Rutgers Battles Conference Champs Cincinnati in Wide Open Big East

Is Big East football exciting? Eh. But is it good? Well, it may not qualify as that either. But it’s still football during a holiday afternoon (4PM on ESPN) and, as far as Big East supremacy goes, it’s a rather important early season game. To the previews!

First, from the New Jersey Star-Ledger:

WHEN RUTGERS HAS THE BALL

Let’s face it, when Rutgers gets possession for the first time in the 2009 season Monday, all 104,908 eyes in Rutgers Stadium will be on who trots out at quarterback. Chances are it’ll be senior Domenic Natale who gets the nod. He’s the most complete quarterback on the roster, in terms of knowledge of the playbook and experience on the field.

But the real question will be: Does freshman Tom Savage get in? He’s impressed enough this summer that he might get a few looks. Elsewhere, the two-headed threat of Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek at running back should pick up right where they left off last year -- especially since they’ll be behind the same veteran offensive line. At receiver, senior speedster Tim Brown is the new No. 1, but all the buzz has been about freshman Mohamed Sanu, who’s taken the position by storm this summer.

WHEN CINCINNATI HAS THE BALL

All eyes will certainly be on Tony Pike. Not just because he’s the quarterback, but because at 6-6, 230 pounds, Pike doesn’t exactly blend in well behind his offensive line. He’s put on 20 pounds during camp, pounding weight-building protein shakes that were 2,200 calories. But for a big guy, he can move fairly well out of the pocket, which the Rutgers linebackers will have to keep an eye on.

When he does have time to stand back and throw, he’ll be looking for senior Mardy Gilyard. At 6-1, Gilyard is a big-time receiver who hauled in over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Sophomore DJ Woods (6-0, 175 pounds) should get a lot of looks early, as Pike tries to test new cornerback Brandon Bing. Rushing the football for the Bearcats will be a lot like Rutgers, as senior Jacob Ramsey and junior John Goebel will split time.

And from SB Nation’s Protect R Turf, the keys to a Rutgers victory:

1. Play with emotion, but play smart: With the opening of the Rutgers Stadium expansion, and a raucous Labor Day crowd, RU should ride the home-field advantage to a victory. RU will need to play fast and with emotion, but can not afford to let their emotions get the best of them. RU needs to avoid any penalties that prolong Cincinnati drives (roughing the passer, late hits, unsportsmanlike conduct, etc.). There’s nothing worse than making a big stop on 3rd down, but giving away a free 1st with a dumb penalty.

2. Run the ball effectively: Rutgers will need both Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek to have big days for 2 reasons. Obviously the first reason is to take some pressure off of QB Dom Natale (or whomever is in the game at that time). If Rutgers can run the ball well, Cincinnati will need to stack the box and leave single coverage on the outside. The other reason is to control the clock and keep Tony Pike, Mardy Gilyard, and the fast-strike UC offense off the field.

3. Avoid the big play: Sounds easy, but it’s not going to be against the quick strike offense that Cincinnati employs. Devin McCourty will have his hands full with All-Big East WR Mardy Gilyard, and needs to avoid letting Gilyard run past him down the flank. If he’s open, Tony Pike will find him. Rutgers also needs to avoid the big play on special teams. Kickoff and punt coverage was not a strong point for the Knights last year, and needs to improve. One big kick or punt return for the Bearcats could suck the air out of the stadium, and swing the momentum in UC’s favor.

We’ll be here, working to update this storystream throughout the game and afterward with analysis, opinions, etc. Enjoy watching football on your day off. Really, have a blast doing nothing. No, no, we’re not bitter at all.