Rutgers-MSU game and what it means for us

[IUNY]

I take it quite a few of you saw the Rutgers-MSU game. Rutgers put a scare into them, had a really long run from scrimmage and Leonte Carroo, possibly the best receiver in the country, caught three TDs on them. Rutgers wasn't lucky, either. They gave as good as they got. Also, as much as everyone talks about Michigan State's defense, it was their offense that impressed me. Two main observations:

Connor Cook really is that good.

Michigan State has fantastic receivers.

Overall, they are a large, physical team. In fact, I think Michigan State is one of the most physical teams I've seen this year, along with Utah.

So my concern is, aside from moving the ball on them, how will we stop that passing game?

 

[IUHarselCo]

I take it quite a few of you saw the Rutgers-MSU game. Rutgers put a scare into them, had a really long run from scrimmage and Leonte Carroo, possibly the best receiver in the country, caught three TDs on them. Rutgers wasn't lucky, either. They gave as good as they got. Also, as much as everyone talks about Michigan State's defense, it was their offense that impressed me. Two main observations:

Connor Cook really is that good (he's also from Indiana, isn't he?).

Michigan State has fantastic receivers.

Overall, they are a large, physical team. In fact, I think Michigan State is one of the most physical teams I've seen this year, along with Utah.

So my concern is, aside from moving the ball on them, how will we stop that passing game?

Ummmm...let me see...ah ha! We won't. Vbg

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

Rutgers gets Kyle Flood reinstated for the IU game. They are getting stronger while IU is entering all too familiar territory. I expect Rutgers to win fairly comfortably.

 

[scribe56]

Rutgers gets Kyle Flood reinstated for the IU game. They are getting stronger while IU is entering all too familiar territory. I expect Rutgers to win fairly comfortably.

Do you think Rutgers is better than Ohio State?

 

[JohnsyRick]

Rutgers gets Kyle Flood reinstated for the IU game. They are getting stronger while IU is entering all too familiar territory. I expect Rutgers to win fairly comfortably.

Think that depends on who is and is not playing for us. BRCB haven't seen a response, have you made that donation to the American Cancer society yet ?

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

Think that depends on who is and is not playing for us. BRCB haven't seen a response, have you made that donation to the American Cancer society yet ?

Yes - JR, I made the donation online in the amount of $100. Did that when I saw your email and we reached our 4 win mark.

I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if we beat Rutgers given our current state.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

Do you think Rutgers is better than Ohio State?

No...but IU maxed out on emotion that game. They won't be that way for Rutgers.
However, Rutgers is better than IU without a doubt. Not better than OSU.....but better than IU.

 

[GeddyHoosier]

No...but IU maxed out on emotion that game. They won't be that way for Rutgers.
However, Rutgers is better than IU without a doubt. Not better than OSU.....but better than IU.

And Rutgers may well have maxed out on emotion last night against MSU. To come that close and lose against a great team can really deflate you. Just ask Purdue.

 

[JohnsyRick]

Yes - JR, I made the donation online in the amount of $100. Did that when I saw your email and we reached our 4 win mark.

I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if we beat Rutgers given our current state.

Thanks, I think we will struggle if no NS and JH for sure, but if you're basing your opinion of Rutgers on their game last night , don't go off the deep end. While they looked good last night, PU also took MSU to the end and they are awful. PSU also beat Rutgers 28-3 albeit without Caroo, but still. We definitely need Nate to have some semblance of a pass threat or they will stack the box and dare us to throw.

 

[RU#1fan]

Rutgers gets Kyle Flood reinstated for the IU game. They are getting stronger while IU is entering all too familiar territory. I expect Rutgers to win fairly comfortably.

I like our chances better without Flood.

 

[knightfan7]

Saturday was the 2nd time this season where Rutgers lost in the last 30+ seconds. Can't say whether it will have an effect against you guys.

MSU beat RU because of Cook and the WR's. I'd hadn't seen Cook in person until last week and boy was I impressed. That 29 yard completing on 3rd and 9 during the winning drive was Aaron Rodgers/Tom Brady worthy.

RU is starting 2 freshmen at CB and 1 at Safety. Despite the stats they are starting to find their way. That said, if Nate plays for you guys there will be opportunities to make noise in your passing game because they'll still make their share of rookie mistakes.

It's no secret Rutgers has been a comedy of errors off the field. 3 projected starters in the defensive backfield are gone, facing charges ranging from assault to armed robbery. The best DL is out for the season due to an injury and our best pass rusher is playing at less than 100%. Linebackers have been playing very well as you would expect from the most experienced unit.

On offense, Laviano leads the B1G in completion percentage and QBR. RU's RB's are 4th, 5th, and 6th in the B1G in YPC. All average 5.4 or better. Carroo has 6 TD's in only 14 receptions (22.5 YPC) after missing 2.5 games. Grant has 3 returns for TD's making him one of the top return men in the country.

Based on all the above and from a Rutgers fan point of view, I see a high scoring game probably coming down to the last drive.

 

[turney333]

Thanks, I think we will struggle if no NS and JH for sure, but if you're basing your opinion of Rutgers on their game last night , don't go off the deep end. While they looked good last night, PU also took MSU to the end and they are awful. PSU also beat Rutgers 28-3 albeit without Caroo, but still. We definitely need Nate to have some semblance of a pass threat or they will stack the box and dare us to throw.

Yep, MSU has severe injury problems, especially on the Oline. They were without their first round pick LT Conklin and his backup Finley, plus another starter Kieler (probable draft pick next year) before the game. Then they lost their starting center Allen (draft pick this year) during the game. Also lost their starting RB in the game. Starting TE was also out. Plus they had already lost a few defensive starters for the season.

Their injuries individually don't have the impact as IU's, but are much more widespread.

 

[RBB89]

No...but IU maxed out on emotion that game. They won't be that way for Rutgers.
However, Rutgers is better than IU without a doubt. Not better than OSU.....but better than IU.

Are you serious? Are you just pulling a Lou Holtz here? We certainly need Sudfeld/Howard back, but Rutgers is...not good. You're out in left field on this one.

 

[TheSpa]

Are you serious? Are you just pulling a Lou Holtz here? We certainly need Sudfeld/Howard back, but Rutgers is...not good. You're out in left field on this one.

Did you watch them against MSU? If you did, how can you consider them "not good"?

 

[IUHarselCo]

I take it quite a few of you saw the Rutgers-MSU game. Rutgers put a scare into them, had a really long run from scrimmage and Leonte Carroo, possibly the best receiver in the country, caught three TDs on them. Rutgers wasn't lucky, either. They gave as good as they got. Also, as much as everyone talks about Michigan State's defense, it was their offense that impressed me. Two main observations:

Connor Cook really is that good.

Michigan State has fantastic receivers.

Overall, they are a large, physical team. In fact, I think Michigan State is one of the most physical teams I've seen this year, along with Utah.

So my concern is, aside from moving the ball on them, how will we stop that passing game?

I think this thread sounds like we're fighting windmills. The very simple , unpopular, oft-repeated fact that top schools tend to play down to the level of their competition. Why? Again very simple...you can analysis OSU vs IU, or Rutgers vs MSU, and all the others. 90% or more of the time a low tier teams plays well against a top tier team is that said top team didn't take their opponents serious enough. Period. That's it. Trying to compare stats from those games is just playing at numerology. They really don't mean nuts. It's tough for kids who are constantly fed how great they are by fans and media to get up for an IU, Purdue, or a Rutgers. It's only when these lower tier teams play do you get any sense where parity lies. Let's not annoint any struggling team better or worse than the other until they play. Do any of you really believe IU is that close to OSU or PU to MSU, or Rutgers? The game will reveal all!

 

[IU Scott]

Did you watch them against MSU? If you did, how can you consider them "not good"?

Purdue almost beat MSU so are you calling them good as well or do you think we are pretty close to being OSU since we almost beat them.

 

[Vididiot]

Do you think Rutgers is better than Ohio State?

That tOSU game isn't that meaningful. Remember last year the losing to Bowling Green, beating Mizzou, losing to Maryland by 22 at home fiasco? Playing a good game against a good team and then getting stomped by a lesser team is an all too familiar scenario.

 

[turney333]

I think this thread sounds like we're fighting windmills. The very simple , unpopular, oft-repeated fact that top schools tend to play down to the level of their competition. Why? Again very simple...you can analysis OSU vs IU, or Rutgers vs MSU, and all the others. 90% or more of the time a low tier teams plays well against a top tier team is that said top team didn't take their opponents serious enough. Period. That's it. Trying to compare stats from those games is just playing at numerology. They really don't mean nuts. It's tough for kids who are constantly fed how great they are by fans and media to get up for an IU, Purdue, or a Rutgers. It's only when these lower tier teams play do you get any sense where parity lies. Let's not annoint any struggling team better or worse than the other until they play. Do any of you really believe IU is that close to OSU or PU to MSU, or Rutgers? The game will reveal all!

I will generally agree with this. I will say though that I think IU's resume outside of the OSU game is better than Rutgers outside of the MSU game. I'd also say that I'd give the advantage to IU on the lines on both sides of the ball with Rutgers which is why I have some level of confidence.

 

[TheSpa]

Purdue almost beat MSU so are you calling them good as well or do you think we are pretty close to being OSU since we almost beat them.

The transitive property of equality isn't an intelligent way to evaluate sports teams. I take it you didn't watch MSU v. Rutgers, since you couldn't answer the question? Not surprising.

 

[IU Scott]

The transitive property of equality isn't an intelligent way to evaluate sports teams. I take it you didn't watch MSU v. Rutgers, since you couldn't answer the question? Not surprising.

I did not watch that much of the game but just because they played well in that game does not mean they are a very good team either. We have played well against OSU the last few years but that did not translate to the next game and helped us win other games.

 

[TheSpa]

I did not watch that much of the game but just because they played well in that game does not mean they are a very good team either. We have played well against OSU the last few years but that did not translate to the next game and helped us win other games.

So you really didn't see them play, right? Have you seen them at all this year?

 

[IU Scott]

So you really didn't see them play, right? Have you seen them at all this year?

Sounds like you are basing most of your thoughts on Rutgers from one game and to me you just can't make judgments about a team on one good game. I am not saying we will beat them but I also don't think you can judge them off their game against MSU either.

 

[turney333]

Sounds like you are basing most of your thoughts on Rutgers from one game and to me you just can't make judgments about a team on one good game. I am not saying we will beat them but I also don't think you can judge them off their game against MSU either.

Also, MSU had an even closer call against Purdue the week before and Purdue is definitely not a good team. While I didn't catch the game, I have watched both this season, and MSU has never looked particularly strong (defense isn't where it was the last few years or even top half of the conference), and Rutgers has looked pretty poor. Also, scanning through the play by play of the MSU-Rutgers game, I can see where the highlight reel might give a really positive impression, but outside of that, it doesn't look like Rutgers did that much. They had something like 15 total yards on non-scoring drives.

I think Harsel made a pretty good point early in that the outcomes of heavily mismatched opponents are hard to use to predict other games.

 

[IUHarselCo]

So you really didn't see them play, right? Have you seen them at all this year?

Not sure what your point is after all these posts. If it's simply that Rutgers played well against MSU ergo they are better than we are does not follow logically at all. If your point is that viewing the game makes your point more valid, that does not logically follow either. If all your saying is Rutgers played well against a good opponent, and MIGHT play well against us, no argument. But that point ignores the statistical reality that MOST poor teams have emotional let downs after such games. It's only natural. IU does it regularly, almost every season. Hard to get excited about playing IU.

Whatever the point, pompous bickering is getting old. People here should talk like they're sitting across the table not anonymously from space. Respect the person you're talking too. Sermon over...vbg...

 

[fx400]

No...but IU maxed out on emotion that game. They won't be that way for Rutgers.
However, Rutgers is better than IU without a doubt. Not better than OSU.....but better than IU.

Don't agree there. With Success and Howard IU is better.

 

[fx400]

That tOSU game isn't that meaningful. Remember last year the losing to Bowling Green, beating Mizzou, losing to Maryland by 22 at home fiasco? Playing a good game against a good team and then getting stomped by a lesser team is an all too familiar scenario.

So, RU's almost win versus MSU counts. But, IU's almost win doesn't. Yeah, that works.

 

[TheSpa]

Sounds like you are basing most of your thoughts on Rutgers from one game and to me you just can't make judgments about a team on one good game. I am not saying we will beat them but I also don't think you can judge them off their game against MSU either.

I just asked if you'd seen the game. Without answering, you answered.

 

[TheSpa]

Also, MSU had an even closer call against Purdue the week before and Purdue is definitely not a good team. While I didn't catch the game, I have watched both this season, and MSU has never looked particularly strong (defense isn't where it was the last few years or even top half of the conference), and Rutgers has looked pretty poor. Also, scanning through the play by play of the MSU-Rutgers game, I can see where the highlight reel might give a really positive impression, but outside of that, it doesn't look like Rutgers did that much. They had something like 15 total yards on non-scoring drives.

I think Harsel made a pretty good point early in that the outcomes of heavily mismatched opponents are hard to use to predict other games.

Did you actually watch any of the game?

 

[TheSpa]

Not sure what your point is after all these posts. If it's simply that Rutgers played well against MSU ergo they are better than we are does not follow logically at all. If your point is that viewing the game makes your point more valid, that does not logically follow either. If all your saying is Rutgers played well against a good opponent, and MIGHT play well against us, no argument. But that point ignores the statistical reality that MOST poor teams have emotional let downs after such games. It's only natural. IU does it regularly, almost every season. Hard to get excited about playing IU.

Whatever the point, pompous bickering is getting old. People here should talk like they're sitting across the table not anonymously from space. Respect the person you're talking too. Sermon over...vbg...

I'm simply arguing that the prevailing attitude that Rutgers isn't any good and won't be able to beat IU is foolish. Further, the people who don't think they're any good have admitted that they haven't even seen them play. It's like posters who talk up recruits yet have neither seen them play, either.

 

[IUHarselCo]

I'm simply arguing that the prevailing attitude that Rutgers isn't any good and won't be able to beat IU is foolish. Further, the people who don't think they're any good have admitted that they haven't even seen them play. It's like posters who talk up recruits yet have neither seen them play, either.

Now that is something I can agree with.. Vbg!

 

[iusportsfreak]

I've seen RU play and they are much like IU except they are more up and down. IU has been fairly consistent, for IU, and even last week the defense, though not good, gave the offense opportunities to win. I like our chances to win but RU is not horrible.

 

[kstmar]

I take it quite a few of you saw the Rutgers-MSU game. Rutgers put a scare into them, had a really long run from scrimmage and Leonte Carroo, possibly the best receiver in the country, caught three TDs on them. Rutgers wasn't lucky, either. They gave as good as they got. Also, as much as everyone talks about Michigan State's defense, it was their offense that impressed me. Two main observations:

Connor Cook really is that good.

Michigan State has fantastic receivers.

Overall, they are a large, physical team. In fact, I think Michigan State is one of the most physical teams I've seen this year, along with Utah.

So my concern is, aside from moving the ball on them, how will we stop that passing game?

I was at the MSU/RU game and your assessment is spot on. I've been impressed by Cook and he is a determined and skilled QB, NFL size. He put the ball on the mark, made all the throws, and his guys caught everything even though our DBs were draped on them.

MSU is a very good team and UM/MSU is a must watch for Big Ten fans. Rutgers played defense with aggression (blitzed more/finally) and we got to him a number of times. When we play defense downhill we are usually in the football game no matter who it is. Our start to this season was less than desirable as you guys already know. Hard for back up DB depth to suddenly get thrown into the fire and start ball games but they are getting better. We got you at our place last year so we'll see what happens this year.

 

[IU Scott]

Not sure what your point is after all these posts. If it's simply that Rutgers played well against MSU ergo they are better than we are does not follow logically at all. If your point is that viewing the game makes your point more valid, that does not logically follow either. If all your saying is Rutgers played well against a good opponent, and MIGHT play well against us, no argument. But that point ignores the statistical reality that MOST poor teams have emotional let downs after such games. It's only natural. IU does it regularly, almost every season. Hard to get excited about playing IU.

Whatever the point, pompous bickering is getting old. People here should talk like they're sitting across the table not anonymously from space. Respect the person you're talking too. Sermon over...vbg...

great post

 

[IU Scott]

I'm simply arguing that the prevailing attitude that Rutgers isn't any good and won't be able to beat IU is foolish. Further, the people who don't think they're any good have admitted that they haven't even seen them play. It's like posters who talk up recruits yet have neither seen them play, either.

Nobody said that IU would definitely win the game but said that you can't judge Rutgers on just one good game either.

 

[JAubrey]

That tOSU game isn't that meaningful. Remember last year the losing to Bowling Green, beating Mizzou, losing to Maryland by 22 at home fiasco? Playing a good game against a good team and then getting stomped by a lesser team is an all too familiar scenario.

You're right - it is a familiar scenario. BUT IU is at 4-2 now and Rutgers is beatable. If IU really has a chance to be a good team this year then they will beat Rutgers, otherwise the team (and season) will likely fall apart. I hope for the former, but expect the latter. This is a really important game for Wilson and IU and I hope they approach it as such.

 

[wheezer]

RU fan here..... most of our fans think the difference is if your starting qb can play, and if he does, will he be ok for the entire game..... RU got to Cook a lot this past game, although we
have had trouble in other games.... but your qb could be the difference in who wins.

one thing I will say, that if Carroo is in the game, you better have a good pass defense....he will hurt you unless you get to our qb

from the scuttlebutt it seems like both teams can score, it might be a game where both teams get into the 30's

anyway, looking for a good entertaining game, good luck the rest of the way also!

 

[TheSpa]

Nobody said that IU would definitely win the game but said that you can't judge Rutgers on just one good game either.

No, that's not what people have been saying.

 

[IUHarselCo]

RU fan here..... most of our fans think the difference is if your starting qb can play, and if he does, will he be ok for the entire game..... RU got to Cook a lot this past game, although we
have had trouble in other games.... but your qb could be the difference in who wins.

one thing I will say, that if Carroo is in the game, you better have a good pass defense....he will hurt you unless you get to our qb

from the scuttlebutt it seems like both teams can score, it might be a game where both teams get into the 30's

anyway, looking for a good entertaining game, good luck the rest of the way also!

Good post! Nobody can predict who is going to win. That's why we play. Injuries may dictate the outcome but who knows now? Vbg...let's have a safe, competitive, injury free game! Go IU!

 

[IU Scott]

W

No, that's not what people have been saying.

who said that IU would definitely win

 

[turney333]

W

who said that IU would definitely win

Yep, all people have been saying that IU is definitely favored to win and if IU plays well should win, and could still win without a great game, but of course IU could certainly flop the game and lose. And these predictions are also contingent on Sudfeld playing. To me this is a game with a difficulty rating between Wake and FIU.