Written by Sam Gutkin
On the sixth day of Christmas Schiano gave to me, a bowl appearance for the Scarlet Knights!
This has been a breakout year for the Rutgers Football program, to say the least. Everybody knew the return of Coach Schiano would bring respectability, but it wasn't expected to come THIS soon. Yes, there have been bumps in the road (losing winnable games vs Michigan and Illinois), but the Knights have won as many Big Ten games this season as they did the previous four seasons combined (despite a shortened season and still having one conference game remaining). They also didn't get embarrassed a single time whereas in previous seasons the blue bloods of the conference would routinely win by 30+ points. Greg Schiano will certainly bring the program to great heights during his tenure but the mediocrity experienced this season is an unbelievable step up that deserves celebration. The ultimate way for Rutgers and their fans to celebrate this season will be a bowl appearance (and win) and despite their current 3-5 record that is still a possibility.
There is an alive and breathing scenario that leads to a bowl berth for Rutgers and even though it may not be "probable" at this point it's absolutely realistic. Here's what needs to happen.
Must Haves
These things HAVE to happen for Rutgers to make a bowl
Rutgers win over Nebraska
- This one almost goes without saying. A Scarlet Knights victory brings them to 4-5 on the year and (with some convenient losses around the league) moves them up in the standings a great deal. If Nebraska wins this game there is still a plausible scenario where Rutgers COULD make a bowl but it isn't incredibly unlikely and frankly a 3-6 Rutgers team doesn't deserve it.
No additional Big Ten bowl cancelations
- Three Big Ten affiliated bowls (Pinstripe, Quicklane, and Redbox) have been canceled for the year. This has lowered the available bowls from 9 to 6 and severely harmed Rutgers' chances. Any additional cancelations will just continue to make this all even less likely
Win Some Lose Some
Any 2 of these 4 things must happen for Rutgers to make a bowl
Ohio State in a New Years 6/CFP game
- Ohio State is currently ranked third in the AP poll. They have a strong chance at the playoffs (or at least a new year's six bowl), and their inclusion in one of those bowls means they won't take a spot in one of the six Big Ten Affiliated bowls this season (Citrus, Outback, Las Vegas, Belk, Franklin American Music City, and Cheez-it).
Indiana in a New Years 6/CFP game
- Indiana is currently ranked seventh in the AP Poll. Their playoff chances are low but they are contenders for a new year's six bowl and just like Ohio State, if they make a new year's bowl, they can't take a spot from Rutgers
Michigan State win over Maryland
- Maryland, despite having fewer wins than Rutgers and having lost head to head vs the Knights, is ahead of Rutgers in the standings (and bowl priority) because of their winning percentage. A loss this weekend vs the Spartans will knock the Terrapins below Rutgers.
Illinois win over Penn State
- Penn State has the same record as Rutgers and has a head-to-head win vs the Scarlet Knights. If Rutgers wins this week and the Nittany Lions lose, Rutgers’ disappointing loss vs Penn State will be meaningless and RU can be the spoilers that keep Penn State out of a bowl.
Would Help
Not needed, but these things would make the whole situation a lot easier
Some Big Ten teams opt-out of bowls
- Boston College and the University of Pittsburgh have recently announced that they will not participate in bowl games. While that does not directly affect Rutgers, if some Big Ten teams ranked ahead of Rutgers followed suit, it would clear up spots.
Non-Big Ten tied bowls invite Big Ten teams
- This is truly the Scarlet Knight's last resort, but if enough teams from other conferences opt-out, non Big Ten bowls could have spots to fill, and maybe Rutgers could be the team to get the call. Of course, this is highly unorthodox, but weirder things have happened in sports this year.