Rutgers Earns Bid To Nokia All State Sugar Bowl
Scarlet Knights Set To Battle #5 Oklahoma
12/08/2007
Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Finally, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, led by coach
Greg Schiano, have earned a bid into a top flight Bowl Game.
Coach Schiano and his Scarlet Knights found out on the Bowl Game Selection Show that they had earned a bid to play in the Sugar Bowl, on New Year's day.
Their opponent? The 12-1, number five ranked, Oklahoma Sooners.
"Wow, this is absolutely nuts," said senior defensive tackle
Eric Foster.
"This is something I'm going to remember forever, getting a trip to Louisiana to play in the Sugar Bowl. Holy cow."
The Sooners, who are led by junior quarterback, and fourth place finisher in the Heisman race, Joey Halzle, are a very good football team, who present various offensive threats.
Senior halfback Allen Patrick rushed for over 1,000 yards on the ground, and is a threat to break a long run at any time through the game.
"We're going to have our hands full," said Rutgers linebacker and NCAA tackle leader
Kevin Malast.
"They're a great football team, and their offense is dynamic. They'll present a good challenge to our defense."
The deep list of offensive threats doesn't end there. Between junior wide receivers Malcolm Kelly, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson, senior tight end Joe Jon Finley, and sophomore tight end Jermaine Gresham all receiving the ball, combined with Patrick and Halzle, the Sooners offense ranked fourth in the NCAA in offense. It often leads us to say:
"No wonder Halzle was up for Heisman consideration, look at all his targets."
"I have faith in these guys," said Schiano.
"I know they can shut them down, we'll just have to wait to find out."
The Scarlet Knights have learned they will be without
Ray Rice, who broke his collarbone several weeks back. There was speculation that Rice may be ready for a return by time the Bowl Game approached, but there is no chance he'll be on the field.
On the other hand, safety
Courtney Greene will get the start at free safety for the Sugar Bowl.
"Joe (Martinek) did an excellent job filling in for Courtney while he was gone," said Schiano.
"But, Courtney's been working hard, and is ready to go. I'm sure Joe will be out there, getting mixed in, but Courtney will start."
The Scarlet Knights will depart from Piscataway the day after Christmas on their voyage to New Orleans, Louisiana. When they arrive at the Superdome, they'll have five days to practice on the field before the January 1st, 2008 Sugar Bowl contest with Oklahoma.