Thanks Wacked... This is all I needed to know. I really don't care about QB's as long as they have an experienced line and Rutgers has the edge. I also think they have the edge on defensive line too. I was leaning Cinci but this looks like a Rutgers win/cover to me. Rutger's corners look experienced enough to handle Cinci's receivers especially if the QB doesn't have time to throw. Rutgers for me. BOL2all
Rutgers also boasts quality and quantity on the offensive line. All five starters from last year are back, while the Scarlet Knights return nine of their top 10 players from last year’s depth chart.
Defensive Line
The Scarlet Knights return two starters on the defensive line in George Johnson and Alex Silvestro. Johnson enters his third year as a starter after registering 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception at defensive end last year. Silvestro started all 13 games in 2008, contributing 43 tackles and two sacks. Jonathan Freeny was a regular in the rotation last year and could emerge as a starter at tackle in 2009, while Charlie Noonan and Eric LeGrand are in the mix at tackle as well.
Linebacker
Rutgers lost leading tackler Kevin Malast to graduation, but the Scarlet Knights expect to showcase one of the top linebacker units in the BIG EAST nonetheless. Ryan D’Imperio was an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection last year after he had 93 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two fumble recoveries. He ranked fifth in the BIG EAST in tackles, second among returing players.
Rutgers also boasts quality and quantity on the offensive line. All five starters from last year are back, while the Scarlet Knights return nine of their top 10 players from last year’s depth chart.
Defensive Line
The Scarlet Knights return two starters on the defensive line in George Johnson and Alex Silvestro. Johnson enters his third year as a starter after registering 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception at defensive end last year. Silvestro started all 13 games in 2008, contributing 43 tackles and two sacks. Jonathan Freeny was a regular in the rotation last year and could emerge as a starter at tackle in 2009, while Charlie Noonan and Eric LeGrand are in the mix at tackle as well.
Linebacker
Rutgers lost leading tackler Kevin Malast to graduation, but the Scarlet Knights expect to showcase one of the top linebacker units in the BIG EAST nonetheless. Ryan D’Imperio was an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection last year after he had 93 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two fumble recoveries. He ranked fifth in the BIG EAST in tackles, second among returing players.
