Advertisement
football Edit

Rutgers vs Tulane: The Crystal Ball

Rutgers opens up its 2012 season tonight against Tulane and it's now time to look into the Scarlet Nation crystal ball and predict what will happen this evening in the Superdome.
Who will score the first touchdown?
Advertisement
Bobby: Jawan Jamison. It will be the first of many as the redshirt sophomore looks to be in store for a big season.
Matt:This year is pivotal for Mark Harrison as he tries to show NFL teams they would be getting the 2010 version of him as opposed to last year's. While he is part of a deep receiving corps that may limit his touches, he's the pick to find the end zone first tonight.
Who will have the biggest hit of the game?
Bobby: Lorenzo Waters. Every time he takes the field, he is a big hit waiting to happen. Waters knows how to lower the boom and will get plenty of chances to do so against the Green Wave.
Matt: Khaseem Greene will pick up right where he left off in 2011, and will leave his impact on multiple ballcarriers this evening.
Which true freshman will have the biggest impact?
Bobby: Darius Hamilton. Fans will be pleasantly surprised by how much pressure Hamilton will be able to get. Look for No.91 to be involved in quite a few plays.
Matt: Kyle Federico was aided by early enrollment, and he looked strong kicking the ball throughout fall camp. Figure he will be perfect on all PAT attempts and nail his first career field goal.
Who will get the first quarterback sack?
Bobby: Steve Beauharnais. He is at his best when he plays freely and rushes the quarterback.
Matt: Steve Beauharnais is a proven commodity as a blitzer, having racked up five sacks last year and 11.5 in his career. On passing downs, expect Beauharnais to rush either from his MIKE linebacker spot or with his hand on the ground at the "R" position.
Who will get the first INT?
Bobby: Duron Harmon. Roaming the secondary at free safety will put Harmon at the right place on many occasions.
Matt: Duron Harmon said his switch to free safety should enable him to be more of a ball hawk this year, which could spell big trouble for opponents as he led the team in interceptions in 2011.
Which offensive player will have the biggest game for Rutgers?
Bobby: Jawan Jamison. He will provide the running game with renewed life. His vision and ability to break tackles can carry the offense a long way.
Matt: Gary Nova may not have to be at his best tonight, but he will be tested as the Green Wave commit to shutting down Jawan Jamison and Savon Huggins. I expect the Elmwood Park native to throw for two scores.
Which defensive player will have the biggest game for Rutgers?
Bobby: Khaseem Greene. Seems like the obvious choice but there is no player who covers more ground. Greene will be all over the field.
Matt: Khaseem Greene. Look for No.20 to be flying around the field all night.
Who will have the biggest impact on special teams?
Bobby: Tulane punter Peter Picerelli. The freshman will get plenty of chances and his inexperience could help Rutgers quite a bit in the field position battle.
Matt: Wayne Warren has been a special teams stalwart for the Scarlet Knights. Expect him to rack up some tackles tonight.
What will the final score be?
Bobby: Rutgers 31 Tulane 10
Matt: Rutgers 24 Tulane 10
Advertisement