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Rutgers Football fans undoubtedly had a great Saturday night, unless you were diehard Seahawks and/or Texans fans. The Atlanta Falcons advanced to the NFC Championship with a win over the Seahawks and the New England Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship with a win over the Texans, meaning Rutgers Football fans have next weekend to watch four former Rutgers Alumnus compete at the highest level again. It’s also great for recruiting to see former players doing so well on the big stage.
If you weren't able to catch the action here is a breakdown of Saturday’s Divisional Playoff match-ups.
Mohammed Sanu scored a touch down late in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal for the Falcons.
B1G time catch by @Mo_12_Sanu! Congrats to the @AtlantaFalcons advancing to the NFC Championship. #RFootball ⚔ pic.twitter.com/5gK6bXWgAe
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) January 15, 2017
As of for the New England Patriots, there stout secondary registered three interceptions, all from former Rutgers Football standouts.
3 for 3 #NFLKnights ⚔ pic.twitter.com/ihlpkWl7QE
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) January 15, 2017
New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick said it was a big day for Rutgers, and it certainly was:
Belichick threw some love at his Rutgers secondary #Patriots pic.twitter.com/ISHUfXw7JW
— FOX25 Sports (@FOX25Sports) January 15, 2017
Saturday’s euphoria quickly wore off due to the announcement and sudden departure of Rutgers Football Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Aaron Henry. Taken at face value, this is not overly concerning news as college football coaching positions has become like a revolving door, however Henry was heavily involved in recruiting and the reactions on social media were immediate.
The reason why I came to Rutgers man can't believe it
— demon (@CampaignKJG_5) January 15, 2017
— Bo Melton (@getbusy__bo) January 16, 2017
Much respect man, Going to do great things on the banks https://t.co/pyxvS0S2pj
— Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) January 16, 2017
3-star junior athlete Atrilleon Williams talks #Rutgers decommitment #RFootball #B1G https://t.co/HplhdTj4rY
— Todderick Hunt (@TodderickHunt) January 16, 2017
Hearing about my bro Bryce made my night terrible
— Tyshon Fogg (@shonisland9) January 16, 2017
— Bryce Watts (@BryceWatts2_6) January 16, 2017
In the end Rutgers Football has another coaching spot to fill with the loss of Henry. Additionally, Bryce Watts has officially decomitted from Rutgers, as has the only official 2018 commit Atrilleon Williams. While obviously not an ideal situation so close to National Signing Day, this has become more of the norm these days in recruiting and happens at the very best programs.
On the bright side, despite the loss of Bryce Watts the 2017 class is still very solid, and has already officially signed Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty.
Congrats to Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty on signing their NCAA letters to Rutgers! @SJVSA @SJVLancerNation @MicahClark17 @RFootball pic.twitter.com/wfyjl3xKmk
— SJV (@SJVHS) January 4, 2017
In addition to Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty, Samuel Wretman and Brendan Bordner have officially enrolled.
Thanks coach! #cafootballfamily https://t.co/3W6Kg8GxT2
— Samuel Vretman (@SVretman) January 16, 2017
Class of '17 & Hilliard Bradley (OH) DE Brendan Bordner (@Bordner42) is officially enrolled at #Rutgers - https://t.co/c8FHCO8djH #AshEra
— Richie Schnyderite (@RichieSRivals) January 15, 2017
Despite the loss of Bryce Watts, the 2017 class is still a very solid class, especially given the tall the task of a program rebuild and a disappointing 2-10 start in Coach Ash’s first season. Regardless, buckle up because National Signing Day will be here before you know it, and there are always twists and turns and unforeseen events that play out prior to NSD. But hey, this is why we love college football!