks' team has reached the NCAA Tournament three out of the last five seasons. In 2013, The Knights finished with a 13-4-5 (5-3-1) record, the program's second-straight 13-win season.

I hope this has brought you some joy to your New Year's holiday before you say goodbye to the year that was. Take a deep breath, because 2014 is what we've all been waiting for. See you on the other side!