BY MIKE McDONALD
Staff Writer
After winning at North Carolina in the team’s opening game of this season, Rutgers routed Illinois for a perfect 2-0 start.
Perfect is not a word Greg Schiano has heard very often since taking over the reigns as head coach of Rutgers. But following Saturday’s performance in front of a raucous home crowd, Schiano was certainly willing to compliment his squad.
“These guys work,” the proud head coach said. “This team, you could drive this team and they will work their tails off. When we get to Saturday, I really want them to enjoy the experience; that’s why they’re here.”
Although Rutgers did not win in convincing fashion against North Carolina, the team did put forth a solid effort and won the game by the final score of 21-16. Sophomore running back Ray Rice gained an impressive 201 yards on the ground, while scoring all three Rutgers’ touchdowns.
Another sophomore, Mike Teel, had a strong game for Rutgers as well, as the quarterback completed 14 of 20 passes for 145 yards. In addition, cornerback Manny Collins led the way on defense, intercepting two Tar Heel passes.
Rutgers jumped out to a 7-0 lead on its second possession of the game, and besides being tied later at 7, Rutgers led the rest of the game, getting the all-important win over a quality Atlantic Coast Conference opponent on national television.
The Scarlet Knights used the momentum of the win against North Carolina and routed Illinois this past Saturday, 33-0. All of the 41,036 attendees at the game left Rutgers Stadium having seen what Rutgers looks like when it is firing on all cylinders.
“I thought we did a great job, especially early,” Schiano said. “It was a tribute to the kids; they did exactly what they were supposed to do. They executed to the T.”
Rutgers scored 20 first-quarter points, and for once, there was not any suspense for the rest of the game. Rutgers, to put it simply, pounded Illinois and did not let them come up for air. At half-time, Rutgers had a 30-0 lead.
Although most of the time it is a team’s offense that leads a team to victory, this Saturday Rutgers’ defense and special teams certainly played an important role. Senior Joe Radigan punted the ball 78 yards, pinning Illinois on their own 4-yard line. The punt was a record for yardage for the punter from Hoboken. After a series of plays that failed for Illinois, the Illini was forced to punt out of their own end zone. Senior Manny Collins tore through the Illinois blockers and blocked the punt, before teammate Derrick Roberson jumped on the ball and scored Rutgers’ first TD.
Place-kicker Jeremy Ito extended his streak of successful field-goal attempts to 12 with his kicks of 37 and 39 yards.
With the special teams proving it was ready to play on this day, the defense next showed its big-play capabilities. Freshman Devin McCourty intercepted an Illinois pass and ran down the field 38 yards for another Rutgers touchdown. Junior Brandon Renkart, of Piscataway, recovered a fumble later on in the game, putting away a game that many felt was over way back in the first quarter.
“Overall, our defense played very well,” Schiano said. “They did the things they were supposed to do. I think they felt they didn’t play up to their greatest abilities [last week] and came out today with a great focus.”
Rutgers offense also showed what it can do. Teel, of Oakland, found Clark Harris, of Manahawkin, for a 27-yard completion, before Teel and Harris would connect later in the drive for a 1-yard touchdown. Teel was again efficient in leading the offense, completing 14-of-24 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. Schiano certainly was impressed with his quarterback’s play.
“He did another good job running our offense,” the coach said. “He’s doing exactly what we’re asking. He’s coming up with some big throws, too, especially early in the game.”
Rice carried 23 times for 108 yards and a touchdown, while Brian Leonard carried the ball five times for 11 yards, while also making five catches for 42 yards. Harris caught four catches for 47 yards and one touchdown.
“To be a good football team, you need to score in different ways,” Schiano said. “Today we scored in all three phases and that’s what good teams do. I think we’re getting better and closer. If you can score that way, it really gives your team a lift, gives the fans a lift. It’s a big part of winning games.”
After the convincing win, Schiano was all about getting back to business as usual. He never seems to let his team get too high or too low.
“From here, we move ahead,” he said. “I know that this football team will enjoy this win tonight and get right back to work tomorrow.”
Rutgers next plays Ohio at home on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.