The Scarlet Faithful

I''m back after a month break to discuss the positives of Rutgers hiring William Tate IV as its new President, the importance of getting the AD hire right, why this past year was so disappointing for fans, why changing perception with a better reality is a must and much more.

The Scarlet Knights added an intriguing 6'8" international wing Denis Badalau who played in the top Italian pro league and for the Romanian national team. In what is expected to be the last scholarship player taken for next season, some initial thoughts on how the roster was built, strengths and weaknesses, upside as well as concerns for Steve Pikiell's new team.#rutgersbasketball

David Anderson returns as we discuss our assessment of the Scarlet Knights following spring game in a fact or fiction format. Topics include several key positions, players and the big picture outlook for this program.#rutgersfootball

Steve Pikiell landed a much needed three-point shooter in 6'6" Euro Wing Harun Zrno. The former Indiana commit recently visited Villanova and Miami while also being recruited by Wisconsin, Creighton and Virginia. The roster is taking shape with one major spot still to fill. A full discussion on Zrno and the potential rotation that will certainly rely on freshmen but will be a team that got older at the same time.#rutgersbasketball

Aaron is back with thoughts on many Rutgers topics:- Basketball landing a big man as well as the current state of the roster plus what is still needed.- The biggest takeaway from the Spring Game was AJ Surace is developing as we all hoped.- Football transfer news in and out with Mo Toure a big loss regardless of health.- Men's lacrosse advances in Big Ten Tournament.- Chloe Timberg defends her Penn Relays Title.- Rutgers continues to be without a President, Athletic Director, General Counsel & hoops GM with May approaching which is deeply concerning for multiple reason. #rutgersbasketball #rutgersfootball #rutgersscarletknights

With Spring practice more than halfway complete, David Anderson returns to discuss with Aaron the five things that the Scarlet Knights need to have answers for in order to have a successful 2025 season. #rutgersfootball

Roster construction is critical for Steve Pikiell to move the program forward next season. While there is logic and reason to adding GW transfer wing Darren Buchanan Jr. earlier this week, building a backcourt with three smaller guards with two who are inefficient offensively raises questions as to what the strategy is this offseason. We cover both pickups, concerns with the staff dynamics and why not having a GM is an issue.#rutgersbasketball

Portal season is here and I give some thoughts on the type of player Rutgers targets this offseason. There are many traits that are more important and track better than the name of the school or conference that players come from.#rutgersbasketball

A full breakdown following the departures of Lathan Sommerville, Jeremiah Williams and Jordan Derkack, how much money the program has to work with, the long term concerns for Rutgers, what will Pikiell's strategy be and instability within the university continues.#rutgersbasketball

A rambling discussion on the massive disappointment that was the 2024-2025 season, the missteps of Steve Pikiell, NIL, a search for renewed identity, the need for a modern offensive approach and the importance of change as a critical offseason begins.#rutgersbasketball

The most disappointing season in program history ends with Rutgers coming back from a 13 point deficit before failing to close out a 4 point lead with 36 seconds left in regulation. Poor decisions, a lack of execution and little resistance defensively plagued this team all season and tonight was no exception. The end is here.#rutgersbasketball

Previewing the Big Ten Tournament for Rutgers as they take on No. 14 USC in the opening round on Wednesday night (approximately 8:30 ET) on Peacock. The probability of RU making a run in Indianapolis is very low. Can this team finally click with its backs against the wall? Is Ace Bailey due a breakout? Will this group go down swinging? We are about to find out.#rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights overcame a terrible second half to finish the regular season with a victory and earn the No. 11 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Whether they can actually make a run is another story.

In the 100-71 loss to No. 18 Purdue that was the second worst defensive performance of the 25+ year history of KenPom, Rutgers basketball has done the impossible and made fans wish the season was over. In the background, Rutgers is without a President and AD while hoops has no GM. Leadership at the top is needed if positive change will happen for the basketball program and more.#rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights followed up its best offensive half of the season with one of its worst as a signature win slips away as Michigan hits a three at the buzzer. A full breakdown of the game and my mental state here.#rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights have an opportunity to produce a signature win at Michigan and bring some joy in what has been a disappointing season so far. After a one possession loss to the Wolverines at home with an extremely shorthanded roster, RU is playing well and Dylan Harper is one of several keys to winning in Ann Arbor.#rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights delivered its most efficient offensive performance of the season and have won two straight after two disheartening defeats. Dylan Harper was Superman but it was a balanced effort all around for RU. This team is on the cusp of building real momentum ahead of the Big Ten Tournament.#rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights ended a three game losing streak with a much needed victory to remain in good shape to make the Big Ten Tournament. Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and Jeremiah Williams led the way. #rutgersbasketball

The Scarlet Knights delivered back to back poor performances that have removed all hope for this team the rest of the way.

The Scarlet Knights blew a 9 point lead and were outscored by 20 points in a disheartening second half performance that resulted in a brutal loss.

Dylan Harper dominates in his return, Ace Bailey cleans the glass, and several key contributions led to Rutgers' first ranked win of the season. After a frustrating few months like none other so far, hope still exists. #rutgersbasketball

One day after JMU linebacker coach Zach Sparber was reported as being hired as co-DC for Rutgers, Pete Thamel broke the news that Robb Smith was returning to RU for a third stint to call plays and serve as the other co-DC. A full breakdown including their time together at Duke, the dynamic running Schiano's defense, why the time frame, momentum from back to back winning seasons and improved resources give context as to why I think this is an uninspiring decision despite some positives as well. #rutgersfootball

With Dylan Harper out again and Jeremiah Williams sick, Rutgers still almost won behind strong defense and rebounding. However, too many open shots were missed and this team is unable to earn a much needed home victory. #rutgersbasketball #michiganbasketball

The Scarlet Knights had a career night from Ace Bailey and he was complimented by his teammates, most notably Tyson Acuff and Jamichael Davis. RU shot 57% from the floor, took care of the basketball, and made timely shots that resulted in a second Quad 1 road victory this season.

Highlighting the top ten win for Rutgers wrestling, the comeback win for Rutgers women's basketball, the longer than normal defensive coordinator search for Rutgers football and a full preview for Rutgers men's basketball at Northwestern on Wednesday (9pm ET, BTN). #rutgersfootball #rutgersbasketball

A full discussion on the poor shooting performance from RU, the missed opportunity in front of a tremendous crowd and what to ponder ahead for this team this season as well as for the program long term. #rutgersbasketball

Jerry Carino reported on Friday that Dylan Harper was a full participant at practice and will be ready for the first place Spartans. However, he also reported that Emmanuel Ogbole is out for the season with a meniscus injury. How will Rutgers respond against a interior dominate Michigan State team? My thoughts on the matchup and more here. Rutgers vs. No. 8 Michigan State on Saturday, January 25 at 1:30 pm on CBS.

The Scarlet Knights lost a winnable game due to too many turnovers, poor three-point defense, a lack of scoring from the supporting cast and a tough night for Dylan Harper after he turned his ankle in the first half. #rutgersbasketball

Previewing Monday night's rematch (6:30 pm, Peacock) as Rutgers looks to sweep the season series against the Nittany Lions, who are 7-8 point favorites. After an impressive win at Nebraska, RU has a chance for a second straight Q1 game on the road. With a new rotation and PSU dealing with injury issues, its a huge opportunity to carry positive momentum into the Garden next weekend.

The Scarlet Knights ended the Huskers 20 game home winning streak with tremendous performances from Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper along with several strong contributions from the supporting cast. A big time win to help keep hope alive on this season.

The Scarlet Knights finally gained some much needed momentum as Ace Bailey played a complete game, Dylan Harper was close to his old self and a shortened rotation delivered for head coach Steve Pikiell to earn the victory.

David Anderson returns to discuss the ten transfer players that Greg Schiano and staff have added so far this offseason. A look at each position, the difference in the offense adding a dimension with the defense trying to replace so many starters, the outlook for next season and more. #rutgersfootball

The Scarlet Knights got routed at home in a must win game that leaves little hope for this team the rest of the season. A full breakdown of what went wrong.

Jerry Carino returns to discuss the extremely disappointing start to the season for Rutgers men's basketball, the many reasons for the struggles, the mistakes that Steve Pikiell and the coaching staff have made, whether the ship can be saved, the long term view on Pikiell's tenure and what should happen moving forward after this season.

Another disappointing performance for the Scarlet Knights as they fall to 1-3 in the Big Ten. Dylan Harper played but was not close to 100%, Ace Bailey struggled, and team defense was an issue once again. Some positives with Tyson Acuff and Dylan Grant but not enough for RU to overcome the Badgers.

The Scarlet Knights host the Badgers on Monday night (7pm ET, FS1) to begin a critical three game homestand. If Rutgers wants to get back into postseason contention, they must win two of three at the RAC over the next week. Keys to victory, what to watch for and more.

After a disappointing performance in a 84-74 defeat against the Hoosiers, I discuss what went wrong and why roster construction is not the biggest issue. Instead, a look at how the roster is being utilized and what changes I think could make an impact.

The Scarlet Knights delivered an efficient and complete performance after a nine day layoff. With Big Ten play resuming beginning at Indiana on Thursday (1/2), there were encouraging signs in the victory.

David Anderson and I breakdown the frustrating defeat after Rutgers led by 17 points in the second half, the offense got too conservative, and the defense couldn't get a stop. While RU finished the season with a winning record for the second straight year, expectations for a big step forward were not met. That being said, there are reasons for optimism for next season.

A damaging loss was extremely frustrating in how Rutgers was unable to finish and protect the rim as well as attack key Tigers in foul trouble. The issues with this team showed up once again and a lack of consistency on both ends continues to be their undoing.

The Scarlet Knights face the Tigers on Saturday, December 21 at noon ET airing live on FS1. Defending the arc, being physical without fouling, spacing the floor on offense and attacking the rim are several keys for Rutgers to win this game.

David Anderson returns as we discuss the first week of the transfer portal activity for Rutgers football, the direction of the offense and the vision for it in 2025 along with the now released schedule, the Bowl matchup against Kansas State and more. Note: This pod was recorded on Friday, December 14. Apologies for the delayed publishing of this episode.

After a brief hiatus due to a stomach virus, I'm back with many thoughts on the win over Seton Hall, the reaction by fans to it, the shot making of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, the pieces of this team and much more.

The struggling Pirates (5-5) visit the RAC against the Scarlet Knights (6-4) at 3pm on Saturday, December 14 airing live on FOX. The road underdog has won this rivalry game two years in a row. Shaheen Holloway will have his team ready to play and will challenge Rutgers on the defensive end. Episode includes what to watch for, keys to victory, why the PSU win should help in this game and more.

The Scarlet Knights ended a three game losing streak with its most complete performance of the season. After building a double digit lead for a good part of the game, RU hung on down the stretch with some gutty rebounding and standout performances from Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. It was a total team effort though as multiple players came through in critical moments.

The Scarlet Knights host the Nittany Lions at 7pm on Tuesday, December 10 airing live on Peacock. PSU is off to its best start in 10 years at 8-1 following a win over No. 8 Purdue. RU has lost three straight but play at the RAC for the first time in 3 weeks. This is a big opportunity for them to earn a Q1 victory and start to click as a team.

The Scarlet Knights dropped its third straight on Saturday and took a step back following a spirited week in Vegas. The lack of execution of the game plan, a porous defense, no cohesion offensively and no identity whatsoever as a team all led to the disappointing defeat.

The Scarlet Knights (5-3) travel to Ohio State (5-3; 0-1) on Saturday, December 7th (Noon ET; FS1) looking for its first statement win of the season. RU has never won in Columbus and earning a Q1 road victory would be a big boost to the team's resume. Can they show growth after a week off following two close losses to ranked teams? This episode breaks down keys to doing so.

David Anderson and I breakdown the entire 2025 recruiting class for the Scarlet Knights including overall national and Big Ten rankings, the highest player grade average, success in New Jersey, key position needs addressed and the focus on developing these younger players moving forward.

David Anderson and I touch on key moments from the win over Michigan State, the current state of the program following its first winning regular season in 10 years, ponder the balance of progress vs. disappointment this season, the importance of developing impact players for next season and much more.

The Scarlet Knights clinched its first winning regular season in a decade and most Big Ten wins ever with a dominant performance in the snow. It secured real progress for the program this season despite falling short with several missed opportunities.