Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

RECORD: 8-5 in 2007, Big East Conference Series: This is the first time the teams have met as well as the first time the Bulldogs have faced a Big East opponent.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Offense -- Not Ray Rice. Rice rushed for 2,012 yards and 24 touchdowns as one of the top running backs in the nation last season. He's now playing in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens. Running backs Kordell Young and Mason Robinson are fighting for the starting job and may split duties. Young was a reserve running back (rushed for 58 yards) last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the third game. He was also a starting kick returner before the injury. Robinson was a backup running back (rushed for 202 yards) and kick returner.

Fifth-year quarterback Mike Teel returns as the leader of the offense. He threw for 3,147 yards and 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. Tiquan Underwood (1,100 yards, seven touchdowns) and Kenny Britt (1,232, eight touchdowns) are standout receivers who will give defensive backs fits.

Defense -- Safety Courtney Greene is on the watch lists for awards honoring the nation's top defensive player and top impact defensive player. Led the team with 101 tackles in 2007.

STORYLINE: Rutgers comes into the game from a bigger conference but without a ranking. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 25 in the USA Today coaches' poll. The Bulldogs hope to use the game toward a Bowl Championship Series berth. This is Rutgers' toughest nonconference game.