Rebuffed and Welcome Back

(With apologies to Norman Rockwell)

Well, if you have been here before, welcome back to the fan's blog. And if you are new to this blog, welcome. A few disclaimers that may or may not need to be said. This isn't the sports section, this is the op-ed part of the Rutgers football scene. I love Rutgers football...that used to sound like the opening line in a support group, "Hi, My name is RaritanSam" The group replies, "Hi Raritan," and then I state, "And I have been a Rutgers football fan for 30 years..."
So, yes, I feel like my seat on the bandwagon is a little more worn than most, but I don't feel like there should be limited seated on that wagon. No, I encourage all to come aboard (and I even don't mind that some will bail when, somehow, these Knights have a bump in the road that will toss a few faint-at-heart fans who can't stand the sight a few bumps or bruises).
Ok, onto the game last night. First off, don't call it a scrimmage. Yeah, I know it is a cute way of describing a less than stellar opponent, but it's jumped the shark (although, jump the shark may have jumped the shark at this point...but that is another rant). Enough of complaining about the schedule. It's like complaining about a receiver dropping passes. Yeah, we know it ain't cool, but they aren't trying to drop them, and Rutgers isn't trying to schedule bad teams, but what do you expect them to do, ring up Notre Dame and ask if they wouldn't mind coming to Piscataway next Saturday and then call Buffalo and say, thanks but no thanks. C'mon, be realistic sports writer types.
This game wasn't close. It was a showcase of talent, and a confidence builder and the polar opposite of the old way of opening AT Texas or AT Cal and getting smoked and injured before the season began. If anything, this is the proper way to start the season. And I know that from watching most contenders doing the same thing. And the other question to pose is, who would want to play Rutgers these days. Top tier teams have little available and not too much to gain. Middle tier teams, where the Scarlet Knights now sit (let's be honest, they are good, but I am not ready to annoint them national title contenders just yet...) aren't sure they want to get into it. Someone will be brave enough to add them, because at some point pride and money will enter the mix, Rutgers seems to be traveling people a bit more, and pride in remembering the old Rutgers and 'knowing' that they can stomp down this Cinderella with ease.
I don't look gift victories in the mouth, never will again. And while beating Buffalo isn't going into the vault (except for Tiquan nudging Emmers out of the record book for receiving yards), it is nice to have another laugher to enjoy.
Go Knights.