Tag: Scarlet Knights

Which Scarlet Knights were selected to Rutgers Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame Class?

The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced five members and one team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

On Wednesday, the Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced five members and one team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

The Scarlet Knights elected Rita Kay Thomas (athletic administrator), Katie Batiuk (women’s lacrosse), Jeff Frazier (baseball), Robert Galbraith (men’s swimming & diving), George Peter Savidge (men’s lacrosse), and the 1976 football team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

The Hall of Fame induction will occur on Friday, September 29, at the East Brunswick Hilton. Also, the inductees will be recognized the following day when the Scarlet Knights host Wagner at SHI stadium.

Below are the members of the Rutgers Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

RITA KAY THOMAS – Athletics Administrator

Rita Kay Thomas was the anchor for women’s athletics when she got hired in September 1974. Thomas took on multiple roles within Rutgers Athletics throughout her Scarlet Knight career. She was the Assistant Athletic Director for Women’s Sports and head coach of the women’s tennis team. Also, she was hired as Rutgers’ first director of women’s athletics and was a member of the athletics administration until her retirement in 2001.

KATIE BATIUK – Women’s Lacrosse

Katie Batiuk was a top student-athlete in Rutgers women’s lacrosse history, selected four-time all-conference and all-region, and a 2007 All-American. The former midfielder finished her Rutgers career top 10 in goals (160), assists (56), caused turnovers (75), and draw controls (120). Within four seasons, Batiuk recorded 216 points. As a senior in 2007, she finished with a team-best 42 goals and 48 points. Also, she guided the Scarlet Knights to a 12-5 record and a trip to the Big East Tournament.

JEFF FRAZIER – Baseball

Jeff Frazier made his mark in Rutgers baseball’s history, setting the program record with 13 home runs. Also, Frazier was named Freshman All-America by Baseball America. The New Jersey native from Toms River, New Jersey, was part of 102 wins, two Big East Tournaments, and played in the 2003 NCAA Regional in Tallahassee, Florida. Frazier is ranked fourth in home runs (34), fifth in RBIs (167), seventh in total bases (370), and ninth in single-season RBIs (59 in 2004) in Rutgers record books.

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ROBERT GALBRAITH – Men’s Swimming & Diving

Robert Galbraith was Rutgers’ first-ever national champion. Also, he was one of two Scarlet Knights to participate in the 1924 Men’s Swimming NCAA Championship. He helped the Scarlet Knights capture the Eastern Collegiate Championship.

GEORGE PETER SAVIDGE – Men’s Lacrosse

George Savidge was a multi-sport athlete at Rutgers, playing lacrosse and football from 1963 to 1966. Savidge was a tremendous defenseman on the lacrosse field, earning three-time All-American status. In his three seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Savidge captured 25 victories. Also, Savidge got named to the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

1976 TEAM – Football

The 1976 Rutgers football team was the best in Rutgers’ history, recording a perfect 11-0 record under head coach Frank Burns. The 1976 team was anchored by their defense, leading the nation in scoring (7.4), rushing (83.9), and total defense (179.2). Also, they held 8-of-11 opponents to single-digit points. On offense, the 1976 team outscored opponents by a combined total of 287-81. According to the Associated Press, the 1976 team finished the season with the No. 17 ranking.

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Rutgers football: Last year’s injury helped Mohamed Toure come back with a new perspective

Rutgers football linebacker Mohamed Toure talks about the impact of his season spent away from the playing field.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — A knee injury suffered last spring has helped Mohamed Toure bring a new outlook and perspective into this offseason. The Rutgers football linebacker took the time to not just rehabilitate and get stronger, but also to better understand the defense he projects to be a huge part in.

The injury happened last spring when, in a one-on-one drill, Toure overextended his knee. The torn ACL meant that Toure was out for the season.

It was a season where Toure was supposed to be a star player for Rutgers and a breakout candidate in the Big Ten.

But instead of hanging his head, Toure got to work. He got stronger and worked his way back to being ready to participate in spring practice. He also made sure that mentally he took a different perspective on the defense.

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Saying “it gives you a different understanding,” Toure’s time spent watching the defense and not being a part of it has given him a new outlook on his role.

“That honestly helped a lot because it actually gave me some time to sit back and really just see it from a different point of view, you know?” Toure said on Saturday following practice.

“I’m usually on the field, playing on the field, but sitting back, watching how everything plays out… seeing schemes…seeing how we do things…helped a lot.”

In 2021, Toure had 51 total tackles and 4.5 sacks.

His return to the field, almost a year from when he was injured last spring, has the Rutgers standout excited to be back and fully practicing. Last week, head coach Greg Schiano said that Toure and fellow linebacker Moses Walker were back and a full-go in spring practice.

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It was a return to the field that had Toure excited and chomping at the proverbial bit.

“It’s amazing for me, I just love being back with my brothers, getting to play the game again. Being away from it kind of made my love for the game grow more,” Walker said. “So just happy to be back.”

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Rutgers football is sold out for Saturdays game against No. 11 Penn

The Rutgers’ Athletic department announced that Saturday’s Senior Day and fan appreciation game against No. 11 Penn State is sold out. 

Saturday’s Senior Day featuring Rutgers football against No. 11 Penn State is sold out.  This is the third announced home sellout of the season, the most since Rutgers joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014.

It should be an intense atmosphere but a poignant one, at least during pregame. Rutgers will honor members of their senior class, taking time to thank the outgoing members of the team.

Despite the expected cold temperates, the Rutgers Boardwalk will be open one last time. The pregame attraction outside SHI Stadium consists of food trucks, rides, and boardwalk games. During the pregame pep rally, fans will be given shakers, posters, and buttons that say, “Beat Penn State” and “I Chopped 2022” for the game.  

 

Saturday’s Timeline:

  • Rutgers Boardwalk opens at 11 a.m.
  • Rutgers Students can claim their free meal and hot chocolate from 2-3 p.m.
  • Members of the senior class and their families will be honored in a ceremony scheduled to start at approximately 3 p.m.
  • Kickoff for the game is set for 3:30 p.m.

How to watch and listen to the game:

  • The broadcast will be on the Big Ten Network.
  • Fans can listen to it on the radio on the RWJ Barnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network.

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2022 Scarlet Knights in the NFL: Week 7

Let’s see how the former Rutgers football players now in the NFL performed in Week 7

Another week in October has come and gone, which means one thing for sports fans: football season is in full effect. Fans of the National Football League, specifically, are getting themselves ready for their team’s Week 8 matchups.

Of course, there is still plenty to talk about from the slate of Week 7 action this past weekend. Former Rutgers football stars were part of that action all across the league. Some of the younger players, rookies included, are still trying to find their footing and grab find regular playing time, while veterans continue to show off their prowess and the CHOP mentality earned ‘On the Banks’ in Piscataway.

Fans of the Scarlet and White don’t just root for the players when they play in SHI Stadium, but they continue to cheer for their favorite former Scarlet Knights in whatever colors they don on Sundays. Let’s see how the Scarlet Knights in the NFL performed in Week 7.

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2022 Scarlet Knights in the NFL: Week 5

Check out how the former Rutgers football players now in the NFL performed in Week 5 action

The calendar is halfway through October, and the National Football league is 27.8 percent of the way through the regular season schedule. Week 5 has come and gone, and the players provided yet another week of exciting action on the gridiron.

There are several Rutgers student athletes now representing franchises on Sundays. The former Scarlet Knights may be donning new colors, but they continue to show fans they have the #CHOP mentality on the field each week – both rookies and veterans alike.

Rutgers football sits at 3-3 and are making a change at offensive coordinator. Some former Knights are still familiar with that feeling around their new squads, and some are in much better positions. Whether players are starters or fighting to see the field, they make fans proud each week and fight to help their teams succeed,

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Let’s look at how the former Scarlet Knights performed in Week 5 of the NFL season.

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Players of the Game from Rutgers loss to Nebraska

Let’s look at the players of the game for Rutgers in Week 6.

Rutgers football had yet another rough game on Friday night. After starting the season a promising 3-0, they have slipped up in three straight and has fallen to .500 and remain winless in conference play.

After a strong start and a solid, all around effort in the first half it felt like Rutgers might break their 20 game home Big Ten losing streak. After a sloppy second half, the Scarlet Knights found themselves on the losing end of a game in a clear 180-degree turn for both teams.

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In the first half, the Scarlet Knight defense shut down the Cornhuskers. They held Nebrask to just 134 total yards and no points. Christian Braswell and Max Melton both tallied interceptions and it looked like Nebraska had no chance of ending their road losing streak that dated back to 2020 (also against Rutgers).

The second half started as a mirror image to how the game began, Nebraska scoring on their opening drive. The halftime speech clearly made a difference as Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson came out like a completely different player. He went 14-for-19 passing for 133 yards in the second half with two touchdowns. Wide receiver Trey Palmer also made a bigger impact in the second half, catching three passes after the break (one catch in the first half) for 44 yards and a touchdown.

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Regardless of their struggles in the second half, there were still things to be positive about. Let’s look at the players of the game for Rutgers in Week 6.

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RECAP: Rutgers falls at home against Nebraska

Rutgers fell to Nebraska 14-13 Friday night, see what led to their loss in the tightly contested game

Rutgers football had another home game against a Big Ten opponent Friday night, and just like the previous 20 games inside SHI Stadium against conference opponents – it did not go the Scarlet Knights way.

It was a tale of two halves for both teams. The game started with a strong first half for Rutgers. Quarterback Noah Vedral got the start after missing the majority of the season with an injury and promptly marched down the field and ran in what would end up being the only touchdown of the evening for the Scarlet Knights. There were some concerns with Vedral by the time the first half ended as he only completed three of ten pass attempts, but they were all big plays as he had 110 yards through the air. Including the touchdown, he paced the backfield in the first half with 34 yards on six carries. Evan Simon also got some snaps, going 5-for-8 for 81 yards through the air.

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Not to mention in the first half, the Scarlet Knight defense shut down Nebraska. They held the Cornhuskers scoreless and kept the offense to just 134 total yards, keeping their biggest weapons in check. Christian Braswell and Max Melton both tallied interceptions and it looked like Nebraska had no chance of ending their road losing streak.

Then the second half started. Whatever was said to the offense in the halftime meeting clearly made a large impact, as Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson came out like a completely different player. He went 14-for-19 for 133 yards in the second half with two passing touchdowns. Wide receiver Trey Palmer caught three passes after the break (one catch in the first half) for 44 yards and a touchdown, and running back Anthony Grant felt like he was involved in every other play of the second half.

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Rutgers quarterback Evan Simon was picked off three times in the second half, and a rushing attack that totaled 72 yards in the first half, only added an additional 43 yards in the second. To add injury to insult, punter Adam Korsak’s streak of punts not resulting in a touchback came to an end in the second half at 147. What a run for the Australian-born punter.

There were some positives, the defense – despite some injuries and a questionable second half – made plays throughout the game. They held the Cornhusker rushing attack to just 72 yards (2.5 YPC). But, a few of the issues continued to rear their ugly heads. Rutgers finished the game with 9 penalties costing them 97 yards. A key penalty came on what would have been a stop on third-down with 4:12 left in the game. A clock-stopping play where Rutgers defensive back Kessawn Abraham forced Nebraska wide receiver Oliver Martin out of bounds short of the first-down marker, but after stepping out of bounds Abraham threw Martin to the ground and was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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What would have been Rutgers getting the ball back, instead kept the clock rolling and led to Nebraska running another 2+ minutes off the clock before giving the ball back to Rutgers, but it was too little too late for the Scarlet Knights. We know they are early in their rebuild, but it is apparent that it is earlier than many fans thought coming into the season. Greg Schiano will need to get his squad to clean up their issues before they start thinking about getting to another bowl game. If they are going to get these this season, next week is a much win and is easily the easiest matchup remaining on their schedule. Things are not looking bright for the rest of the season for the Scarlet Knights.

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Rutgers vs. Nebraska: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for Friday

Injury report, key players, and how to watch Rutgers vs. Nebraska on Friday night

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights play the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday night, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

A marquee matchup is not how I would describe this game, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t important stakes for both teams. At the start of the season, both programs likely circled this game as a must-win if they had any chance of making a bowl game. Rutgers sits at 3-2 with all of their wins coming from their non-conference schedule. Nebraska took care of business against Indiana last week to move them to 1-1 in conference and 2-3 overall. The Cornhuskers fired their coach before the end of September and even have an international loss on their record, but the offense showed some life last week, putting up 35 points. The Scarlet Knights have failed to score more than 22 points against a FBS school this season, but surprisingly scored first against Ohio State (before letting up 49 points) and picked off Heisman Trophy favorite, C.J. Stroud last week. Both teams need a victory to see their postseason hopes turn to more of a reality.

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Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: October 7, 2022
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)

Nebraska at Rutgers injury report:

Rutgers:

  • DL Mohamed Toure – Out for season (knee), LB Moses Walker – Out for season (knee), QB Gavin Wimsatt – Questionable (Undisclosed), RB Aaron Young – Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

Nebraska:

  • RB Ajay Allen – Out for season (Undisclosed), TE Thomas  Fidone II – Out Indefinitely (Knee), WR Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda – Questionable (Undisclosed), OL Nouredin Nouili – Out for season (Suspension)

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Players to watch:

Casey Thompson (Nebraska – QB): Thompson is an athlete, there’s no question. He showed some dual-threat ability last season at Texas, but his rushing numbers have not been strong this season as a result of being sacked 14 times through five games sacks through the first five games (sacked 16 times in 12 games last season). Against Indiana, Thompson threw for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while adding a score on the ground. Rutgers defense should provide more of a hinderance, but Thompson should still make a few explosive plays.

Tyreem Powell (Rutgers – LB): Powell will have the tough task of keeping Thompson in check Friday night. He currently leads Rutgers with three sacks on the season, and considering the lack of protection the Nebraska quarterback has received so far, he could add to that total against Nebraska. The entire defense may only have 9 total sacks, but they have come from all three levels. Even if the Huskers can somehow keep Powell in check, they will likely be facing pressure all evening.

Trey Palmer (Nebraska – WR): The LSU transfer is coming off a breakout performance against Indiana. Last weekend, Palmer hauled in eight catches for 157 yards and a touchdown after not logging over 100 yards in a game in his collegiate career prior. He leads his team in receptions with 36, receiving yards with 480 and receiving touchdowns with two. Palmer has provided a source of optimism for the Cornhusker offense, and Rutgers will have its hands full trying to contain him.

Samuel Brown (Rutgers – RB): The true freshman out of Philadelphia received some extra early season reps due to injuries in the backfield and took the reigns of the running back rotation. He is now the leader in the backfield with 210 total yards and is tied for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns. He is second on the team in carries, but only four off the leader and his 5.0 average yards per carry are stronger than the man ahead of him. No longer a change of pace back, Brown paces the backfield and is a problem for any opposing defense.

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History of the Matchup: Rutgers vs. Nebraska

In the lead up to this Friday’s game, let’s take a look back at the history between Rutgers football and Nebraska

Rutgers football is 3-2 and gearing up for Week 6 of the college football season. They return home after a big loss to Ohio State in Week 5 for a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The Scarlet Knights started the season 3-0, all non-conference games. They have only Big Ten matchups remaining. Their first conference matchup was a home sell-out against the Iowa Hawkeyes that they lost 27-10. Rutgers also  dropped their second conference contest against Ohio State 49-10. The Iowa game never really felt close, and the Ohio State game was never supposed to be close. Surprisingly, the Knights scored first against the Buckeyes but that was the extent of them making it seem competitive.

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In Week 6, Rutgers has an important matchup. It is one of the few matchups left on their schedule where it feels like it is an even match-up. They are No. 93 in the latest USA TODAY weekly re-rank of all 131 FBS schools.

There is not an extensive history between Rutgers and Nebraska, but their first matchup dates all the way back to 1920. The programs would not meet again until after Rutgers joined the Big Ten, in October of 2014. Scarlet Knights have not fared well against Cornhuskers throughout history on the gridiron. Nebraska is 5-0 all-time against Rutgers. Let’s check out the full history between these two programs.

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Players of the Game from Rutgers football’s loss to Ohio State

Check out the players of the game for Rutgers from their 49-10 loss to No. 3 Ohio State

Rutgers football had a rough time on Saturday afternoon as they had the unfortunate task of taking on No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus. To no one’s surprise, the Scarlet Knights failed to keep pace with the Buckets and lost 49-10. This is their second straight loss to open Big Ten play after starting the year undefeated through the first three weeks of the season.

For the Scarlet Knights, several issues continue to plague the team against the top program in the Big Ten – penalties, mistakes, and issues on offense especially on the line to name a few. Rutgers did surprise many people as they started the scoring off and took an early 7-0 lead. Quarterback Evan Simon hit Sean Ryan for a 14-yard touchdown before the Buckeyes rattled off 28 unanswered points in the first half.

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Ohio State moves to 9-0 in the all-time series. Rutgers has failed to hold them to less than 49 points in any of their nine contests. Just because the game was out of hand by halftime, doesn’t mean there are not positives to be taken away for the Scarlet Knights. Let’s look at the players of the game from Week 5 matchup

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