PISCTAWAY, N.J. – The ‘Dark Side’ likes it when SHI Stadium and the Rutgers football fan base gets loud.
On Saturday night, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano singled out the fans and the student section. In particular, Schiano showed his appreciation for the students for their role in not just creating a strong atmosphere in a 36-7 win over Temple, but in making it difficult for the opposing offense to communicate their snap count.
Rutgers defensive back Shaquan Loyal agreed with that assessment, saying that the energy from the stands was felt on the field.
In two games this season, the defense has allowed just 14 points.
“I felt like every play there’s a lot of energy out here, I hear the crowd roaring,” Loyal said.
“I like it. It brings energy to the whole defense.”
There is a definite energy inside the stadium, though, when the defense is on the field. From the piped-in music to the response of all the fans, not just the students, on third down.
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It is noticeable, something that the players are not just hearing but also feeling.
“It’s definitely crazy like hearing that here and the volume of it. And just seeing the passion from the fans and everything. It was it was great to hear,” each other’s back when it comes to getting the calls and everything,” defensive lineman Mayan Ahanotu said.
“It wasn’t really difficult to communicate with each other because we work together so well. We trust each other.”
The impact of the students was felt so deeply by Schiano that on Monday during his press conference, he once again brought up the crowd noise. He wasn’t asked about it, but his thoughts were unsolicited.
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“I’m really proud of our student section. I think we are starting to get a little reputation of a student section that is a factor,” Schiano said.
“Now that they have set the bar, we need them. I know our guys just appreciate the heck out of it so I want to thank them again and call to duty, what time is the game, 3:30 game, love to have them there again.”