Scarlet Knights Shutout Illinois in Home Opener, 33-0
Sep 09 | Football
PISCATAWAY, NJ - Rutgers' (2-0) 20 first-quarter points set the tone early as the Scarlet Knights easily defeated Illinois (1-1), 33-0, before 41,036 at Rutgers Stadium in RU's home opener.
| DB Devin McCourty returns a first-quarter interception for a touchdown. |
Rutgers did most of its damage early, sprinting out to a 30-0 lead before the clock could sound to end the opening half. RU senior Joe Radigan's (Hoboken, N.J.) 78-yard punt pinned the Illini on their own four-yard line, an effort that established a new Rutgers punt yardage record (77, Jared Slovan, vs. Wake Forest, Nov. 8, 1997). The RU defense then did its job, forcing a three-and-out and an Illini punt from their own end zone. Senior Manny Collins (Plainfield, N.J.) broke through the line and blocked the kick, and teammate Derrick Roberson (Oakland Park, Fla.) pounced on the ball for the game's first touchdown. A Jeremy Ito (Loma Linda, Calif.) extra point gave RU a 7-0 lead 4:21 into the contest.
Freshman Devin McCourty (Nanuet, N.Y.) ended Illinois' next possession, intercepting UI quarterback Tim Brasic and racing up the sideline 38 yards for another Rutgers touchdown. Ito's extra point gave Rutgers a 14-0 lead with 7:34 remaining in the first quarter.
Another three-and-out by the Illinois offense was followed by a six-play, 62-yard drive by the Scarlet Knights. Mike Teel (Oakland, N.J.) found Clark Harris (Manahawkin, N.J.) for a 27-yard completion, and Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.) carried three times for 23 yards to keep the chains moving. Teel and Harris connected again, this time for a one-yard touchdown. Ito's kick was wide, but RU still owned a 20-0 advantage with 2:09 on the clock.
The Illini's final drive of the quarter ended with another interception, this one by Roberson at midfield. In four first-quarter possessions, the Rutgers defense and special teams caused three turnovers, two of which resulted in touchdowns for the Scarlet.
A Rice one-yard touchdown plunge pushed the lead to 27-0 at the 9:08 mark of the second quarter, and an Ito 37-yard field goal 34 seconds before halftime gave the Scarlet Knights a 30-0 edge in the locker room. Junior Brandon Renkart (Piscataway, N.J.) had the big defensive play of the quarter, recovering a fumble at midfield halfway through the period.
Ito again split the uprights, this time from 39 yards out, to make it a 33-0 score with 7:51 showing on the clock in the third quarter. That kick ended the game's scoring, and the final 23 minutes of the contest saw numerous Scarlet Knights make their first collegiate gridiron appearances.
Teel was again efficient in leading the offense, completing 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jabu Lovelace (Tenafly, N.J.) saw his first college action, gaining 13 yards on three carries while directing the RU offense during its final possession.
Rice carried 23 times for 108 yards, his fourth straight 100-yard effort, and added a rushing touchdown. Heisman Trophy candidate Brian Leonard (Gouverneur, N.Y.) added five carries for 11 yards and five catches for 42 yards, also providing many of the lead blocks that sprung Rice for his seventh career 100-yard game. Harris led the RU receivers with 47 yards on four catches, while Ito extended his streak of successful field-goal attempts to 12 with his kicks of 37 and 39 yards.
Roberson (recovered blocked punt) and McCourty (interception) each registered touchdowns for the Scarlet Knights. They helped lead a dominant effort by the RU defense, one that did not allow a single Illinois third-down conversion (0-for-12). Senior Devraun Thompson (Piscataway, N.J.) registered a team-best eight tackles (four solo, four assisted),while sophomore Courtney Greene (New Rochelle, N.Y.) had seven stops (three solo, four assisted). Senior Quintero Frierson (Coral Gables, Fla.) had 2.5 tackles-for-loss, including one sack, redshirt sophomore Jamaal Westerman (Brampton, Ontario) had 2.5 sacks, and redshirt junior Eric Foster (Homestead, Fla.) added 1.5 sacks.
Coupled with its 21-16 victory last week at North Carolina (Sept. 2), Rutgers has started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2000. The defensive shutout was the first for the Scarlet Knights since 2002, when Rutgers defeated Army 44-0 in Piscataway (Sept. 14).
The Scarlet Knights will play their second of three straight home games next weekend, hosting Ohio Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3:30 p.m. (MSG TV).
Team Notes
Today's win marked the sixth time in school history (137 seasons) Rutgers shutout a non-conference opponent from a BCS conference. The last time Rutgers shutout a non-conference opponent from a BCS conference, the Scarlet Knights blanked Duke 7-0 on Oct. 3, 1987 at Giants Stadium. Steve Spurrier was head coach of the Blue Devils in 1987.
RU Shutouts vs. Non-Conference Opponents from BCS Conferences
Date Opponent Score
9/9/2006 Illinois 33-0
10/3/1987 Duke 7-0
9/19/1981 Virginia 3-0
11/1/1941 Maryland 20-0
10/4/1919 North Carolina 19-0
11/1/1894 North Carolina 5-0
Saturday marked the first time since 2000 that Rutgers has started the season 2-0. It was also just the fifth time in the last 25 years Rutgers has begun the season 2-0. The Scarlet Knights also won their first two games in 2000, 1994, 1993, 1990 and 1981 during that span.
Rutgers' 33-0 victory marked the first defensive shutout for RU since Sept. 14, 2002, a 44-0 home victory against Army.
The 30-0 halftime lead Rutgers held against Illinois marked the largest halftime advantage since Sept. 9, 2000, when the Scarlet Knights held a 31-0 halftime edge over Buffalo.
Rutgers prohibited Illinois from converting a third-down situation the entire game. The Illini finished the game 0-of-12 on third-down conversions.
The Rutgers special teams and defensive units each recorded a first-quarter touchdown Saturday vs. Illinois, marking the 23rd and 24th special teams/defensive touchdowns in the 60-game Greg Schiano era.
Saturday wais also the second time in the Greg Schiano era that Rutgers scored in all three phases (offense, defense and special teams). The Scarlet Knights achieved the feat in the first quarter against Illinois. The previous time Rutgers accomplished this feat was on Oct. 15, 2005, in a 31-9 victory at Syracuse.
After recording six interceptions in all 12 games last season, Rutgers already has four interceptions through its first two games of the 2006 season. Manny Collins picked off a pair of passes in the season opener at North Carolina, while Devin McCourty and Derrick Roberson each had first-quarter interceptions Saturday against Illinois. McCourty returned his pick 38 yards for a touchdown.
Rutgers' 20-0 lead at the end of the first quarter marked the Scarlet Knights' largest first-quarter advantage since Sept. 27, 1980, when RU held a 21-0 lead over Princeton. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Tigers 44-13 in the contest.
Today's attendance of 41, 036 was the fifth highest at Rutgers Stadium history.
Player Notes
The Illinois game marked the fourth consecutive 100-yard game for sophomore RB Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.). Rice, who ran for 201 yards in last week's season opener at North Carolina, finished with 108 yards on 23 carries against the Illini. The streak is the third longest in school history. 'JJ' Jennings holds the school record with seven straight 100-yard performances, while three Scarlet Knights have registered five consecutive 100-yard games. He has totaled 612 yards on 98 carries in the past four contests, for an average of 6.0 yards per carry during that span.
Rice's Last Four Games
Date Opponent Carries Yards TDs
11/26/05 Cincinnati 24 195 2
12/27/05 Arizona State 20 108 0
9/2/06 North Carolina 31 201 3
9/9/06 Illinois 23 108 1
Totals 98 612 6
Joe Radigan's (Hoboken, N.J.) first-quarter punt of 78 yards was a new school record, breaking the previous mark of 77 yards by Jared Slovan against Wake Forest on Nov. 8, 1997.
Senior FB Brian Leonard (Gouverneur, N. Y.) and senior TE Clark Harris (Manahawkin, N.J.) each extended their career reception streaks against Illinois. Leonard's reception streak now stands at 36 consecutive games, which ranks third in BIG EAST history, while Harris' reception streak is now 32 games, which moves him past former RU receiver Tres Moses (2001-05) into sole possession of sixth place in BIG EAST history.
Kordell Young (Westville, N.J.), Tim Brown (Miami, Fla.), Kenny Britt (Bayonne, N.J.), and Jack Corcoran (Hammonton, N.J.) were the latest true freshmen to see their first collegiate action, making their debuts Saturday vs. Illinois. Junior OL Dan Mazan (Carteret, N.J.), senior OL Mitar Rudanovic (Sussex, N.J.), redshirt freshman QB Jabu Lovelace (Tenafly, N.J.), red-shirt sophomore Marc Orosz (Marlton, N.J.) and redshirt freshman OL Dave McClain (Jamison, Pa.) also saw their first collegiate action on Saturday. Through the season's first two games, 18 Scarlet Knights have seen their first collegiate action, including nine true freshmen.
Saturday marked Manny Collins' (Plainfield, N.J.) second career start and his first start since Oct. 16, 2004, against Temple. Collins replaced the injured Jason McCourty (Nanuet, N.Y.) at one of the cornerback spots Saturday.
Redshirt freshman Devin McCourty's (Nanuet, N.Y.) first-quarter interception was the first of his career. He returned the ball 38 yards for a touchdown. Saturday's game marked McCourty's second career game. He made his collegiate debut last week at North Carolina.
Junior kicker Jeremy Ito (Loma Linda, Cal.) extended his streak of successful field goal attempts to 12 with a pair against Illinois. Ito also recorded three touchbacks on seven kickoffs against Illinois.
Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Greg Schiano
Opening statement on special teams and overall thoughts: 'I thought we did a great job, especially early. It was a tribute to the kids; they did exactly what they were supposed to do. They executed to the 'T'.'
'Overall, our defense played very well. They did the things they were supposed to do. I think they felt they didn't play up to their greatest abilities [last week] and came out today with a great focus.'
'I felt we could have done some more things [on offense] but I'm very pleased that the fact of the matter is we didn't play our best offensive game and we were able to win the game.'
'From here, we move ahead. I know that this football team will enjoy this win tonight and get right back to work tomorrow.'
On the shutout and his first shutout as a defensive coordinator: 'It feels good to be 2-0. I thought the kids played extremely well. The defense executed exactly the way they were asked.'
On Illinois being 0-for-12 on third-down conversions: 'We didn't feel like we were very precise on third down last week. One of the rallying cries this week was precision on third down and I think that they did a very good job. They actually executed things very precisely.'
On leading 14-0 without a score by the offense: 'To be a good football team, you need to score in different ways. Today we scored in all three phases and that's what good teams do. I think we're getting better and closer. If you can score that way, it really gives your team a lift, gives the fans a lift. It's a big part of winning games.'
On Teel's performance: 'He did another good job running our offense. He's doing exactly what we're asking. He's coming up with some big throws, too, especially early in the game.'
On team's effort: 'These guys work. This team, you could drive this team and they will work their tails off. When we get to Saturday, I really want them to enjoy the experience; that's why they're here.'
Rutgers Player Quotes
#26 Manny Collins - DB, Sr.
'We had a great start today. I try to take advantage of every opportunity I get. Being able to make big plays in both of our games this season feels good.'
'The punt block today motivated our entire team. Coach Schiano told me a hole in the line would be there if we executed correctly. After the snap, I saw the hole in the line and I took advantage of it. It was a great feeling to get this team off to fast start.'
'Our defense and special teams played superb. We made some corrections from last week and were able to capitalize. The 14-0 lead we had really got our team moving.'
# 23 Brian Leonard - FB, Sr.
'It was huge for us to get a two touchdown lead early in the game. When you get out to a quick lead, it's important to put teams away. After the 14-0 lead, we kept pushing, to get more points on the board.'
'There was definitely a buzz around campus this week, and it was awesome to play in front of a large hometown crowd. Our fans are great and we want to play great for them.'
'It means a lot to get out to a 2-0 start, but we still need to focus on next week. We have to execute the right way every time. We need to keep this intensity in every game, and I feel very confident we will.'
#27 Ray Rice - RB, So.
'We are all very dedicated to this program and we have a lot of confidence this season. We're really working hard and Coach Schiano has us playing good. We approach every game like it's our first game. Coach Schiano pushes us to be our best.'
'We played a complete game today. Our offensive line did a great job up front and helped me a lot.'
'As for next week, we are going to approach it with the same intensity and play even harder, to keep our momentum. We can celebrate today, but starting tomorrow, we'll be preparing for Ohio.'
#14 Mike Teel - QB, Jr.
'Getting a 14-0 lead from our special teams and defense was a huge momentum boost. But our offense stuck to our game plan and kept playing strong. A 14-0 lead is nothing in college football, so we knew we had to stay focused and play 110%.'
'It was a special feeling to play in front of a sell-out crowd, in front of our hometown fans and many of my family & friends. There's a lot of pride to be a homegrown New Jersey kid and play major college football in your home state. This is what I wanted to do and it felt great. Sure, the emotions were there, but I remained focus and executed.'
Illinois Head Coach Ron Zook
'Obviously, we stunk it up. Both the football team and as a coaching staff, we have to take responsibility for that. That football team is good, but they're not 33 points better than us. I think they did a good job and we just, for whatever reason, didn't come to play and weren't ready to play. It was very evident. Every person in that room had something to do with it and I think now, like I told them in there, we have 10 games to play and I'm not discouraged. Obviously it hurts, it hurts bad. It's embarrassing, it's embarrassing to me as a coach, but on the same token, there's a lot of football to be played and I know these guys will come back and do what they need to do to improve.'
(On field position)
'That's where it started, with the field position. We'd hold them on defense, they'd punt the football. I'm not sure we had him lined up properly, I'm not sure exactly what happened if it was the sun, but they block the punt and it was on. You can't turn the ball over, you can't have punts blocked. I don't even know if we got to the other side of the 50 today. You're not going to be very productive as a football team when that happens, playing with a short field. The penalties that we had, we just probably played as bad as we could have in every way.'
(On the blocked punt in the first quarter)
'I think probably the protection [caused the block], there was a gap, they saw it and we didn't execute.'
(On Kyle Yelton)
'I'm not concerned about Kyle. I know that's the question everyone wants to know is why we did what we did and that was to take a little pressure off Kyle. There's no question in my mind that he can do it. He'll punt 50 and I just wanted to give him a chance to be consistent. He knew that he was going to do that and he also knew that he was going to be in there punting. That was by no means a question of him. It is something though, the pooch punt, that forces teams to prepare for and changes the things you can do. Other than the one we [almost lost], where he miss-hit the ball, it was fairly productive for us. I think anytime where you get a guy in a place where we're backed up like we were backed up, you get a guy that's a pretty good returner, you don't want him to get going.'
(On quarterback situation)
'Everyone's going to wonder if there's a quarterback controversy and there isn't. I want to go back and take a look at the tape. [Brasic] came out the same way he did last week in the first series. He settled down last week, he didn't settle down this week. He was a little bit like he was last year almost, which we all know, he settled down eventually and really came on. What we tried to do all last week, when we put (Isiah Williams) in when we did, is try to get Timmy a chance to settle down and re-focus. And there was a chance to get (Williams) some good reps in -- you know we were going to put him in anyway, regardless of the situation. We had an opportune time and, like I said last time, an eight-game BIG TEN schedule to play, we've got to have somebody ready to back him up.'
Illinois Player Quotes
#37 Kyle Yelton, Fr.
'If you saw the warm-up, I was blasting the ball and I need to work on carrying it over into the game. It'll happen -- it's going to get better. I have my teammates around me, pushing me. We'll be alright.'
'I'm trying to do everything I can to get them good field position with the punt and I'm going to go back and watch the film and keep working.'
#18 Alan Ball, Sr.
'The game was a rollercoaster out there like it is every game and they had momentum and at times we had momentum. We just have to find a way to keep it in our favor.'
#7 Isiah Williams, Fr.
'It was tough [to find a rhythm] and that's what gets you going. I just need to keep working hard and getting better, but I have confidence in the offensive line and confidence in my receivers to get open.'
'Sometimes, I was rushing it. That's what was happening most of the time. I need to just slow down and play my game, not play yours.'
'The difference was obviously the crowd. The fans were saying things behind the bench and we got booed coming out of the tunnel. The atmosphere alone just made everything that much more difficult. Just the tempo of the game was different. Rutgers is a very good team and they came to play ball. It was just a hard fight.'
#26 E.B. Halsey, Sr.
'When you see the offense struggling, you're always looking to make that big play, so you can bring us back into the game. Our whole mentality is to never give up and it would have been easy to do going into the second half, but I believe we hung in there and kept playing as a defense. Of course, there are things we need to work on, but it's only the second game of the season.'
