The Scarlet Faithful

The Scarlet Knights overwhelmed Michael Vick's team but the defense didn't alleviate the same concerns that showed up in the first two games. The offense was a little off to start but RU lit up the air in the second half. Special Teams was the difference early but multiple injuries are a concern after this game. Rutgers accomplished its' mission of being 3-0 heading into its Big Ten opener on Friday against Iowa. A full rapid reaction here.#rutgersfootball

David Anderson and I discuss the concerns with the defense, the progress of QB Athan Kaliakmanis and the offense, the need to get reserves developmental time on Saturday while staying healthy ahead of Iowa the following week.#rutgersfootball

The offense dictated the action and played well once again while the defense struggled to limit big plays. It was still a game into the fourth quarter that yielded both positive takeaways and several concerns.#rutgersfootball

David Anderson and I discuss the matchup between the Scarlet Knights and Redhawks this Saturday, September 6 at 3:30 pm at SHI Stadium airing live on Peacock. Topics include the hope that the defense can contain Miami (OH) QB Dequan Finn on the ground, the offensive line can hold up against a defense that played well against Wisconsin, how much progress can this team make in Week 2 and much more.#rutgersfootball

The hope is for the Rutgers defense to make major progress in week 2 against Miami (OH), the offense looks to continue to sharpen its arsenal, Keli Zinn makes a positive impression in week 1 and a full rundown of the first few weeks for RU Olympic Sports programs.#rutgersfootball #rutgers

David Anderson and I breakdown the season opener including the encouraging play of the offense and special teams, major concerns coming to light defensively, standout performances, stats and much more.#rutgersfootball

Part Two of our season preview featuring The Knight Report, Knight Watch and The Scarlet Faithful. Richie O'Leary, Mike Broadbent and Alex Crouthamel from KTR join Larry Krayn of Knight Watch, Scarlet Faithful contributor David Anderson and Aaron Breitman focuses defensive projections and game by game season predictions.#rutgersfootball

A special two episode season preview featuring The Knight Report, Knight Watch and The Scarlet Faithful. Richie O'Leary, Mike Broadbent and Alex Crouthamel from KTR join Larry Krayn of Knight Watch, Scarlet Faithful contributor David Anderson and Aaron Breitman for a look back at last season's predictions as well as a full offensive preview. Part 2 on Thursday will include a defensive preview and game by game season predictions.#rutgersfootball

David Anderson and I preview the 2025 season opener between Ohio and Rutgers including what to watch for, keys to victory and much more. Thursday, August 28 at 6pm on BTN.#rutgersfootball

David Anderson and I preview the 2025 Rutgers football season with a lengthy back and forth on what we hope for this team, why being critical signals how far the program has come in Greg Schiano's second tenure, the importance of the Iowa game, the strength of the offensive coaching staff, questions on what this team's identity will be and much more.#rutgersfootball

David Anderson is back as we discuss several training camp topics including the surprise addition of Wydeek Collier, the potential impact of strength coach Spencer Brown and the need for speed, the pink elephant in the offensive room, the many new faces on defense and surviving MACtion. In addition, we close with a discussion on new Rutgers AD Keli Zinn, her goal of driving corporate sponsorship, her experience being an asset and the value of her partnership with President Tate.#rutgers

After 11+ months, Rutgers is reportedly replacing disgraced former AD Pat Hobbs with Keli Zinn, LSU's Executive Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer. I discuss why this hire checks many boxes for an athletic department sorely in need of a makeover. President Tate has made his first big move and it brings real optimism for alignment and real success for Rutgers Athletics moving forward. Zinn has the ceiling to become a home run hire. #rutgers

With reports that top choice and Rutgers alum Brian Lafemina turned down the chance to be athletic director, more questions are left unanswered. Is the search back to the drawing board? Is there an internal power struggle? Will the BOG bring President Tate more into the fold after waiting to long to pursue an AD candidate in earnest? What is the search firm doing anyway? All of this is discussed and more on the latest episode of The Scarlet Faithful podcast.#rutgers

It's been 329 days since Pat Hobbs resigned as AD at Rutgers and the search to replace him remains ongoing. With revenue sharing in place and more changes still to come, the Scarlet Knights are falling behind every day they are without a leader. A discussion on the frustrations of where Rutgers isn't right now, looking at other schools who have filled AD positions very quickly as well as new President Tate needing to step up right away and create alignment throughout the administration.

David Anderson returns as we discuss the current state of the 2026 recruiting class as well as the coaching staff's strategy in roster building for the program.#rutgersfootball

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.