Rutgers looks to get back on track against Kansas // Game Preview

Whoever gave Ted Miller a job at ESPN should promptly be asked to never come back to work again. Miller wrote his own game preview, and it was more of a dumpster fire than the Rutgers season could ever be.

Rutgers is not in a great position, but they are no Kansas.

There was a point in Kansas' season when they were losing 31-7 to FCS team South Dakota State in the second quarter.  The Jayhawks are now 0-2 and don't stand a chance to win more than one game this year. Apparently their best chance is on Saturday against Rutgers, where they are 14-point underdogs. There is no scenario that I can think of that results in Rutgers losing this game.

How Rutgers wins

RUN THE DANG BALL

Norries Wilson's "babies" certainly won't need daddy against the Jayhawks. They should run the ball upwards of 40-50 times and gain at least 300 yards. This unit is too good to not carry the team against inferior opponents. Josh Hicks will eventually emerge as the top back and carry the ball 20+ times per game. For Saturday, however, each back should get around 10-15 carries.

Blitz

Joe Rossi has to continue to let his players get loose and crazy. This defense cannot be conservative. There is simply too much energy and intensity on the defense to have them run Cover 2 all game. Rossi needs to have Quentin Gause living in the backfield and find ways to get Anthony Cioffi and Kiy Hester some blitzes as well. Kansas won't be able to contain the defense if they bring enough fire to put the QB under pressure.

Take Care of the ball

So far, Rutgers has struggled to win the turnover battle. Anthony Cioffi's 2 interceptions are the lone turnovers this year for the Scarlet Knights. Chris Laviano has struggled with interceptions as well as holding on to the football. A Norfolk State gameplan should yield a good turnover margin, as Laviano should not have to make and difficult throws

How Rutgers Loses

Everyone Gets hurt

Chris Laviano rolls out and takes an awkward step while running out of bounds. He tears his ACL and is done for the year. Hayden Rettig comes in the game and on his first pass attempt dislocates his throwing shoulder. Gio Rescigno finally gets his chance but hurts himself showing off his sick dance moves. Ughhh. Mike Dare rips off his redshirt...only to reveal an even more hideous red jersey. He somehow gets hurt, but I've ran out of scenarios. Rutgers has no QBs left. Jeremy Deering suddenly appears out of the tunnel and comes in to run the "Wild Knight" offense. However, nothing has changed and it is a failure. The Rutgers offense puts up 0 points and Kansas kicks a 65-yard field goal as time expires to come out victorious. The kicker gets carried off the field as the 3 Kansas fans lose their minds. What a depressing day in P-Way.

Key Players

Josh Hicks

We all know it is only a matter of time before Hicks becomes the full-time starter and get 25 carries a game. Kansas is a great opportunity for him to get 200+ yards and prove himself as the best back on the team.

Anthony Cioffi

Cioffi is the clear leader of the secondary  and already has 2 interceptions on the year. Kansas doesn't have a great passing attack and Cioffi should look to get his hands on the ball again. Cioffi has the chance to once again show that this secondary is making strides.

Kemoko Turay

SOMEONE LET THE DAMN DRAGON EAT! Turay needs to get back on track, which he failed to do against Penn State. Rossi needs to have Turay in as a 3-down player and get him as much experience so he is better prepared for Michigan State. It is also important for Turay to get his mojo back after failing to look 100% after his injury.

Game Specifics

Kansas @ Rutgers | High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | 12pm | BTN