Why athletics matter

This entry is not an attempt to defend the larger institution of I-A sports. Rather, it is argument (expounding on some of my previously expressed sentiments) in favor of supporting a successful athletics program, in the current national climate. Every week, ESPN beams video of stadiums filled with screaming fans into the homes of millions throughout the country. Rutgers did not create this culture of sport; but for the meantime, it has to live with it. It is a large public university, and that will not change any time soon.

My preliminary blogpoll top 25 ballot

First things first: I could not in any good conscience include Rutgers in my first poll. What was is that Coach Schiano said last year after the conclusion of the team’s up and down season vs. Ball State? Something like ‘I voted them at #25, these kids deserve it’? At the end of the day, Greg Schiano is accountable to his players, and he has a vested interest in finishing with a higher ranking, I, while a devoted fan, at least try to look at things objectively from time to time.

From doing my team unit previews, one fact has become abundantly clear – this time has a lot of question marks. That does not mean they are bad. That doesn’t even mean they won’t have a good year, and can’t overcome a lot of them. They won’t overcome all of them though, not in August anyway. The 2008 team has the kind of talent that, only a few years ago, I would have never dreamed that Rutgers could ever acquire. But they’re very, very young in key areas. Hopefully they are playing at a top 25 level at some point in the season. Maybe they’ll even show it against Fresno. We’ll see.

Scrimmage day

Rutgers will hold its first intrasquad scrimmage this morning. A few things to keep an eye on. As per Luicci’s report today, Dennis Campbell is the only player that will sit out due to injury. Pete Tverdov returned yesterday from bereavement leave, so please direct well wishes his way.

The Home News Tribune posted photos from yesterday’s practice.

Ryan D’Imperio says he’s finally at 100%.

Jack Corcoran is determined to silence his critics in 2008. Good to hear that he’s working on his blocking.

According to Greg Schiano, the MLB job is still open between Munoz (please no) and D’Imperio. Lefeged and Kitchen are competing at SS, and I don’t think we can really go wrong there. Mike Gilmartin looks set at RT.

What does F.A.M.I.L.Y. stand for, anyway?