Game to Watch :: Week 7

I'm sure you could have guessed that my game to watch this week is Rutgers' biggest rivalry game for the season!!!  Tonight the Scarlet Knights take on the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's stadium for what is potentially the end of a rivalry.  This is the last time the teams will meet as conference rivals in the American Athletic Conference, formerly the Big East.  Next year Rutgers moves on to the Big Ten, while Louisville will become part of the ACC.

The rivalry between Rutgers and Louisville really took off after the Scarlet Knights upset the Cardinals, then ranked #4 with BCS potential, with a score of 28-25 in 2006.  This is considered the greatest win in Rutgers school history.  Since then Rutgers has only beaten Louisville twice in 2008 and 2009.  The 2012 loss to the Cardinals was a devastating one.

This year, Rutgers defense has struggled against NFL level quarterbacks like Carr (Fresno State) and Gilbert (SMU), where both teams put up 50+ points.  Teddy Bridgewater is a potential #1 draft pick as well as Heisman candidate, which spells trouble for the Scarlet Knight's defense.  In Rutgers favor, Louisville's leading receiver, DeVante Parker, may be out due to a right shoulder injury.  Though the Cardinals have a lot of depth at wide reciever, it will force them to play untested players into the line up on a short week.  This is Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater's first true test of the season and possibly without a key player.

The last six times these schools played each other the games were decided by three points or less.  Will Rutgers be able to keep the streak of a close and exciting game alive, especially with the end of the rivalry in sight?

All I'm saying is::

Side note:  Obviously I'm wearing red and black today to support RU.  It's a shame Louisville has the same colors.  I tried to take an outfit picture and it didn't work out.   It's definitely more difficult than it looks.  Props to fashion bloggers....

Go here for more posts about everything Rutgers is to me!!!  :)  

Happy Gameday, folks!!

Who are you rooting for this week?  What games are you excited about?!

5 Weeks, 4 Stadiums, 9 Teams

It's no secret how much I love College Football.  In the first 5 weeks of the 2013 College Football Season I have gone to 5 games, in 4 different stadiums and watched 9 different teams play!  This is the type of thing that makes every girl extremely happy, right?  Well it definitely is for me!  And every experience/game was so wonderful!

Week One.  Georgia Dome.  Alabama vs Virginia Tech.

I went to the Chick-fil-A Bowl Kick-off Game and watched Alabama's sub-par performance, but ultimately beat Virginia Tech.  I worked with the Communications Department in the Press Box of the game and served as the liaison to the University of Alabama Sports Information staff.  Literally, for someone who wants to work in sports, this was amazing!!!!  Read more about it here.

Week Two. High Points Solutions Stadium.  Rutgers vs Norfolk.

I went to the Rutgers home opener against Norfolk State where the Scarlet Knights blew the Spartans away 38-0.  It was so much fun to be tailgating with my friends and family again.  My family has season tickets and always does a great tailgate.  It was definitely the start of football season, fall and everything that goes along with it.  I love being back on the Rutgers campus and wish I was still there sometimes.

Week Three.  Beaver Stadium.  Penn State vs UCF.

My sister is a freshman at Penn State and great family friends of ours go there/went there/ are die hard fans.  We planned this weekend trip to State College, PA back in February.  No joke.  We had a Mega-tailgate.  The tailgate was 10 cars wide, had about 60-75 people and started at 10 a.m. for a 6 o'clock kick-off.  WE. DON'T. MESS. AROUND.  Most importantly, it was great to see my sister and spend the weekend with life-long, childhood friends.

The picture on the left is us in 1994.  My youngest sister, the freshman in college, wasn't even born yet!!

Week Four.  High Point Solutions Stadium.  Rutgers vs Arkansas.

Like I said, my family goes to every Rutgers home game and loves a good tailgate.  This tailgate was even bigger than the one for Norfolk State.  We started early, played way too many drinking games and cheered for the Scarlet Knights as they beat Arkansas, 28-24.  I know it's only Arkansas, but it's still fun that RU beat an SEC team!!

Week Five.  Sanford Stadium.  Georgia vs LSU.

OMG!!! This was the best College Football experience I have ever had & technically my first SEC game!!!  I've been to a numberrrr of college campuses over the years and this is, by far, the most beautiful one I've ever been too.  Not only that, the town of Athens is just amazing.  I was literally in awe!  And that was just Friday.  Then Saturday came and that love and infatuation from Friday just grew.  I went to the set of ESPN College GameDay and watched the hype and production of a show I've been a fan of, live!  It was so much fun being there for that.  The atmosphere in Athens on game day was unbelievable.  There was never a dull moment during the game either.  Both UGA and LSU played great offense, but the lack of defense is what made it such a high scoring, nail-biter of a game!  The Dawgs came out on top over the Tigers, 44-41, and the stadium went nuts!!!  WHAT A GAME and great win for UGA.  Go Dawgs, Sic 'Em!

I'm working on taking one more road trip this season (maybe two) on top of going to the rest of the Rutgers home games for the season!!!  So stay tuned for that!  :)

A Survival Guide to Game Day ON THE BANKS

Last week Taylor posted a guide to Game Day in Nebraska, which I thought was a great idea.  So today, with Rutgers first home game of the season tomorrow, I'm giving you a guide to Game Day On The Banks!

Rutgers University is located on both sides of the Raritan River in New Brunswick & Piscataway, New Jersey.  It's the Birthplace of College Football and holds tons of tradition.  So, let's get started:

Obviously a parking pass in a primary lot (White, Scarlet, Blue & Yellow) is the way to go.  This is where tailgating is ideal and they're the closest to the stadium, making for a quick, drunken stumble into the game!

If you don't have a parking pass for one of the lots surrounding the stadium (or friends that do) THEN HOW THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO TAILGATE? you have a few general parking lot options, all require taking a bus to the general vicinity of the stadium.  If you park anywhere on College Ave I suggest walking through Buccleuch Park and across the bridge.  It's a bit of a hike, but if you're with your friends and bring road sodes, it's actually fun!  We used to do this all the time!  It definitely beats the bus, cause that usually takes forever and gets stuck in traffic.

The Scarlet Walk is the tradition of watching the players arrive and walk by The Statue.  This happens 2 hours prior to kickoff with the band, cheerleaders and fans surrounding the walk way and getting the energy flowing for kick off!  It's fun and tradition!  If you're lucky, we'll let you join our big group that meets at "The Tree" for a shot of Tequila Rose and a toast!  We don't mess around!

And wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find a decent picture in the archives to post here!

My family has season tickets, goes to every game and takes tailgating very seriously.  We've been known to tailgate anything, including graduation.  Sometimes we plan themes or activities, like huge Flip Cup Tournaments, Chili Cook-offs, etc (complete with trophies, duh)!  Throughout college my friends and I would go to the Frat tailgates and such, but would always wind up at my family tailgate, because they were fun and had great food.  We'll be in the Yellow Lot if you want to stop by! :)

What is tailgating without booze?  All forms of drinking games and chugging is encouraged!  So is getting overly excited for your team!!

This part I'm writing with a heavy heart, but in previous years it wouldn't be a surprise if then Athletic Director, Tim Pernetti, stopped by a tailgate for some food and to say Hi.  He even judged our Chili Cook-off one year!  You never know who's going to show up to a tailgate, including past players, like Ryan Hart (RU QB circa 2002-2005, aka the longest crush I've ever had!) or Brian Leonard (current TB Buccaneer).

Tim Pernetti (I cut out my aunt and her friends)   |   Ryan Hart   |  Brian Leonard

At Rutgers (and I assume everywhere besides the south) you dress for comfort and in team colors-- t-shirts, jeans, and sweatshirts are more than acceptable.  If you wear a dress, people will look at you like you're nuts!  You're here to drink and watch football, it's not a fashion show!  (No disrespect to schools that dress up on game day, but you have to follow "tradition" & we just don't do that!)

I admit, this probably wasn't one of our better day! ;)

When the team comes out of the tunnel they head to the corner of the field to CHOP the wood!!!  The mantra is "Keep Chopping".  To keep chopping week by week to reach their goals!  

via

Don't be alarmed by the sound of a cannon going off. It goes off every time Rutgers scores.  Make sure you stand up and chant the fight song after the score too! 

via

If something goes wrong for Rutgers, beware of the guy yelling, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE?!" in section 102.  He does it no matter how significant or insignificant the play/call might have been.  He means well.

Don't try to bring in your tailgating beverages in a red solo cup (your flask should already be secure somewhere on your person!). Throw out your cup at the dumpsters before you turn down Knights Way.  Unless you're my Grandpa.  I have no idea how he gets passed the line of cops, but he's allowed to do whatever he wants! And I can promise you it's not beer or water in that cup. Think golden brown.

Seriously though, HE'S THE MAN!!!!

Students: you probably have more meals swipes than you're ever going to use at Brower. You are allowed to swipe 2x at the stadium per game. Do yourself a favor. Get the cheese fries. And make sure you get a hot chocolate in the souvenior cup in the colder months.  The hot chocolate is delish!  You should also get some kind of chaser in the big jug cause let's be honest, if you're not sneaking in a flask or some nips, you're doing it wrong!  I suggest getting the big jug on days when you're still a functioning drunk at the games. Speaking from experience, the disappointment you'll feel the next day if you leave those souvenir cups in the stands is excruciating!

Students are the ones who should start the RRRRR UUUUU chant.  Sometimes people get a little impatient, but still the RRRRR needs to come from the student section or else it sounds weird and starts coming from all directions.

When Rutgers gets a first down, Chime in the Chant.. "And that is a RUTGERS, FIRST DOWN!!! Da na na na na na na na na na na GO KNIGHT!"

When the opponent is on third down, you'll hear the bells.  Get your 3 fingers out, strum that guitar and make the fan wheel with your arm.  

This kid steals the show dancing to "Don't Stop Believing" during the 3rd Quarter.... chances are, you're not getting on the Jumbo Tron during his time, so wait til the next one!

If for some reason you choose not to attend the game, Queens and Stuff Yer Face are the best options for game day bars!  Stuff Yer Face has great "Boli's", Fish Bowls and nice outdoor seating!  These places are usually where you'll see the crowd post game too!

I'll see you tomorrow On the Banks!  Meet me in the Yellow Lot!  :)

I'm linking up with Sarah today for Fan Friday!

Football Friday!! >> Proud RU Fan!!!

I know I've been talking a lot about the SEC lately.  But that doesn't mean I've forgotten about my beloved Scarlet Knights!!

 

I've been a Rutgers Football fan and attending games for as long as I can remember.  Rutgers is some-what of a family tradition with my mom, 2 uncles and 3 older cousins all attending the University.  Rutgers, to me, is more than my alma matter.  Rutgers is something that I associate with friends, family, football, my childhood, many memories and countless other blessings in my life.  And on top of all that, Rutgers gave me the best four years of my life!

Wearing a Rutgers sweatshirt circa 1993

Graduation 2012

Rutgers University's Football team has had its ups and downs throughout the past decade or so.  And I've been there through it all.  In a way, I grew up on the banks.  Not only being a die-hard fan throughout childhood, being a student, and now an alumni, but having the memories that I have and being able to watch the football program grow into what it is today has been truly amazing.  The fact that my family has full blown crazy tailgates for every game doesn't hurt either!

I was in the stands during games of complete disappointment through a 2-9 2001 season, but I was 11 and didn't know much about football. And then again in 2002 when the Scarlet Knights went 1-11.  I flew to Miami with my grandpa, aunt/uncle and cousins for the game against the Hurricanes in 2003.  I was there for the biggest win in school history when Rutgers beat Louisville, ranked #3 at the time, 28-25 on Thursday, November 9, 2006.  I also traveled to Houston, Texas with my dad and other family members for the 2006 Texas Bowl against Kansas State.  I was there throughout a devastating 2010 season of 4-8;  the season with no bowl invitation and when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed.  I have been there during the scorching hot days early in the season, and freezing cold ones towards the end.  I have stayed during rain, snow, and really any weather condition that presented itself on game day.  And I have taken numerous road trips to Syracuse, West Point (Army/ Dad's alma mater), Annapolis (Navy), etc, to cheer on the Scarlet Knights.  But most importantly, I'm here now, as Rutgers finished the 2012 season 9-3 with a devastating loss to Louisville and shared Big East Champion title, and after facing difficult times in the off season.  Rutgers is heading into their final season in the Big East/ American Conference before heading to the Big Ten.

To say that I love football and Rutgers, both together and separately, is the understatement of the century.  I could not be more happy, proud or excited to watch the team and program "KEEP CHOPPING"!  I also see some very fun road trips in the future once Rutgers is playing against those Big Ten teams!!! I've always wanted to go to "The Big House"!

I am so proud to be a part of the RFamily!

#KeepPernetti

I'm not usually one to voice my opinion involving scandals or other controversial matters.  I prefer to keep those types of things to myself, but this is different.  This one hits extremely close to home and effects one of the things I am most passionate about- my alma mater and first love, Rutgers University.  

On Tuesday video tapes of Rutgers Basketball Coach, Mike Rice, being physically and verbally abusive to players surfaced through ESPN. 

Mike Rice was then fired on Wednesday.  

Thursday there was an abundance of rumors flying around all types of media outlets that Athletic Director, Tim Pernetti was in jeopardy of losing his job as well.  

I agree that Coach Rice needed to be fired, but think Tim Pernetti should remain the Athletics Director at Rutgers for many reasons.  First being when Pernetti first learned of Rice's antics during practice he took action which was supported by Rutgers Administration including fining, suspending and forcing Rice to attend anger management classes as well as threatening any further behavior of this kind.  Second, Tim Pernetti has done more for Rutgers Athletics than I'm sure any outsider or even avid sports fan may realize.  He has not only decreased reliability on university funding, but has enhanced all athletic programs and most importantly has made Rutgers a part of the Big 10 Conference starting in 2014. 

The Rutgers Community and others have spoken out via Facebook in the group "I support Tim Pernetti" as well as through the hashtag #KeepPernetti via Twitter.  Great points were made in counter to NJ State Senator Steve Sweeney stating "for the good of the school, its students and its faculty, he should either resign or be removed from his position immediately".  Among these points were the fact that Sweeney (and the state) was once against gay marriage, have since changed their minds and still have their jobs.  Tim Pernetti as well as other Rutgers Administration took necessary steps in resolving the issue in December when the footage was first brought to their attention.  They have since changed their minds in their initial reaction.  (Gay Marriage is now legal, Mike Rice is now fired.  End of story.)

Tim Pernetti seeked independent advise in the matter and gave public punishment when this issue was first brought to his attention in November.  The university (and state, for that matter) is allowing the media to sway their decision.  The media consists of people who know nothing about the history of the university or how its athletics have grown under the direction of Tim Pernetti.  They should not be influential in this crucial decision, but unfortunately that is not the case.  Once again, the media is getting what it thinks it wants. 

Has Steve Sweeney met Tim Pernetti?  This is a serious question that I would like to know the answer to.  I indeed have met Tim Pernetti a number of times.  If Steve Sweeney knew Tim Pernetti he would not be questioning his position with Rutgers University, but instead would know his amazing character and overall love for the university.  He would know that Tim Pernetti was more than just an Athletic Director.  How many other schools would have this outcry of support for their Athletic Director? Not many.  Support for the coaches, yes, but not Athletic Directors.  Tim Pernetti has made it his job to be one with the Rutgers community and has arguably done more for Rutgers Athletics than any one else in the past.

I am extremely saddened by Rutgers decision to force him to choose between resigning or being fired as this is a decision that will effect Rutgers University, its athletics and community long after this scandal is put to rest. 

I fully believe Tim Pernetti should remain the Athletic Director of Rutgers University and can not express the sadness I felt when reading his Letter of Resignation just moments ago.

 

Tim Pernetti at Rutgers Athletics Golf Outing June 2012

A Knight's a Knight!

I've been writing a post about the end of college football season (minus bowl games, of course) for the past week & a half and just haven't had time to finish/publish it.  The post obviously highlighted- who am I kidding? It focused on- Rutgers and their devastating loss to Louisville on that mis-read route.

To be honest, I was all ready to bang pots and pans like I was welcoming a new year and write about Rutgers beating Louisville/becoming Big East Champions.  I was literally on the edge of my seat all day, anxiously awaiting the 7:30 kickoff.  I wore red, black and white to work that day to showcase my support for the Scarlet Knights (though Louisville, unfortunately sports the same color scheme- they don't rock it quite as well). And although my viewing situation was less than ideal- I obviously was dying to be at High Point Solutions Stadium with 52,000 of my closest friends and fellow crazed Rutgers fans- I was excited to be watching the game in the comfort of my home with my family, wearing Rutgers attire, wrapped in a Rutgers blanket, and with my cold one in an RU coozie! 

I never would have said this out loud prior or during the game, but I thought beating Louisville would have been a sure thing, especially with their quarterback having a broken wrist and sprained ankle, and then when Rutgers scored a beautiful touchdown on their first play on offense, I mean, come onnnn!!!! 

Not only would a win have been a repeat of 2006 when Rutgers beat Louisville 28-25 also on a Thursday night in November; a win would have meant that Rutgers would be BIG EAST CHAMPIONS for the first time ever.  So you can imagine the huge disappointed I (and every other Rutgers fan) felt after that mis-read route landed the ball in the arms of a Louisville player, with no black uniforms within 5-10 yards of him solidifying RU's third loss of the season. Disappointment.  Devastation. You name it.

But even with the devastating loss, Rutgers had a fantastic season under new Coach Kyle Flood, starting the season 7-0, finishing the season 9-3, and sharing the BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE!  Kyle Flood was named Big East Coach of the Year (another shared title), and the Scarlet Knights are heading to the Russel Brand Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Florida to take on Virgina Tech.  Rutgers Scarlet Knights and their fans have lots to be proud of and I for one, will always take pride in being an alumni of such a great school.  The mantra continues.....

KEEP CHOPPING!

Today, nearly 2 weeks later I am no longer dwelling on Rutgers' loss to Louisville, but Army's loss to Navy for the 11th year in a row.  As much as I grew up rooting for the Scarlet Knights, I've been cheering for the Black Knights as well- my dad was a cadet and graduated from West Point.  Sadly though, I have never attended America's Game- Army vs Navy- one of the biggest rivalry games in college football, which is literally held in our backyard at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.  (I'll be moving that up close to the top of the Bucket List soon.)

I did not get the opportunity to watch the entire game, but knew Army was holding their own and making it a game for the Midshipmen.  But then in those final few minutes, it took a turn that was all-too-familiar for the Cadets.  Navy had taken the lead late in the 4th quarter and Army had gotten the ball back with enough time to march down the field and into the end zone for a game-winning score.  Except, once on Navy's 14 yard line on a first down, Senior QB Trent Steelman tried to hand off the ball to fullback Larry Dixon, but instead the ball came loose, fell to the ground and wound up in the arms of a Midshipman.  Again,  Disappointment.  Devastation. You name it.

We all might have felt sorry for Trent Steelman after seeing him noticeably upset after that play and ultimately losing to Navy throughout his Army career, but to say my heart was breaking for him and that I wanted to cry too is just scratching the surface.  [It also doesn't hurt that Trent Steelman is so darn sexyyy! ;)]

I can't believe how CBS handle the situation to boot.  The poor guy was clearly devastated that not only is his college football career over, but it ended with a fumble and a loss to their biggest rival, whom he has never beaten.  You can't take the camera off of him for a second?  Maybe scan the crowd or show Navy's excitement, anything?  My goodness CBS, where was your class?

My heart was breaking for him as he cried singing his alma matter first, as Navy's coach came to say a few words to him, and as he walked off the field with a teammate's arm around him.  I have a lot of respect for Trent Steelman, playing football is a hobby to the cadets (and midshipmen).  Football comes second to serving our country and I respect them all for that. And no matter the outcome of the game, they're all heros!

This is an article about America's Game that I liked from the Washington post. 

Sidenote: A Freshman winning the Heisman?!!!!! Talk about pressure for the rest of his college career. Good luck JohnnyFootball. I personally wanted to see Te'o win the Heisman- a solely defensive player, who had an amazing season and is taking his team to the BCS Championship game.  Not to say the Texas A&M quarterback was not deserving of the trophy, but he has 3 more years to receive it, give someone else the honor.  

Rutgers to the Big Ten!

It has been officially announced that Rutgers University Football team will be the 14th member of the Big Ten Conference starting at a date that is TBD, but most likely the 2014-15 season.  

When I heard the rumors flying around all sorts of social medias, all I could think about was:

 "HELLO BIG TIME COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!"

Rutgers, to me, is more than my alma matter.  Rutgers is something that I associate with friends, family, football, my childhood, many memories and countless other blessings in my life.

In a way, I grew up on the banks.  Not only being a die-hard fan throughout childhood, being a student, and now an alumni, but having the memories that I have and being able to watch the football program grow into what it is today has been truly amazing.

I was in the stands when the team went 2-9 in 2001 and 1-11 in 2002.  I flew to Miami with my grandpa, aunt/uncle and cousins for the game against the Hurricanes in 2003.  I was there for the biggest win in school history when Rutgers beat Louisville, ranked #3 at the time, 28-25 on Thursday, November 9, 2006.  I also traveled to Houston Texas with my dad and other family members for the 2006 Texas Bowl against Kansas State.  I was there throughout a devastating 2010 season of 4-8;  the season with no bowl invitation and when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed.  I have been there during the scorching hot days early in the season, and freezing cold ones towards the end.  I have stayed during rain, snow, and really any weather condition that presented itself on game day.  And I have taken numerous road trips to Syracuse, West Point (Army), Anapolis (Navy), etc, to cheer on the Scarlet Knights.  But most importantly, I'm here now, as Rutgers is currently 9-1, looking for a Big East Championship title in 2012 and making a move to the Big Ten.

To say that I love football and Rutgers, both together and separately, is the understatement of the century.  I could not be more happy, proud or excited to watch the team and program "KEEP CHOPPING"!  I also see some very fun road trips in the future!!! I've always wanted to go to "The Big House"!

I have been waiting for Rutgers to make it to big time football my whole life and I am so excited to see where the program goes.  I am so proud to be a part of the RFamily!

My father sent me to old Rutgers,

And resolv'd that I should be a man (or a woman);

And so I settled down,

in that noisy college town,

On the banks of the old Raritan.

On the banks of the old Raritan, my friends,

where old Rutgers ever more shall stand,

For has she not stood since the time of the flood,

On the banks of the old Raritan. 

Then sing aloud to Alma Mater,

And keep the scarlet in the van';

For with her motto high,

Rutgers' name shall never die,

On the banks of the old Raritan.

bELieve #52

I've been going to football games for as long as I can remember, especially Rutgers Football games. And in my life I have never heard an entire stadium go completely silent, except once.  On October 16, 2010.

The Rutgers vs. Army game is always a big one for our family because most of my family has attended Rutgers, but my dad attended West Point.  That year the game was held at the New Meadowlands Stadium (where the NY Jets and NY Giants play) during its inaugural season.  So, just like every other Saturday of fall, we packed up the tailgating supplies and had a party!

This game turned out to be one the entire Rutgers Family (in attendence or not) will never forget.  Late in the 4th quarter on a kick off return Eric LeGrand #52 made a hit that echoed throughout the whole stadium resulting in numerous "ohhhh"s and cheers from the fans.  But after the hit, Eric LeGrand didn't stand up.  He layed near the 25 yard line immobilized with Coach Schiano, trainers, and then EMTs running to his side.  When the crowd realized he wasn't moving the stadium went silent then filled with quiet murmurs from the fans.  Eric LeGrand had become instantly paralyzed breaking the C3 and C4 vertebrae in his neck.  Eric was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.

The mantra "bELieve" was born in the Rutgers community and spread like wild fire throughout the country.  Eric LeGrand has become an inspiration for everyone who knows his story.  His attitude and determination are remarkable. 

He recently wrote a book, BELIEVE, that I just finished.  I highly recommend it for anyone.  It was an amazing eye-opener.  It is a wonderfully emotional book that makes you laugh and makes you cry.  Eric's story makes you appreciate the things you have and take for granted everyday.   

In the book, Eric addresses his changed life and the struggles he faces from being confined to a wheelchair with no movement below the neck.  He has never felt sorry for himself or asked "why me".  He takes his injury as a way for him to inspire others and spread awareness of spinal cord injuries.

 The first half of the book talks a lot about football- plays, games, and the Rutgers Football Program.  I didn't mind this because I love football and have been following Rutgers for years.  However, this may be boring to some people.

I loved the part of the book where he described an old Rutgers tradition of the Scarlet Walk (pgs 91-92)!  Though the section was short it was so descriptive.  Growing up and going to Rutgers games every weekend, the Scarlet Walk became one of my favorite parts of the RU football experience.  And when the team was 1-9  (in the early 2000's) those were the things you had to look forward to for excitement (well, and the Kid's Zone)!

Eric's description took me back to a place and time with all of those early years of Rutgers tailgates flooding back.  I couldn't help but smile.

I admit while I was in college I didn't attend the Scarlet Walk half as much as I would have liked, but that doesn't make it any less of a Rutgers Tradition.  I always look forward to those shots of Rose Tequila by the "big tree"!! :)

Eric LeGrand is very inspirational for everyone who knows his story and bELieves in him.  Everyone should remember this verse when we are feeling like we don't know what's in store for us.

RU Rah Rah

For those of you who do not keep up with college football there are two things to take note of:

1.  It is half way through the season and the official BCS standings have been released

2.  Rutgers is 6-0 and ranked #15!

Rutgers University's Football team has had its ups and downs throughout the past decade or so.  I've been going to Rutgers games for as long as I can remember.  I remember being at the games of complete disappointment during a 2-9 2001 season, but I was 11 and didn't know much about football.  

Things were looking up for the Rutgers Football program with Brian Leonard and Ray Rice in charge of bringing the ball down to the end zone.  Rutgers was invited to bowl games concluding the 2005, '06, '07, '08, '09, and '11 seasons- winning 5-1 of those games.

In 2010 Rutgers faced unexpected hardship when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed during the October 16th game against Army at the New Meadowlands stadium.  The team won that game, but didn't win another one for the rest of the season.

The bELieve mantra was born to support Eric LeGrand.  "bELieve" in the Rutgers Family means that we believe in Eric LeGrand.  We believe that he will walk again and we believe in the strength and power of pulling together for our own in need.

Now, 2 years and a coaching change later, Rutgers is looking better than ever.

Coach Kyle Flood took over a program that Coach Greg Schiano re-built from the ground up.  Flood has continued Schiano's philosophy and kept the team "CHOPPING"!

Rutgers has been able to get a number of top recruits who are shining through the armor.  The team is certainly gelling together but there are moments of lapse in judgement causing the casual scratch of the head and making you want to shout: "What the hell is going on out there"!

The outlook and schedule is very favorable for Rutgers to be 9-0 heading into the Cincinnati game (on November 17th) with potential to be ranked in the top 10.

I am extremely excited to watch the rest of the season unfold, knowing that I won't be anything short of proud of my alma mater!

RU Rah Rah 

RU Rah Rah

Woo Rah Woo Rah

Rutgers Rah

Upstream, Red Team

Red Team, Upstream

Rah Rah Rutgers Rah

My DIY Chalk Board hanging in my room!

The Scarlet Knight cruising around on the field before the game against Syracuse on October 13th!
 
Vote for the Scarlet Knight in the Capital One Mascot Challenge!  #CapitalOneScarletKnight