Big East Predictions - No. 6

Well, who is good enough (or bad enough) to be No. 6 in the Big East? How about Rutgers? I know, I know...that's going to be a pretty unpopular pick for #6 coming off Rutgers bowl appearance last season. But, if I recall correctly, that bowl didn't go very well.

Anyway, Mike Teel will be back at QB following last year's back and forth battle with Ryan Hart for the starting position. And 1000+ yard running back Ray Rice and fullback Brian Leonard will be in the backfield again this year. The questions will be if Teel has anyone to throw to and if the Rutgers offensive line can open a whole for Rice and Leonard.

Defensively, Rutgers run defense was pretty good last year but they have a few replacements to make on the pass rush. The secondary remains a question mark but they'll bring a little more experience this year. Depth could be an issue and injuries could ultimately cause the Scarlet Knights downfall.

Rutgers has never gone to back-to-back bowl games in its 130-year existence. As a matter of fact, they have only gone to two bowl games ever. Unfortunately for Schiano and the RU faithful, I don't see a bowl game this year as the Knights go 6-6; 2-5 in conference. Wins over UNC, Ohio and Howard should be in the cards. A win over Navy or Illinois would be nice as well. If they can someone manage to win both, maybe a 7 win season can get them to that bowl game and keep the program in the right direction.