Here is an excerpt from an article by Keith Sargeant of Asbury Park Press. Dare I say I told you so, just like last week's Kentucky game, I'm just that good!
Rutgers (3-2, 0-1 Big East) is missing two key starters from one of the nation's top lines last season, and the fullback and tight end positions integral spots in the offense's success in recent years have combined to contribute six receptions for 38 yards in five games.
"Cam Stephenson, Darnell Stapleton and Brian Leonard they were all exceptional college players if they're on NFL rosters," Schiano said of last season's starting right guard, center and fullback, respectively. "That was a significant loss, but we said that from the beginning. You have two redshirt sophomores starting at the guard and center position, and then you go up against two stout defensive lines like we faced the last two weeks. Sometimes that can give you trouble."
"They (the Bearcats) did everything they could to take away the run, and I think that allowed for us to get significant yardage in the passing game," the coach added. "Ray had 90-something yards, but we're not really far from that being a 150 yards. We had six or eight ankle tackles or Ray's spilling out for another 15 yards. He's made those runs in the past, but we haven't lately. So are we not holding blocks as long as we have in past? I don't know, but we're studying everything."
Plain Rice
Rice was held below 100 yards for the third consecutive game, the first time that's happened since the first three contests during his freshman campaign.
"My number's getting called," the 5-foot-9, 205-pound junior said after the loss. "I really don't know what's going on. I don't even know my stats for this game."
Rice, who ran for 94 yards on 34 carries against a Bearcats rush defense that ranks 13th nationally, has averaged 87.7 yards on 22.3 carries over his three-game slide.
"Teams are putting nine in the box," Rice said. "Sometimes it's hard to get started. I don't consider it hard running. I'm just doing my job out there. We played against a tough defense."
Rice's slump coupled with Rutgers' two-game slide has all but eliminated his Heisman Trophy chances. But Rice, like he's done all season, emphasized the need to improve his team's performance before his own.
Edited by: Colonel_Reb 
