Rutgers Aims for BCS Berth, Confronting West Virginia in Crucial Regular Season Finale

Strategic Insights -

Motivation could be the Scarlet Knights' biggest advantage over West Virginia this weekend, as Rutgers seeks its first Big East title and a chance to claim a BCS bowl berth. Standing in their way are the No. 15 Mountaineers, who are still playing for their team's reputation and pride after their major bowl hopes faded earlier this month. With Rutgers' unique combination of speed and power in tailback Ray Rice and fullback Brian Leonard, coach Greg Schiano is confident in his team's ability to overcome West Virginia's powerful running game.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rutgers (10-1, 5-1 Big East) can claim its first BCS bowl berth and at least a share of the Big East title with a road victory over No. 15 West Virginia (9-2, 4-2) on Saturday.
  • The Mountaineers' major bowl hopes faded with losses to Louisville and South Florida, leaving them without much to play for in the regular-season finale.
  • Rutgers' defense has allowed 98.8 rushing yards per game this season, while West Virginia has gained an average of 312.1 yards on the ground.
  • Mountaineers sophomore Steve Slaton had 139 rushing yards against Rutgers in his breakout performance as a freshman, a 27-14 West Virginia victory at Piscataway, N.J. last season.
  • Rutgers' coach Greg Schiano expects a test of strength vs. strength, as his team's defense will face West Virginia's powerful running game.
  • Ray Rice, one of the nation's best all-around backs, has gained 2,615 yards and 17 touchdowns on 286 carries this season, breaking Rutgers' 33-year-old rushing mark.

Statistics:

  • Rutgers is 10-1 overall, 5-1 in the Big East, and is in contention for a first-ever BCS bowl berth.
  • West Virginia is 9-2 overall, 4-2 in the Big East, and is headed for the Sun or Texas bowls, likely in late December.
  • Rutgers' tailback Ray Rice has gained 2,615 yards and 17 touchdowns on 286 carries this season.
  • West Virginia has gained an average of 312.1 yards on the ground this season, with sophomore Steve Slaton having 139 rushing yards against Rutgers last season.
  • Rutgers' defense has allowed 98.8 rushing yards per game this season.

Sources:

  • The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  • McClatchy-Tribune Business News
  • The Permissions Group Inc.