Tough Game? Not So, Rutgers Cruises
Scarlet Knights Go Into Cruise Control After First
October 7th, 2007
Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN College Football Analyst
[New Brunswick, New Jersey]-- If there was any doubt as to who would win this highly anticipated matchup between the 4-1 Bearcats and the 4-0 Scarlet Knights, it would be quickly erased after the first quarter. The Rutgers defensive unit was impressive once again, as they forced quarterback Dustin Grutza to throw six interceptions throughout the day, including three in the first quarter.
The first of Grutza's six interceptions would come on the second play from scrimmage of the game, as it was picked off by
Devin McCourty, his first of two on the day. This set up an eleven yard
Ray Rice run, giving the Scarlet Knights an early 7-0 lead. Cincinnati's very next possession was no different, other then the fact that
Kevin Malast was the one getting the interception this time. This led to
Mike Teel's first touchdown strike of the day as he found a streaking
James Townsend down the field to increase the lead to 14-0.
"We had everything working out there for us today. The defense was awesome once again, and the offense just capitalized on the oppertunities that the defense gave us", said wide receiver
Tiqaun Underwood, who caught a touchdown strike in the third quarter.
Ray Rice would score once again in the second, this time from three yards out, giving Rutgers a 24-0 lead going into the half. And if anyone thought things would get better after halftime for Cincinnati, they were simply wrong.
Grutza's four interceptions in the first half weren't enough for the Scarlet Knight defense, as they came out and intercepted another one in the third quarter. This set up Tiquan Underwood's 15 yard touchdown reception, which was followed by a
Jeremy Ito field goal only minutes later, giving Rutgers a 34-7 lead.
Devin McCourty would pick off the final interception of the day for Grutza, and return it 103 yards for the touchdown, setting a new Rutgers record for longest interception return.
When asked if he was shocked that he was having the better season out of him and his brother,
Jason, McCourty responded with:
"Hey, you know, we both pull for each other. He's got two picks on the season too, I just happen to get the ball thrown more my way, which is why I have five. They're scared to throw it his way, and we're both just as good as one another. He's taught me a lot of what I do today, definately someone I look up to".
Next week the Scarlet Knights will travel for the first time this season, as they will head to New York to take on the Syracuse Orangemen. Syracuse is 3-3 on the season and 0-2 in the Big East, and if Rutgers continues to play the way they have been, there's no reason why they shouldn't be heading home from New York 6-0.