On the Banks - Week 1 Game Headquarters: UMass vs. RutgersInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2019-08-31T01:20:34-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/stream/206024332019-08-31T01:20:34-04:002019-08-31T01:20:34-04:00Chris Ash’s UMass Postgame Press Conference: “I’d like to first just thank the fans”
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<img alt="Massachusetts v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vkc3zFtGc5Sde_WZlJh2_QaxoD4=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65147939/1164953431.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After Rutgers’ victory to open the season, the head coach gave his thoughts on the performance</p> <p id="a3XYRs">After Rutgers <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20841602/rutgers-awful-first-quarter-defeat-umass-49-21-season-opener-mclane-carter-isaih-pacheco-blackshear">defeated</a> UMass 48-21 on Friday night, head coach Chris Ash met with the media to discuss the team’s season opening performance. We <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841772/the-good-bad-ugly-from-rutgers-season-opening-win-over-umass-college-football-ncaa-big-ten">reviewed</a> the good, bad, and ugly from the come from behind victory and Ash commented on some of those areas. There are plenty of things that Rutgers needs to work on, but at least they figured it out enough to win this night after a first quarter that seemed like they probably wouldn’t, if you we are being honest. Ash had to be somewhat relieved and seemed to be when even allowed for an extra question to be asked after the cutoff time. Hopefully, Ash will have several other press conferences this season that are as positive as this one.</p>
<p id="4D1pSS">He discussed such topics as McLane Carter’s debut, the outlook regarding Artur Sitkowski, the improved offense overall, how the team came back and thoughts on specific players.</p>
<p id="QuW87p">You can watch the entire postgame presser presented by RVision here:</p>
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<p id="i8qyZT">Here is the full transcript of the postgame presser:</p>
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<p id="DY9s7E">Go ahead and get started here. I’d like to first just thank the fans that showed up tonight, especially the student section. That was outstanding, and if we can do that every game, they are an X-factor, a difference maker.</p>
<p id="8D5fSq">When we got down 14-0 with the fans into the game the way they were, obviously it keeps our team energized, and we continue to play hard and came back because of that. So fans were great. Student section was awesome.</p>
<p id="XzxHzT">Really want to thank our players, as well. You get down 14-0 the first game, you obviously start the game off on a negative note. The fact that they stayed together, they believed and they kept fighting and we went on a 48-7 run there after the first five minutes, that was pretty impressive by them, and the staff, as well, sticking together and keeping the players together. Great job by all those guys.</p>
<p id="ubMyvT">Obviously we had a statue open up today, the victory statue, from the Garutti family. Great way to celebrate that unveiling with a victory on the opening night. It was good.</p>
<p id="JqmAik">A lot of things we’ve got to clean up, especially things that happened in the beginning of the game. You know, defensively, the tempo got us, some of the new plays, when you play a first game with a new staff, there was some things that they did a really nice job. They got us and kept us off guard a little bit early in the game and we didn’t play well out of the gate.</p>
<p id="Eyn5nQ">We had a couple missed tackles, mental errors and penalties killed you us in the first half, especially a couple critical ones on third down. But we overcame it, controlled it, didn’t let the situation control us and rebounded.</p>
<p id="EmasTD">Offensively, I think you got a chance to see some of the potential we have on offense. Obviously didn’t start out great with the interception right out of the gate but McLane Carter ended up playing a pretty good game a pretty good stretch there during the game. Got to clean up the turnovers. Had three of them, minus one on the evening and that’s not what we want. That’s not going to get it done as we move forward. But to be able to finish the night the way he did with 340 yards of passing, a couple touchdowns, that’s pretty good. It’s really good.</p>
<p id="t0BKu9">Isaih Pacheco, 156 yards; Raheem Blackshear, 126 yards receiving, 39 yards rushing, all-purpose yards, was really impressive. Those are two of our top players. I think you saw those guys on display.</p>
<p id="OQBsER">Big-time game by Bo Melton tonight, 127 yards and a touchdown. Just really, really happy with his development and it’s a great start to the season with what he did tonight. But really just happy for our players. When you go 1-11 and it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to celebrate a game, and we’ll celebrate this one, but we’ll get back to work on Sunday.</p>
<p id="ZjcBbU">The players are off tomorrow and we’ll get back after it on Sunday. We have a lot of things to clean up and we’ve got a very, very tough opponent, Big Ten opener on the road next week, and we’ve got to get back to work.</p>
<p id="uY2NGU">What I really liked, though, is the attitude of the players. They are happy that we won, but not satisfied with the way that we played in some areas. Some of them are really impressive but others we’ve got to get cleaned up. With that, I’ll go ahead and open it up for questions.</p>
<p id="2LIJEf">Q. What went into your decision to start McLane?</p>
<p id="qEIF0h">CHRIS ASH: I think with you watch the game, you probably saw. He has the ability to extend plays. He’s got poise in the pocket and a lot of that is just because he’s a fifth-year guy. He’s an older guy. You’re talking about a guy that’s 22, 23 years old, been in college, going on his fifth year, but just the experience, the poise.</p>
<p id="iUpqLT">It was a very, very difficult decision, but again, we didn’t rush the decision, and as it continued to unfold as we went through camp, McLane edged Art out and you know, I think again you saw the potential on display tonight in some of the things that we saw in camp, especially on the back half of camp.</p>
<p id="4BNc7I">Q. What does it mean for Art’s future?</p>
<p id="ei2mrl">CHRIS ASH: Art is in a great spot. It’s going to be, you know, game-by-game on how the offense is going. Obviously the question would be in a best case scenario, would we be able to redshirt Art? Yeah, best case scenario, yeah, we would love to have those conversations. It’s not the plan right now. Art is going to prepare as he is a starter and we’ll be ready to go at any moment if needed.</p>
<p id="A7I0X6">Art’s development from last year at this time to this year has been tremendous. The game has really slowed down for him. He is a much better quarterback and I would have no worries about him going out and leading our offense right now. McLane is just a little bit better and that’s why we made the decision.</p>
<p id="DjX76E">Q. Late in the first half, 32 seconds left, to send your offense back out there with a ten-point lead to try to score, that speaks to the confidence you must have had even at that point?</p>
<p id="CXKMNw">CHRIS ASH: Well, we needed to get that work, as much as anything. You know, any time you can get two-minute, end-of-the-half game work early in the season, you want to get it. But yeah, we did have confidence in our ability to hopefully go down and get some more points.</p>
<p id="CdDklF">Q. You mentioned the 14-0 deficit and maybe in the last couple years that, would have been a death sentence for your team. Why was it different this time around?</p>
<p id="vShS6q">CHRIS ASH: The players. Simple as that. They believe. They want to fight and play for each other, and you know, that’s what it’s all about. It’s the mindset of the players. They never question and never doubted. We knew -- they knew we got off to a bad start and we knew it was us as much as anything.</p>
<p id="JOzV4B">Again, give credit to UMass, Coach Bell, offensively for a couple of things they did, and a lot of it was our own mistakes and as soon as we cut those out, obviously the game changed.</p>
<p id="b2ApYO">Q. You mentioned Bo Melton. What went into that break out performance?</p>
<p id="nix4Ch">CHRIS ASH: Hard work. That’s. It hard work. The kid has matured, he’s developed and he’s worked extremely hard. There’s no secret sauce. There’s no secret pill. There’s no secret formula to it. He knew where he was after last season. He wasn’t happy with it. He knew what he needed to do to help his team and that was to improve and develop, and the only way he was going to do it was work extremely hard.</p>
<p id="t8BCkD">And that’s exactly what that kid has done since the last game last year. He started right away the week after we played Michigan State, getting back in the weight room, getting back out, running routes, working on his skills and really, really pleased and happy the way he started the season.</p>
<p id="3oe2IS">Now he’s got to continue this. It can’t be a one-game deal. He’s got to continue this and we have to continue to get big plays out of him, but it’s because of his hard work.</p>
<p id="sX5d9j">Q. Defense, four personal fouls, is that a concern for you?</p>
<p id="7oqfTA">CHRIS ASH: They were aggressive penalties that you don’t want, but they were aggressive penalties that we can’t have, as well. We just have to make better decisions. You know, when you’re out on a game -- in a game, there’s a lot of talking back and forth. There’s a lot of pushing and shoving.</p>
<p id="oP6xyQ">What happens is always the last guy that does it is the guy that’s gets caught and we’ve got to make better decisions. We’ve got to play with better discipline and more poise defensively. We can’t go out there and get, whatever, three or four personal fouls in a game, especially the critical situations they happened. One was on third down and one was at the end of first half. Tyreek had one, Avery had one and Damon had one end of the first half where they were kicking off at the 50-yard line to start the second half.</p>
<p id="KafIOe">But we’ll get it cleaned up. They understand the mistakes that they made, and I have trust and faith in all of those guys that they will get it cleaned up, get it fixed and it won’t be a problem moving forward.</p>
<p id="qTQCft">Q. What did you think of Tre and a couple of nice kick returns?</p>
<p id="Ivgeqh">CHRIS ASH: He was really a few inches away on a couple of kick returns and possibly breaking them out for big ones. He has that potential. We wanted that out of him last year and didn’t get it obviously with the injury. I think as he plays and gets more reps as at corner and as a kickoff returner, you’ll see big play potential and big plays from him.</p>
<p id="vxnlSj">Love the kid. He’s worked extremely hard after he got injured last year to get back out there and be where he’s at today. I think our corners are pretty good with Damon and Avery Young and Tre, I think we’ve got three guys that are pretty good players and we are going to need them.</p>
<p id="s3x8si">Q. You shuffled the offensive linemen a lot of second half. Is that something you plan on doing this year or maybe taking advantage of the time you had?</p>
<p id="gacIv6">CHRIS ASH: You know, it’s hot out there, and the game, what is it, 48-21 there in the second half and we needed to get some guys some reps. They need to play and we need to find out -- I think we are pretty set on our starting five. We need to find out who the next guys are going to be as we go through the season, and the only way to do that is get them in there and get some reps. We have trust, again and faith that they can go out and do the job, but until they do it, you know, there’s some unknowns there.</p>
<p id="GYNHmf">So that’s all it is, is they needed work, and we need to see who can do it on game day.</p>
<p id="A4AVKq">Q. The big runs for Pacheco, you talked a little about it before, but just what was the -- why was he so successful?</p>
<p id="qX5v6i">CHRIS ASH: Combination of things. Blocking by the O-line and tight ends and wide-outs, and just him being a hard runner, a hard, tough runner. He runs behind his pads and he’s got that gear to take it to the end zone and take it to the distance when he sees a hole.</p>
<p id="JExbcL">But it’s a combination of everybody working together. You know, you talk about the passing game, why was it better? Because all 11 guys worked together in those situations better tonight than what we would have last year.</p>
<p id="MVZwBg">You had one more?</p>
<p id="KSA0Kk">Q. You had a freshman making his first start at left tackle and the offensive line opened it up for 200 rushing yards and only gave up one sack. Would you say that was one of the better units tonight?</p>
<p id="Ok1oGk">CHRIS ASH: Yeah, without watching the film, it felt like they played pretty well. You know, you can’t rush the ball like this and throw the ball like that without the offensive line playing fairly decent.</p>
<p id="CQPFCF">So you know, we’ll watch the film, but it just felt good from the sideline. I think Raiqwon O’Neal played a really good game at left tackle, as a first-time starter, and I’m excited to watch the film and see what he did.</p>
<p id="9WnQML">But nobody was perfect, I can tell you that. If they were, we would have been scoring a lot more points, but I thought it was a very good start to the season.</p>
<p id="rOmjef">All right, guys, thank you.</p>
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<h3 id="Fqaro8"><em><strong>FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports</strong></em></h3>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841852/chris-ash-umass-postgame-press-conference-fans-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-rvisionAaron Breitman2019-08-31T00:46:03-04:002019-08-31T00:46:03-04:00The Good, Bad & Ugly from Rutgers’ season opening win over UMass
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AUG 30 UMass at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JrQnBucBym_auaj5ymy4kd--Wqc=/0x0:3386x2257/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65147877/1164953594.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was a mixed bag overall, but still more positives than negatives</p> <p id="zmBaa2">In Rutgers’ season opening <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20841602/rutgers-awful-first-quarter-defeat-umass-49-21-season-opener-mclane-carter-isaih-pacheco-blackshear">48-21 victory</a> over UMass, it was an up and down night that produced a decent amount of hope and some fear as well in regard to how this team might fare this fall. Trailing by two touchdowns less than six minutes into the game, it was followed by the Scarlet Knights scoring 41 unanswered points to end it. That made it an interesting night. Let’s look at the good, which there was a lot of offensively, the bad, which was present for too much of the game, and the ugly, including being left hungry for more. </p>
<h3 id="MshBkb"><strong>The Good</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="Yc1fMP">The dynamic duo of <span>Isaih Pacheco</span> and <span>Raheem Blackshear</span> played their roles very well, with Isaih wearing down the opponent’s defense with his rushing and Raheem making plays catching the ball. They combined for 321 yards from scrimmage, five touchdowns, with each scoring from at least 30 yards out. I loved how offensive coordinator John McNulty used them together in certain formations. McNulty showed he worked all offseason on restructuring the Rutgers offense. So far, so good. If they can continue to play well, Rutgers has a chance to be much improved on offense this season.</li>
<li id="ZwU3yG">Another reason that is possible is due to <span>McLane Carter</span> at quarterback. He made some mistakes with three interceptions, but he also showed a lot of positves for a sustained stretch of action, most notably the second quarter. He threw for 340 yards and had a completion percentage of 67.7%, both very good. <span>Carter</span> demonstrated poise and confidence in how operated, made most smart decisions and most importantly, got his playmakers the football. While Carter has some rust to work off of only player a few games total the past two seasons, he could be the type of quarterback who improves throughout the course of the season. </li>
<li id="ZVZRjg">I was happiest for <span>Bo Melton</span> after he finally delivered a big game and right when Rutgers needed it most. Six catches and 127 yards, including a 39 yard touchdown reception in traffic was the best game of his Rutgers career. The former 4-star recruit and now junior is trying to fulfill his potential this season. He is certainly off a to good start and looked physically stronger, as well as mentally more confident. </li>
<li id="dY9NdI">Big plays were scarce last season, so much so I forgot what they looked like. Tonight, Rutgers produced four plays over 25 yards and two farther than 50 yards. That’s a huge improvement and something this team needs to produce on a regular basis to exceed expectations this season. </li>
<li id="w6Fpfg">It was refreshing to see Ash send the offense back out on the field with a 10 point lead and less than two minutes left in the first half, the ball at midfield. Ash spoke about the decision in his postgame presser <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841852/chris-ash-umass-postgame-press-conference-fans-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-rvision">here</a>. He has been super conservative with play calling in his previous three seasons at Rutgers, so he is adjusting. The offense rewarded him, with Carter throwing a 30 yard pass to <span>Blackshear</span> on the drive for the score that essentially ended the game at the half. </li>
<li id="G7miGi">The defense allowed 164 yards in the first quarter, and then just 143 yards the rest of the game. They also forced two turnovers and pitched a shutout the final three quarters. There should be a serious concern about the ability to stop the run, but the defense looked a lot better as the game wore on. How they far next week at Iowa will be something to watch for. </li>
<li id="fBngag">The offensive line allowed just 1 sack and for the most part provided steady protection for Carter in the passing game. With backs like <span>Pacheco</span> and <span>Blackshear</span>, the line can do more with less, as those players can be successful with just a little bit of space. How they hold up in Big Ten play is a major question this season.</li>
<li id="h3A0ES">Time of possession was dominated by Rutgers with over 36 minutes with the ball. That’s the preferred style of play for the Scarlet Knights and while having that spread is not going to always happen against Big Ten opponents, it’s good to see the offense dominate that aspect of the game against any opponent.</li>
<li id="QphAXQ">Rutgers was 7 of 14 on third down conversions and 1 of 1 on fourth down. This is a stat to track all season, as our Adam Ross covered how <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/7/20758408/moving-the-chains-a-need-for-an-improved-2019-season-rutgers-football-chris-ash-big-ten-ncaa">impactful</a> it would be if RU could improve on moving the chains on a more regular basis. </li>
<li id="vxe0eN">Perseverance was strong on the home side tonight. I know it’s only UMass, but this team fought their way back in impressive fashion and turned what was once a sure fire disaster into a more good than bad king of game.</li>
<li id="3CzMIy">Ending a nation’s worst 11 game losing streak. Let’s not do that again. </li>
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<h3 id="dnPUPO"><strong>The Bad</strong></h3>
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<li id="sF6Be5">The first quarter was an absolute disaster. Rutgers had the energy sucked out of them between a 12 play, 75 yard opening touchdown drive by UMass and Carter’s pick on the third play of the offense’s night. Critical mistakes resulted in extending two scoring drives for the Minutemen. You’d be lying if you don’t admit to having that sinking feeling that Rutgers was going to get run off the field. The only positive in the opening quarter of the season was when it ended.</li>
<li id="XfjQda">Figuring out Walt Bell’s offense to start was a challenge for his former colleague, new Rutgers defensive coordinator Andy Buh. Bell is a smart offensive mind and was able to confuse RU early on in this game. To their credit, the defense finally figured it out, but they are fortunate that the slow start didn’t cost them the game.</li>
<li id="4SrI07">Defending the run has been a problem in previous years and it was again on Friday night. Allowing two scores from 30+ yards out is a major concern, especially with both runs busting right up the gut. Ten players on defense registered at least 4 tackles apiece, but if this unit can’t limit big plays in the rushing game, it will be tough for them to make much progress this season.</li>
<li id="UaUMXa">Two of Carter’s INT’s were bad decisions and throws. The middle pick was a deep ball inside the UMass red zone and was one on one coverage. That happens. The first on the opening drive and the last one in the end zone were certainly decison making issues that need to be resolved. Carter played well overall, but throwing three INT’s in a Big Ten game will spell infinite doom.</li>
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<h3 id="GI3OzU"><strong>The Ugly</strong></h3>
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<li id="alNQIt">Six penalties for 75 yards, including two on <span>Avery Young</span>, arguably the best player on the team, that extended drives and led to UMass touchdowns were downright offensive. </li>
<li id="Ky3Jp8">Maybe this is a stretch and more “illogical” versus “ugly”, but I thought it was maddening that <span>Blackshear</span> didn’t have a play called for him until the eighth snap of the game. Down two touchdowns, there was already urgency on the second drive and Blackshear didn’t get a play until the fifth one. I think McNulty called a good game and obviously Blackshear got plenty of touches, but I doubt we see that happen again this season. </li>
<li id="doLeeu">Per posts on the Rutgers football fan page on Facebook, at least one concession stand ran out of almost every item by halftime. Tough start for the new food and beverage vendor, but I’m sure they’ll figure out. Hopefully, they get busier and busier as the attendance booms because of much improved play on the field this season. Now give me a $12 dollar craft beer.</li>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841772/the-good-bad-ugly-from-rutgers-season-opening-win-over-umass-college-football-ncaa-big-tenAaron Breitman2019-08-30T22:43:25-04:002019-08-30T22:43:25-04:00Rutgers recovers after awful first quarter to defeat UMass 48-21 in season opener
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<img alt="Massachusetts v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bt0ocTVyqqvNSsvTQNtaqerETbk=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65147649/1164953433.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The offense scored more points in one half than in any game last season</p> <p id="JMuoDs">The first game of the season is always a bit strange and this one was the level of full-on David Lynch weird. After trailing by two touchdowns on two separate occasions in the first quarter that left most Rutgers fans wishing the 15 minute old season was already over, they produced one of the best stretches of offense the program has had in years. The second half was more mundane and the same issues continued, penalties and turnovers, that plagued the Scarlet Knights in the first half and of course, all of last season. Even so, the fourth season of the Chris Ash era began with a 48-21 victory that Rutgers ultimately dominated at the line of scrimmage and with speed at the skill positions. </p>
<p id="b75KnJ">The first half was a rollercoaster of emotions. UMass set the tone with an impressive opening season drive that led to a touchdown on 12 plays and 75 yards. The Minutemen converted on two fourth downs, including the second on a Rutgers penalty to extend the drive. On the first offensive possession for Rutgers, McLane Carter threw into triple coverage and was intercepted. Shortly after, UMass running back Cam Roberson ran it up the middle for a 39 yard score and less than six minutes into the season, Rutgers trailed 14-0. </p>
<p id="vgLyOc">The offense responded with a lengthy drive of its own, going 75 yards on 13 plays that ended with a 2 yard touchdown run by Isaih Pacheco to put the Scarlet Knights on the board. Unfortunately, after the defense stopped UMASS on their own 32 to bring up fourth down, the drive was extended due to a second costly penalty by Avery Young, arguably the best defensive player in scarlet. UMass took advantage once again, as Bilal Ally ran for a 33 yard touchdown up the gut. The first quarter ended with Rutgers trailing 21-7, likely triggering every fan to suffer from severe anxiety and anger just 15 minutes into the 2019 season. </p>
<p id="xYa6Xc">Thankfully, Rutgers produced its most dominant quarter in quite some time, outscoring the visitors 31-0 behind several big plays on offense and solid defense. Isaih Pacheco, Raheem Blackshear and Bo Melton took over the game, showing their potential to be legitimate player makers this season. After starting his Rutgers career 0 for 2 and an INT, Carter finished the half completing 15 of 20 passes for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. Melton made more big plays in this first half than his first two seasons on the banks, producing 6 catches for 127 yards and a beautiful 33 yard touchdown. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's a great catch, no cap. <br><br>Bo Melton loses his lid but not the ball as <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> narrows the lead: <a href="https://t.co/M1CatyQir1">pic.twitter.com/M1CatyQir1</a></p>— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1167591326432411649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a>
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<p id="BaFI7S">Blackshear caught 7 balls for 114 yards and a score, as well as 22 yards rushing on 6 attempts. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/speedy_heem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@speedy_heem</a> catching TDs through traffic like it’s no big deal. <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/aIHSgMXICi">pic.twitter.com/aIHSgMXICi</a></p>— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1167611028550639616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a>
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<p id="8k9Zhl">Pacheco had 9 carries for 87 yards and 3 touchdowns., including this 57 yard scamper.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Takeoff <br><br>Pacheco pulls <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> even with UMass: <a href="https://t.co/igoGW6wTQ3">pic.twitter.com/igoGW6wTQ3</a></p>— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1167594686531268608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a>
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<p id="JGm83S">The offensive line was much better than expected, creating holes for him to run through and was solid in pass protection. All in all, Rutgers scored more points in the first half, leading 38-21, than in any game last season. Progress for sure.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hurdling into half like...<br><br>Blackshear and <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> take a 38-21 lead into the break.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTNStandout?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTNStandout</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/AutoOwnersIns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AutoOwnersIns</a>: <a href="https://t.co/pnqtWXAFOD">pic.twitter.com/pnqtWXAFOD</a></p>— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1167603056239726592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a>
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<p id="hhvXsd">Rutgers did get lucky midway through the second quarter with the game tied at 21, as a punt ricocheted off of Larry Stevens and should have been UMass ball near the RU 30. Instead, there was no review and Rutgers ultimately took the lead for the first time on a 27 yard field goal from Justin Davidovicz.</p>
<p id="SaJ0ul">After halftime, there was a lot less action, with the first Rutgers drive after the break stalling in the red zone, leading to a 23 yard field goal by Davidovicz. The next possession, Carter threw a long interception near the UMass 10 from midfield on a ball the defender fought from Paul Woods, the intended receiver. </p>
<p id="exxqpP">The Rutgers held the Minuteman to two punts in the third quarter, including one three and out. The Scarlet Knights led 41-21 headed into the final frame.</p>
<p id="ZoVZZm">It started with the third interception of the game by Carter, this one in the end zone. Overall, he played a good game and definitely made more big throws than Rutgers made all of last season. He also made bad mistakes in two of the three picks. On the day, Carter finished with the following line: 21 of 31, 340 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. A mixed bag but a value bag nonetheless. Johnny Langan relieved Carter late in the game, not Artur Sitkowski, so it’s clear who QB1 is.</p>
<p id="GXMViC">Isaih Pacheco became the first Rutgers player to run for four touchdowns since Ray Rice, as he finished the night with 156 yards on 20 attempts for a 7.8 yard per carry average. He got stronger as the game wore on and is off to a great start in a pivotal season for him. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keep pouring it on, <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3222KgCEJm">pic.twitter.com/3222KgCEJm</a></p>— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1167622837282099201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a>
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<p id="NAG0li">Blackshear ran for just 39 yards on 12 carries, but flourished in the passing game, catching 9 passed for 126 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p id="kaheiN">As for the receivers, Melton didn’t make a catch in the second half but his first half performance demonstrated he is much closer to reaching his full potential and could be a huge factor this season. Mo Jabbie made 3 catches for 44 yards and redshirt freshman Matt Alaimo, the only tight end on scholarship currently available, had 2 receptions for 32 yards in his college debut.</p>
<p id="2szG5w">The Rutgers offense outgained UMASS by 247 total yards, including 348 yards passing overall and held a 24-18 edge in first downs. However, three turnovers and six penalties, several costly, for 75 yards, were more mistakes than are acceptable if this team wants to win games in the Big Ten. The talent and depth of the UMASS roster is world’s away of any of the nine conference teams the Scarlet Knights will play. </p>
<p id="IRZ3cZ">A big concern with the defense, despite not surrendering a score after the first quarter, was that they surrendered yards rushing, including two 30+ yard touchdowns. Stopping big plays in the run game has been an issue during Ash’s entire tenure and it continued to be a problem tonight. UMass averaged 5.6 yards per carry on 33 attempts, which is a giant red flag. The defense obviously was much better as the game went on, led by linebacker and captain Tyshon Fogg, who led the team with 11 tackles. They forced two turnovers, which were interceptions from Avery Young and Tre Avery.</p>
<p id="owr1lD">It was a night with a big scare to start, an impressive offensive outburst that followed, and it ended with solid defense. Still, Rutgers won the opening game of the 2019 season by multiple scores and ended the nation’s longest losing streak at 11. Credit this team for recovering the way they did. Last September, Rutgers routinely fell apart in the first half of games. Down two touchdowns after one quarter and their best players took over the game. That’s a positive sign for sure. </p>
<h3 id="UxQyhf"><a href="https://scarletknights.com/sidearmstats/football/summary"><strong>Box Score</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="elizIW"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841772/the-good-bad-ugly-from-rutgers-season-opening-win-over-umass-college-football-ncaa-big-ten"><strong>The Good, Bad, & Ugly in the Rutgers victory</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="evmqAt"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/31/20841852/chris-ash-umass-postgame-press-conference-fans-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-rvision"><strong>Watch Chris Ash Postgame Presser</strong></a></h3>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20841602/rutgers-awful-first-quarter-defeat-umass-49-21-season-opener-mclane-carter-isaih-pacheco-blackshearAaron Breitman2019-08-30T15:39:18-04:002019-08-30T15:39:18-04:00The 2019 Season Opener Game Thread: Rutgers vs. UMass
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Buffalo at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LQ8hgCMyIGlWNsSsZ_WNkyOMysQ=/0x0:3419x2279/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65145652/usa_today_11300082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Find out how to watch & listen, as well as game preview and join us in the comment section during the action.</p> <h3 id="6wd8JG">How To Watch, Stream & Listen</h3>
<h4 id="EQzC5c">Massachusetts (0-0; 0-0) At Rutgers (0-0; 0-0) </h4>
<p id="VVJgtm"><strong>Where:</strong> SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ</p>
<p id="uIkXIs"><strong>Kick-off: </strong> Friday, August 30th at 7:15 p.m. EDT</p>
<p id="uNTYuP"><strong>Weather: </strong>79 degrees, mostly sunny with a 1% chance of rain, 5 mph winds</p>
<p id="wUWsEz"><strong>Pregame activities</strong>: <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20838418/game-day-info-for-attending-rutgers-vs-umass-btn-big-ten-shi-stadium-football-ncaa">click here</a></p>
<p id="E7H61R"><strong>TV:</strong> BTN, Mike Monaco and Shaun O’Hara. <a href="http://btn.com/btn-gamefinder/">Out-of-market channel finder.</a></p>
<p id="fDswrI"><strong>Stream: </strong><a href="https://www.foxsports.com/watch/1068019?cmpid=org=foxsports::ag=::mc=sportsdata::src=sportsdata::cmp=fsgo_foxsports&cmpid=org=foxsports::ag=::mc=sportsdata::src=sportsdata::cmp=fsgo_foxsports&pid=sportsdata&event=30337&is_retargeting=true&shortlink=a0454ae0&af_sub2=foxsports&af_channel=sportsdata&content-mcpid=1068019&c=fsgo_foxsports">FOX Sports App</a></p>
<p id="bLG7sW"><strong>Replay:</strong> <a href="https://www.btnplus.com/game/umass-at-rutgers-on-08302019?tid=359">BTN</a>+ (after midnight ET) </p>
<p id="9q9AQx"><strong>Radio:</strong> Rutgers IMG Sports Network with Chris Carlin, Ray Lucas, and Anthony Fucilli - Rutgers IMG Sports Network: WCTC 1450-AM, WOR 710-AM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM, Sirius 81, XM 81. (WRSU 88.7-FM: Jake Ostrove, Chris Tsakonas and Robert Baxter)</p>
<p id="iinM1m"><strong>Current Spread: </strong>Rutgers -15.5</p>
<p id="UNCCs5"><strong>Against The Spread:</strong> Rutgers 0-0 (last year 7-5); UMass 0-0 (last year 5-7)</p>
<p id="6pk6zB"><strong>Series History: </strong>2-2, Rutgers won the last meeting in 1978</p>
<p id="ingeYG"><strong>SB Nation UM site: </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2019/5/3/18509767/massachusetts-football-2019-preview-schedule-roster">find season preview here</a></p>
<h3 id="7sLOwQ"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20829688/rutgers-football-game-1-preview-v-umass-ash-mcnulty-sitkowski-carter-pacheco-tverdov-hayes-fogg">Game Preview</a></h3>
<h3 id="P4mQcv"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20838392/week-1-game-headquarters-umass-vs-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-chris-ash-walt-bell-shi-stadium">Game Headquarters</a></h3>
<p id="nl9sZL">Well, this is not a drill. The 2019 Rutgers football season is finally here! Tonight is their first chance to show last year is in the rearview mirror and progress has been made in the offseason. UMASS was one of the worst defenses in the country last season and despite having Walt Bell as head coach now, it may take some time for their offense to take off.</p>
<p id="CtKFG2">On the flip side, Rutgers is reportedly starting McLane Carter at quarterback, so all eye will be on the offense to see if they show signs of improvement. The defense is talented but also inexperienced in key spots. How they handle the first game is something to watch for as well.</p>
<p id="5GwMgv">Join us in the comment section during the action and follow us on twitter for live commentary during the game.</p>
<p id="5nQWqC">#Upstream</p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20840609/the-2019-season-opener-game-thread-rutgers-vs-umass-college-football-btn-big-ten-ncaa-shi-stadiumOTB Staff2019-08-30T09:39:52-04:002019-08-30T09:39:52-04:00Game Day Info For Attending Rutgers vs. UMass
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TO-IXPFF8PMcJnv6AES78JJ_nc4=/0x86:2048x1451/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65142400/A0643372_7009_4756_BE9A_10042E8FE8CE.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Breitman</figcaption>
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<p>There are several special events taking place before kickoff, as well as some game day changes in and around SHI Stadium</p> <p id="WT6xyA">The 2019 Rutgers football season is finally upon us! For those of you attending tonight’s home opener, there are several game day changes and activities to be aware of. There are two special events of note, the unveiling of the Victory Statue and an re-enactment of the first college football game played between Rutgers and Princeton. Let’s break down the full list of pregame activities here:</p>
<p id="2j55K6"><strong>RUTGERS VS. UMASS GAMEDAY TIMELINE</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="JbAXM0">2:00 PM – Parking Lots Open</li>
<li id="2uUkJU">4:10 PM – Victory Statue Unveil in the North Plaza</li>
<li id="dSHBa7">4:15 PM – Block R Party and Kids Zone Opens</li>
<li id="8DkwDc">4:50 PM – Scarlet Walk</li>
<li id="mIak5D">5:45 PM – Gates Open</li>
<li id="jTKigY">6:15 PM – “First Game” Reenactment on the Practice Fields, presented by RWJBarnabas Health</li>
<li id="RRdPgN">6:55 PM – Band Show Begins</li>
<li id="fcPYR4">7:04 PM – Horse Entrance</li>
<li id="RBWHF7">7:09 PM – Team Entrance</li>
<li id="DkYToS">7:10 PM – National Anthem</li>
</ul>
<p id="YT2yhm">If you still want to attend but don’t have tickets yet, you can purchase through this <a href="https://scarletknights.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:RUTGERS:F19:F01:&linkID=rutgers&fromMobile=1">link</a>.</p>
<p id="p1q0Fa">Aside from the timeline listed above, BTN will be broadcasting its pregame show live outside SHI Stadium. For more info, <a href="https://scarletknights.com/news/2019/8/20/football-btn-pregame-show-visits-the-birthplace.aspx">click here</a>.</p>
<p id="vCVivH">A big change inside the stadium is there is a new food and beverage vendor called Gourmet Dining. And yes, beer and wine are now available to purchase during the game. For a full list of the menus and what will be available, <a href="https://scarletknights.com/news/2019/8/28/football-athletics-launches-partnership-with-gourmet-dining-for-all-events.aspx">click here</a>.</p>
<p id="8PlQYK">For all other information, like the bag policy, parking and additional new amenities, <a href="https://scarletknights.com/news/2019/8/29/football-rutgers-gameday-enhancements-information-umass.aspx">click here</a>.</p>
<p id="x9lrHB">It’s a beautiful day and hopefully Rutgers can open the 2019 season on a positive note. Be safe and have fun! </p>
<p id="3Tw1JA">For all of our pregame and postgame coverage of Rutgers vs. UMASS, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20838392/week-1-game-headquarters-umass-vs-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-chris-ash-walt-bell-shi-stadium">click here</a>.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20838418/game-day-info-for-attending-rutgers-vs-umass-btn-big-ten-shi-stadium-football-ncaaAaron Breitman2019-08-30T06:00:00-04:002019-08-30T06:00:00-04:00OTB Staff Predictions: UMass vs. Rutgers
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<img alt="Texas State v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xynZD37xscWWAkr-hlRUSaMScho=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65141404/1030045018.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="KnMAPn">It’s finally here, the opening game of the 2019 Rutgers football season! Our staff made several season predictions earlier this week here and with the Scarlet Knights currently 15.5 point favorites, our handicapping expert T.J. Jurkiewicz broke down the line here. Once again, our staff got together again to make our picks for tonight’s home opener against UMass. </p>
<p id="9INgcw">Who will play at quarterback the majority of the time, Artur Sitkowski or McLane Carter? Will Do we think Rutgers will steamroll the visiting Minuteman and end the nation’s worst 11 game losing streak? OR do we plan to sweat this game out to the very end? Will the defense led by Tyshon Fogg stifle the new look UMass offense? So many questions yet to be answered and we took our best shot on what they ultimately will be.</p>
<p id="f1DqQ3">Let’s kick things off and find out.</p>
<p id="kIeW0h"><strong>Dave White:</strong> All right, let’s be honest. I know nothing about UMass. There was no way I was following them and their football offseason. I imagine they’re not good, but they could be hiding the football version of Marcus Camby on their roster somewhere. I think Rutgers wins this one, but I don’t think it’s pretty. Rutgers gets put through the meat grinder for 3 quarters and pulls away late. Nothing is settled. Carter and Sitkowski play. One of them shines just enough to get the message boards going. <strong>Rutgers 35 UMass 21</strong></p>
<p id="lpXofs"><strong>David Anderson:</strong> Even though Dave claims to not follow these things, his prediction is pretty close to what should be expected. Whether or not this game is close comes down to the Rutgers defensive line. If Umass can’t get any run game going against nickel and dime coverage, I expect Rutgers to hold them down if the Minutemen are forced to pass. On offense, if Sitkowski is not moving the chains and possibly even if he is, Rutgers will just try to pound it with Pacheco and wear down Umass’s undersized defense. Then if they are worn down, McLane Carter can probably lead a few drives to put things out of reach, leveraging Blackshear. If Rutgers jumps out to an early lead, I fully expect Umass to be able to score in the 2nd half per their system and make the game look closer. So either way this shakes out with a similar final score. <strong>Rutgers 34 UMass 23</strong></p>
<p id="xWrtZ5"><strong>Aaron Breitman: </strong>You don’t have to admit it, I will for you. Every Rutgers fan will either walk into SHI Stadium, turn on their HDTV or listen to Chris Carlin and Ray Lucas with some legitimate anxiety pumping through their veins when this game kicks off. While Rutgers should handle UMASS due to having more talent and depth on its roster, it’s hard to feel confident entering this game with a nation’s worst 11 game losing streak. A strong first quarter is key for the confidence of Rutgers and the blood pressure of every fan. An opportunistic defense and run it down your throat offensive philosophy are the keys to Rutgers controlling this game from the start. I don’t think it will be all smooth, but I expect a better performance than last season’s opener against Texas State, even if the score doesn’t reflect that. <strong>Rutgers 31 UMASS 10</strong></p>
<p id="FkYj0G"><strong>Adam Ross</strong>: Unfortunately for me, I will be checking updates on my phone while out with my wife for the evening. I anticipate some rust and nerves in the first half, combined with an upset minded UMass squad to bring us into halftime tied up at 10. A big kickoff return to open the second half, gives the RU faithful some hope, but the offense continues to show signs of struggle well into the 3rd quarter. Thankfully, the defense shows us what an average Big Ten defense can do against a lesser opponent. The line for this game is 15 and a half, and I think that is pretty spot on. The Lewis injury will be hard to swallow throughout the season, but won’t factor too much into this one. <strong>Rutgers 31 UMass 13</strong></p>
<p id="BJi4F3"><strong>Fred Gaudios:</strong> A few factors go into this game prediction. First, while we were terrible last year, we were also unlucky. Football Outsiders’ <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fei/2018">advanced metric</a> (called FEI, a weighted efficiency metric, like a KenPom for CFB) ranked us #108 out of #130 FBS teams last season, a ranking more like a three- or a four-win than a one-win team. (Illinois, who went 3-8 last season, was a less efficient team than we were last season, ranked at #111.) Second, UMASS was even worse than we were last season, and probably won’t be much better in 2019 than they were in 2018. Third, chase the Vegas money - we started as 11-point favorites and are now 15.5 point favorites, suggesting gamblers sense a blowout in the making. All of this data puts me firmly in the “this will get out of hand quickly” camp. I’d expect an easy and relaxed fourth quarter. <strong>Rutgers 41, UMASS 7</strong></p>
<p id="gedMwM"><strong>Danny Burrick: </strong>The start of another anticipated football season is upon us. Rutgers opens with the independent FBS school UMass. Rutgers is favored to win the opener but I think it will be uglier than many of us would want, especially in the early going of the game. UMass jumps out to a quick 7-0 lead leaving everyone stunned as Rutgers gets their bearing on the game. As Rutgers slowly but surely imposes their bigger size and strength through the game, they will overtake UMass and build a lead. Rutgers errors throughout the game will keep it close but a couple big defensive plays will make the difference in the final outcome. Rutgers dominates possession and yardage and toughs out the victory. <strong>Rutgers 38 UMass 17</strong></p>
<p id="F4ba0D"><strong>Cara Sanfilippo: </strong>Honestly, with all the unknowns, I am copping our here and basing my predictions on the Vegas odds. Rutgers needs to win, and they need to win big, so hopefully they can win big and beat the spread. I want them to win swimmingly, and prove that the rest of the season will not be a wash. If Ash wants to instill confidence, they should look to come out strong on the first drive, and play aggressively, with urgency, and try to spice up their offensive play. Make me excited Rutgers, please. I can’t do last season over. I no longer have my wedding to distract me, and basketball is just not my jam. <strong>Rutgers 39 UMass 17</strong></p>
<p id="mSidMj"><strong>Nick Kosko: </strong>I waited as long as possible for this pick. I was always going to pick Rutgers in this contest but with the breaking news (as of Thursday night) that McClane Carter is going to start, give me the Scarlet Knights and the points. Yes, I just gave you a spoiler for my College Football Pregame Show on <a href="https://973espn.com/listen-live/popup/">97.3 ESPN South Jersey</a> starting at 6pm sharp. All fans can hope for is a solid performance all around for the early season optimism and definitely a turnover free performance from Carter. It would be nice to see a big lead early, with some nice play Carter and then you see an improved Art Sitkowski. As long as he’s more comfortable, fans we’ll feel good...for now. <strong>Rutgers 38 UMass 10</strong></p>
<p id="wudAmy"><em>There you have it, some legitimate optimism. Let’s hope Rutgers justifies it with a strong performance. Let us know in the comment section what you think will happen tonight.</em></p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20828009/otb-staff-predictions-umass-vs-rutgers-big-ten-ncaa-chris-ash-raheem-blackshear-tyshon-fogg-pachecoOTB Staff2019-08-29T19:37:18-04:002019-08-29T19:37:18-04:00Report: McLane Carter to start at QB vs. UMass
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 24 TFBI Shootout - Texas Tech v Baylor" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/juIYGdtqc5Op0jWU_OzJXT1C4iA=/0x0:3506x2337/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65139549/1064896674.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Per James Kratch of N.J. Advance Media, the grad transfer from Texas Tech will get the nod</p> <p id="rIGBdH">The mystery of who will start at quarterback for Rutgers on Friday night against UMASS appears to be over. James Kratch of N.J. Advance Media reported on Thursday night that per five sources, Carter be the first signal caller under center as the Scarlet Knights begin head coach Chris Ash’s fourth season.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">McLane Carter will be Rutgers' starting QB tomorrow night against UMass. <a href="https://t.co/Ep4ReXA8pp">https://t.co/Ep4ReXA8pp</a></p>— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesKratch/status/1167203332475301888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="dXGIFO">Ash stated at <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/26/20833485/rutgers-football-week-1-press-conference-recap">Monday’s press conference</a> that he would not make a formal announcement before the season opener. </p>
<p id="z67eHc">There was speculation earlier this week that things were trending Carter’s way, but it also appears likely that sophomore Artur Sitkowski will see action in the opener. Ash even mentioned Boston College transfer Johnny Langan as a possibility in his presser, as they’ve designed a package of plays specifically for him since the spring. </p>
<p id="jRMp5m">Even though Carter is starting the opener, I think that the battle with him and Sitkowski will be decided during the first two weeks of action vs. UMASS and Iowa. With a bye coming the third week of the season, it gives the staff the option to play both and then commit to one during that extra week of practice.</p>
<p id="1tkH9W">Of course, it’s also possibly one of the two QB’s plays significantly better than the other tomorrow night and makes it clear he should be the guy. </p>
<p id="VxxUpK">We’ll find out Friday night. To read our game preview for tomorrow night, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20829688/rutgers-football-game-1-preview-v-umass-ash-mcnulty-sitkowski-carter-pacheco-tverdov-hayes-fogg">click here</a>. For all of our game coverage of Rutgers vs. UMASS, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20838392/week-1-game-headquarters-umass-vs-rutgers-football-big-ten-ncaa-chris-ash-walt-bell-shi-stadium">click here</a>.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20839815/report-mclane-carter-start-qb-vs-umass-chris-ash-artur-sitkowski-iowa-big-ten-ncaa-rutgers-footballAaron Breitman2019-08-29T12:02:23-04:002019-08-29T12:02:23-04:00Rutgers Football Game #1 Preview v UMass
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 22 Buffalo at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/njOtsN4v0yokZ_jvfFHEuVojIuI=/0x0:4173x2782/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65135360/1038203956.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tverdov hopes to get some pass rush opportunities. | Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Opening night of the 2019 season kicks off Friday in Piscataway. </p> <h3 id="6wd8JG">How To Watch, Stream & Listen</h3>
<h4 id="EQzC5c">Massachusetts (0-0; 0-0) At Rutgers (0-0; 0-0) </h4>
<p id="VVJgtm"><strong>Where:</strong> SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ</p>
<p id="uIkXIs"><strong>Kick-off: </strong> Friday, August 30th at 7:15 p.m. EDT</p>
<p id="uNTYuP"><strong>Weather: </strong>79 degrees, mostly sunny with a 1% chance of rain, 5 mph winds</p>
<p id="wUWsEz"><strong>Pregame activities</strong>: <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/30/20838418/game-day-info-for-attending-rutgers-vs-umass-btn-big-ten-shi-stadium-football-ncaa">click here</a></p>
<p id="E7H61R"><strong>TV:</strong> BTN, Mike Monaco and Shaun O’Hara. <a href="http://btn.com/btn-gamefinder/">Out-of-market channel finder.</a></p>
<p id="fDswrI"><strong>Stream: </strong><a href="https://www.foxsports.com/watch/1068019?cmpid=org=foxsports::ag=::mc=sportsdata::src=sportsdata::cmp=fsgo_foxsports&cmpid=org=foxsports::ag=::mc=sportsdata::src=sportsdata::cmp=fsgo_foxsports&pid=sportsdata&event=30337&is_retargeting=true&shortlink=a0454ae0&af_sub2=foxsports&af_channel=sportsdata&content-mcpid=1068019&c=fsgo_foxsports">FOX Sports App</a></p>
<p id="bLG7sW"><strong>Replay:</strong> <a href="https://www.btnplus.com/game/umass-at-rutgers-on-08302019?tid=359">BTN</a>+ (after midnight ET) </p>
<p id="9q9AQx"><strong>Radio:</strong> Rutgers IMG Sports Network with Chris Carlin, Ray Lucas, and Anthony Fucilli - Rutgers IMG Sports Network: WCTC 1450-AM, WOR 710-AM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM, Sirius 81, XM 81. (WRSU 88.7-FM: Jake Ostrove, Chris Tsakonas and Robert Baxter)</p>
<p id="iinM1m"><strong>Current Spread: </strong>Rutgers -15.5</p>
<p id="UNCCs5"><strong>Against The Spread:</strong> Rutgers 0-0 (last year 7-5); UMass 0-0 (last year 5-7)</p>
<p id="6pk6zB"><strong>Series History: </strong>2-2, Rutgers won the last meeting in 1978</p>
<p id="ingeYG"><strong>SB Nation UM site: </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2019/5/3/18509767/massachusetts-football-2019-preview-schedule-roster">find season preview here</a></p>
<h2 id="Cn3yaO">Massachusetts Returning Statistical Leaders </h2>
<p id="vvf0I9"><strong>Passing: </strong><em> </em><span><em>Michael Curtis</em></span><em> -</em><em><strong> </strong></em>26 for 40 pass attempts, 65.0%, 412 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT. </p>
<p id="bzVs0c"><strong>Rushing: </strong><em>Bilal Ally</em><em> - </em>154 yards on 25 attempts, 5.6 ypc, 1 TD; </p>
<p id="BxlQEI"><strong>Receiving: </strong><em><strong> </strong></em><em>Sadiq Palmer</em><em> - 28</em> catches for 419 yards, 15.0 ypc, 2 TD; <em>Brennon Dingle</em> - 19 catches for 269 yards, 14.2 ypc, 2 TD; <em>Zak Simon</em> - 15 catches for 238 yards, 15.9 ypc, 2 TD; <em>Samuel Emilus</em> - 15 catches for 212 yards, 14.1 ypc, 4 TD; </p>
<p id="2SzFrs"><strong>Defense:</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><em>Chinedu Ogbonna</em><em> - </em>72 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception; <em>Isaiah Rodgers</em> - 56 tackles, 3 for a loss, 0 sacks, 2 INT, 4 pass defended; <em>Jake Byczko</em> - 55 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks</p>
<p id="m22mlA"><strong>Kicking:</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><em>Cooper Garcia - </em> 37 for 37 PAT’s, 9 for 11 FG attempts, Long of 39 yards</p>
<h2 id="vMDLT4">UMass Statistical Comparison Versus Rutgers</h2>
<p id="HvLUFG"><strong>S&P</strong><strong>+ Advanced Stats Profiles: </strong><a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa">UMass | Rutgers </a>(2018 data) </p>
<h3 id="675yL0">What To Watch For</h3>
<h4 id="XBnJzf">Will there be energy leading up to the game? </h4>
<p id="LpRoUK">The Big Ten Network pregame show will air live outside of SHI Stadium for the first time since 2014 so if you want to be on TV, hopefully you can post up with a good sign. Maybe a “Bring The Noise” or other BTN acronym is PG enough to be shown, unlike what I think we could see with respect to the new stadium name. The students will be involved in at least two activities outside the stadium. <a href="https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/2019/08/26/rutgers-princeton-football-1869/2099521001/">A re-enactment of the first football game in 1869</a> will take place at the Marco Battaglia Practice Complex. The class of 2023 convocation will also bring incoming freshmen to the game. </p>
<p id="hOdscX">Beyond that, the lack of enthusiasm other than the usual new season optimism has driven fans and the media wild, with <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/26/20833485/rutgers-football-week-1-press-conference-recap">Monday’s press conference</a> putting a cherry on top. Rutgers needs to enter this game trying to squash the opponent not worried about tipping off who their quarterback is if both will play anyway. As my defensive line in coach in college said, “You shouldn’t need anything special to get excited for a football game.” Coaches can help psych up a team, but this is on the players, especially when we didn’t see enough urgency a year ago. Some of the younger players like <span>Mike Tverdov</span> and <span>Avery Young</span> proved to be the team’s emotional lightning rods a year ago, who else will step up on that emotional level? </p>
<h4 id="7FwQEy">Sitkowski / Carter / McNulty watch</h4>
<p id="BUEVhq"><em>Note: a </em><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20839815/report-mclane-carter-start-qb-vs-umass-chris-ash-artur-sitkowski-iowa-big-ten-ncaa-rutgers-football"><em>report</em></a><em> stating Carter would start came out after this preview was published.</em></p>
<p id="w6C3T4">The first section of last year’s previews centered on the QB play and how the coaching staff attempted to assist because at times the quarterback made it impossible for the team to win. In this first contest of 2019 we could see Art Sitkowski, <span>McLane Carter</span>, and a package for <span>Johnny Langan</span> taking snaps. John McNulty acknowledged that now he knows more about his personnel which should benefit the quarterbacks most if their skill position targets are in the best position to make individual plays. </p>
<p id="NPriZm">It is difficult to know what coverages Rutgers should expect, but we need to see some easy completions regardless of how the Minutemen line up. Specifically, if they don’t have the personnel to play press coverage, Rutgers needs to bludgeon the visitors. Rutgers needs to complete as many passes as they can, even if they are dink and dunk. Gaining confidence in the passing connections between quarterbacks and receivers is key, we will probably see at least eight receivers or more in the first half. UMass has a few standouts in the secondary led by Isaiah Rodgers but otherwise breaks in players who couldn’t see the field last year despite how porous the group was. </p>
<p id="TzMOyq">What I want to see from all three quarterbacks is to avoid turnovers. If there is a turnover it better be on a long bomb deep down the sideline on 3rd down that is as good as punt. <span>Johnny Langan</span> may come in for short yardage and in those situations, protecting the football is necessary to ensure points get on the board. <span>McLane Carter</span> I’d like to see execute a wide variety of plays to demonstrate his command of the playbook and show excellent leadership. Art Sitkowski needs to avoid sacks and interceptions by throwing the ball away if nothing is open since Rutgers will not lose this game unless they open the door for UMass. </p>
<h4 id="WajhJf">Pacheco watch</h4>
<p id="mHZGOF">The Pacheco watch was a regular section once the season went completely off the rails. Even though fellow running back <span>Raheem Blackshear</span> led the team in rushing AND receiving, Pacheco was the player with the best chance to <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/25/18263144/rutgers-football-who-can-go-into-beast-mode-pacheco-young-singleton-jlewis-dixon-anderson-tverdov">go into beast mode</a> against bonafide defenders. Last year when he carried the ball, the offensive line had a little extra hop in their step. </p>
<p id="QHJlF6">UMass had one of the worst defenses in the nation last year (allowed 43 ppg) and lost their two best players from the group, so Rutgers needs to be able to pound the rock on these guys who are undersized. If RU can't run the ball on the Minutemen, there is no hope against any other team on the schedule in that regard. Even if they don’t grind them to the ground for sake of testing the passing game, Rutgers needs to push some people around initially to impose their will. Chinedu Ogbonna is a good player for UMass so Rutgers may lean on Brandon Myers and Matt Alaimo to ensure they get a hat on him. </p>
<h4 id="uT2Mpu">Chris Ash, Head Coach. Andy Buh, D.C.</h4>
<p id="itTX0k">Chris Ash and Andy Buh also have to prepare for multiple quarterbacks since UMass had a three-man race as recently as last week. Former Lawrenceville star <span>Randall West</span> gets the nod by a nose over <span>Andrew Brito</span> (also from New Jersey) and incumbent starter <span>Michael Curtis</span>. Andy Buh mentioned in the press conference that he has a good idea what Walt Bell wants to run, but may not have the personnel to execute the up tempo, “fun” style he desires. West himself has a way of rallying his football and during the winter, basketball teammates. He is listed at 6’4”, 200 lbs. on the football roster, but 235 lbs. on the hoops listing so he could be a load to bring down. </p>
<p id="VEnFuS">The Scarlet Knight defensive backs other than <span>Damon Hayes</span> and <span>Avery Young</span> are inexperienced, but the staff has a lot of options to go to in those spots in the event of injury or ineffectiveness. Rutgers surely has the horses at linebacker and bodies in the defensive backfield to stick with an up tempo attack if they can contain the inside spread running game. UMass has a legitimate offensive line who all weigh 300 pounds and two, maybe three, good running backs if you count converted wide receiver Cam Roberson, so the Knights need to rotate as much as they can on the D-line which is difficult against a no huddle attack. </p>
<h4 id="9AXoAD">Special Teams</h4>
<p id="ZdsRtU">Vince Okruch has led a special teams contingent that improved every year he and Chris Ash have been on the banks and if they can win the field position battle, it’s difficult to see Rutgers losing this game. Punter Adam Korsak can build on a freshman year when he overachieved by suffocating the Minutemen with flipping field position every time he is called upon and pinning the opponent back. <span>Justin Davidovicz</span> can do the same on kickoffs and the key is converting chip shot field goals and extra points, it should not come down to him needing to convert a 50 yarder to secure victory. </p>
<p id="84HW32">The biggest question mark is the return game which has been a weakness since <span>Janarion Grant</span> was playing. Rutgers needs to avoid muffing punts or starting drives inside their own 25 yard line. For Massachusetts to win this one, a momentum shifting play in the return game or blown coverage by Rutgers on a punt or kickoff is likely needed. The coverage units for the Scarlet Knights have been elite the last two seasons even according to Jim Harbaugh, we will find out if that’s true again on Friday night. </p>
<h4 id="vf2GM3">Final Thoughts</h4>
<p id="1BghxK">The season opener is always a complete unknown which is why I prefer having my team playing a superior opponent rather than one they should beat in Week 1. Sometimes you can steal a win (i.e. RU upsetting Michigan State in 2004) because programs with less depth haven’t been beaten up (or down) over the course of the year yet. UMass has an offensive line they feel good about, but in a few weeks there’s a good chance a few guys would be banged up and there is not the depth behind them you see from a Power Five program. So for this game the Minutemen absolutely have a chance greater than zero as a 15.5 point underdog. </p>
<p id="onga9h">Rutgers SHOULD win this game regardless of who plays the most snaps at quarterback for either side. The scenario for UMass to pull off the upset is as follows 1. Rutgers makes a few momentum swinging turnovers and does not dominate special teams. 2. The UMass offense plays with a tempo Rutgers struggles to contain and is unable to get fresh legs into the game on long drives. 3. The Rutgers passing attack is incompetent and the Minutemen can simply stack the box against the run to at least contain <span>Blackshear</span> and Pacheco. The weather should not be a factor. </p>
<p id="fVFtHu">Walt Bell was the right hire for the job in Amherst, but his defense even cutting their points allowed in half is a tall order. If this game is close late, it will add even more concern for a coaching staff who is trying to pull out all the stops to preserve their time on the banks. UMass will score a few points in this game with four very experienced receivers, but Rutgers has to flex its muscles especially on offense to remove any speck of hope for the visitors as early as possible and end the losing streak. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Primed & Ready <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%8F%F0%9D%99%9D%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%98%BD%F0%9D%99%9E%F0%9D%99%A7%F0%9D%99%A9%F0%9D%99%9D%F0%9D%99%A5%F0%9D%99%A1%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%98%F0%9D%99%9A?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"># </a> <a href="https://t.co/OAOJCvP35Q">pic.twitter.com/OAOJCvP35Q</a></p>— The Birthplace (@RFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball/status/1166828623334203392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2019/8/29/20829688/rutgers-football-game-1-preview-v-umass-ash-mcnulty-sitkowski-carter-pacheco-tverdov-hayes-foggRUready4Brazil