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By Bradly Derechailo

Thomas reinstated on conditional basis

The Rutgers football team’s secondary was statistically one of the worst in the country last season. Thanks to the return of redshirt freshman cornerback Ian Thomas, the outlook for the unit looks a little brighter. Head coach Kyle Flood announced Jan. 17 that Thomas, who abruptly quit the team Oct. 15 in pursuit of a baseball career will be reinstated back to the Scarlet Knights on a conditional basis.Jan 21 2014

Criticism continues against AD

Julie Hermann did not have the easiest of starts for a first-time athletic director after allegations surfaced of verbal abuse during her time as a volleyball coach at Tennessee. But just when Hermann seemed to finally be settled into her new position, another scandal broke within the athletic department. On Nov. 15, former Rutgers football player Jevon Tyree said he left the program because he felt bullied by defensive coordinator Dave Cohen.Dec 11 2013

Distant bouts provide challenge

The Rutgers wrestling team traveled more than 2,500 miles to compete in their latest tournament, the Cliff Klein Las Vegas Invitational. While the Scarlet Knights arrived in Nevada a day before to train and acclimate to the three-hour time difference, senior 184-pounder Dan Seidenberg admitted it was not the Knights’ easiest weekend.Dec 10 2013

James carries heavy workload

With P.J. James was listed as questionable leading up to Saturday night’s game against South Florida, the sophomore running back’s role became unclear once cleared to play. But as the game wore on, head coach Kyle Flood knew the answer. James received 26 carries in the Scarlet Knights’ 31-6 victory against USF, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns.Dec 9 2013

RU bowl eligibility hangs in balance

After the way the season has gone for the Rutgers football team, it is only fitting one of the Scarlet Knights’ (5-6, 2-5) best weapon’s status is unknown for their season finale. Sophomore running back P.J. James went down with a lower leg injury in the first half Saturday in the Knights’ 28-17 loss to Connecticut.Dec 6 2013

SHU visits Knights for first time since conference split

Former Group 1 high school star quietly produces strong career at receiver, special teams for Rutgers

Palmyra, N.J., located in the northwestern tip of Burlington County, is home to 7,398 residents, according to the 2010 United States Census. “It’s more of a family-oriented town,” said Quron Pratt, who calls the 2.5 square mile town home. “Everybody knows each other’s whole family since they were young. Everyone has grown up together because it’s a small town. It’s a great place to live and a great place to be.”Dec 6 2013

Dodd embraces last home start

When the windshield wipers are put up on all the cars in the Rutgers football team’s parking lot, junior wide receiver Brandon Coleman knows exactly who the culprit is. It is one of the many hijinks Coleman grew accustomed to when he lived with senior quarterback Chas Dodd for two seasons. “It was always jokes, it was always pranks and him acting like something seriously was happening and me falling for it because I’m gullible,” Coleman said.Dec 5 2013

Senior deals with position changeover

On the eve of national signing day in 2010, Jeremy Deering had two choices laid in front of him during a local press conference: Rutgers and Florida State. When the Tampa native chose the former, he never envisioned he would spend his senior season on defense for the Rutgers football team.“I expected to be on offense all four years to tell you the truth,” the senior safety said.Dec 3 2013

Matches provide RU glimpse into Big Ten future

Competing against two future Big Ten opponents in one weekend and participating at a prominent venue in Madison Square Garden impressed sophomore 197-pounder Hayden Hrymack. For the Rutgers wrestling team, it is something the Scarlet Knights must get used to for next season.Dec 2 2013

James’ status against USF stands 50/50 after last injury

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Sophomore running back P.J. James’ status is once again uncertain after sustaining a lower right leg injury Saturday against Connecticut. Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood said yesterday via teleconference James might not be available for the regular-season finale Saturday against South Florida. Flood will continue to monitor James this week.Dec 2 2013

Flood anoints Dodd as starter

Senior quarterback Chas Dodd had no idea why Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood called him into his office Sunday night at the Hale Center. “I obviously knew I was coming in for something, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was,” Dodd said. In the meeting, Flood told Dodd he was the Scarlet Knights’ starter behind center for Saturday at Connecticut, demoting junior quarterback Gary Nova to the bench.Nov 26 2013

Knights dismantle Golden Eagles with bonus points

The Rutgers wrestling team emphasized gaining bonus points as essential to success given its youth. The Scarlet Knights stuck to that plan Friday night against Clarion, as the Knights (3-0) downed the Golden Eagles (2-3), 30-12, in Clarion, Pa. Senior 133-pounder Vincent Dellefave was Rutgers’ catalyst. The Toms River, N.J., native captured a 15-6 major decision against Clarion’s Sam Sherlock for his second dual victory of the season.Nov 25 2013

Knights host second CAA team

Learning curve gives RU loss

Seagears’ all-around play helps RU to NIT win

Fla. recruiting impresses Tuberville

Tommy Tuberville has coached in college since 1980, but only recently he noticed the Rutgers football program’s resurgence. The Scarlet Knights went to seven bowl games in the past eight seasons, including last season when the Knights lost to Virginia Tech, 13-10, in the Russell Athletic Bowl. But Tuberville, who is now head coach at Cincinnati, remembers Rutgers when it was an afterthought to many kids during his time as a recruiter in the southeast.Nov 15 2013

Undersized Milewski to get first-career start at defensive tackle following shoulder injury to Hamilton

It has been a gradual transformation for David Milewski, and one that three ACL surgeries made no easier. The Sayreville, N.J., native went from a 215-pound freshman linebacker to a 250-pound junior defensive end. But almost suddenly, Milewski thrust into a starting role at defensive tackle for the Rutgers football team. Milewski admitted he did not expect that when the season began.Nov 15 2013

Moore, Jack carry RU with clutch shots

Smith develops rivalry with Lawson

Jimmy Lawson had two sports to choose from during his senior year at Manchester (N.J.) High School. If he went with wrestling in college, he would grapple for Rutgers wrestling and head coach Scott Goodale in New Brunswick. Accepting football would mean Lawson would continue his career at Monmouth. “If I was going to college to wrestle, I’d definitely go to? no other place than Rutgers. I like the guys there,” Lawson told the Asbury Park Press back in December 2009.Nov 14 2013

NFL Knights provide promise

Max Issaka admitted the Rutgers football team’s NFL presence was not a major deciding factor when he committed to the Scarlet Knights from Woodbridge (N.J.) High School. But seeing the amount of contributors during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins was promising for the sophomore defensive end.Nov 13 2013

Smith places second during weekend open

Billy Smith and Jimmy Lawson met on the mat before Saturday’s heavyweight final at the 2013 Jonathan Kaloust Bearcat Open, formerly known as the Binghamton Open. Lawson registered a reversal on Smith within the last three seconds in overtime last season, capturing a 3-2 decision to cap the Nittany Lions’ 34-0 victory against Rutgers at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.Nov 12 2013

Knights benefit from summer league

Open provides redshirt with challenging foe

It was not the most comfortable situation when Anthony Ashnault faced Tyson Dippery last weekend in the Clarion Open. “It was awkward,” Ashnault said. “As teammates, it’s always kind of weird when you wrestle.” The freshman 141-pounders wrestled to a 4-3 decision in favor of Ashnault, one of the many tests Dippery will face this season wrestling unattached.Nov 8 2013

Barnwell apologizes for arrest on DWI charge

All Nadir Barnwell can do now is learn from a mistake which he said could have thrown his football career away. “I can’t really talk right now about what happened and any legal matters because we’re still in the process,” Barnwell said. “But I want to start off by saying I want to apologize to my family, my Rutgers family, the coaches in this program for the embarrassment of bringing this bad attention to everybody.”Nov 8 2013

Mack helps retain roster after Rice firing, embraces role as captain during Jordan’s first season at RU

Nova displays poise in 2-minute drill situation

In 47 seconds, junior quarterback Gary Nova drove the Rutgers football team 33 yards to give the Scarlet Knights a chance last Saturday against Temple. A 33-yard game-winning touchdown toss to sophomore wide receiver Leonte Carroo capped the comeback win. While the culmination of Carroo’s play will be the one fans remember, Nova’s performance in the 2-minute drill was the effort that cemented Nova as the starter under center.Nov 7 2013

Rutgers looks for answers during bye

With the Rutgers football team enduring its third bye week of the season, here are four questions the Scarlet Knights need to answer before their Nov. 16 game against Cincinnati.Nov 6 2013

RU picks up win thanks to bonus points

Heavyweight Billy Smith did not realize the significance when he pinned Hofstra’s Michael Hughes. “I wasn’t really thinking about that,” Smith said. “All week long I knew we needed bonus points up top, we talked about it with the coaches and stuff. Once the match started going I didn’t really think about it.” The pin in the 5:17 mark of the heavyweight bout gave the Rutgers wrestling team a 2-1 advantage in pins.Nov 5 2013

Freshman impresses in first-career start at corner

True freshman cornerback Delon Stephenson stood out on the Rutgers football team’s first defensive series Saturday against Temple. But unlike most instances for the Scarlet Knights secondary, this was for a good reason. On quarterback P.J. Walker’s first pass attempt, Stephenson dove toward the opposing sideline for an interception. It was his first-career pick and the first interception by a Rutgers cornerback since former player Ian Thomas grabbed one in the opener against Fresno State.Nov 4 2013

Rutgers aims to correct mistakes

No member of the Rutgers football team will admit how crucial a win in tomorrow’s game against Temple is. “A victory is important against anybody,” said redshirt freshman middle linebacker Steve Longa. “Every week we prepare to be 1-0 and that’s out main focus right now.” But a loss to the Owls (1-7, 0-4) will push the Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-2) to its first .500-or-worse record after eight games since the 2008 season, when they finished 4-8.Nov 1 2013

Secondary continues to lose bodies from injury, arrest as unit ranks 121st nationally against the pass

There is a real possibility Ruhann Peele will see time at cornerback tomorrow against Temple. Peele played in all seven games for the Rutgers football team this season, including the Scarlet Knights’ opener. He is the Knights’ third-leading receiver. “I’m a football player. I’ll do what’s best for the team,” Peele said. “If [head coach Kyle Flood] thinks it’s going to help the program this week, that’s what is going to help the program.”Nov 1 2013

Line improves with Civil back at tackle

Senior right tackle Andre Civil labeled the Rutgers football team’s offensive line struggles Oct. 10 at Louisville a communication problem. The unit allowed eight sacks against the Cardinals. Junior quarterback Gary Nova’s movement out of the pocket that night prevented the total from reaching double digits. “From my experience, I knew communication was off,” Civil said.Oct 31 2013

Youthful roster offers excitement

One by one, eight wrestlers from each weight class navigated up the podium March 23 in the darkness of the Wells Fargo Arena. In all, the PA system announced 80 names at the 2013 NCAA National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, as 17,000 screaming voices echoed off the walls. Then-junior 133-pounder Vincent Dellafave was not even in the building to hear the noise that night.Oct 30 2013

Defense struggles to produce turnovers

Junior outside linebacker Kevin Snyder cannot quite figure out why the Rutgers football team’s production in forcing turnovers has dropped off from years past. Junior cornerback Gareef Glashen also had a hard time when asked about the secondary’s lack of interceptions. “I’m not sure, I have no explanation for that,” Glashen said. “I can’t speak on it.”Oct 30 2013

Nova lacks awareness of competition

Gary Nova had no idea there is a quarterback competition for Saturday’s game against Temple. “[Head coach Kyle Flood] never told me that,” the junior quarterback said yesterday during the Rutgers football team’s media availability. “I’m going in getting ready for the game like I’m the starter.” Nova claimed to reporters he received all of the Scarlet Knights’ first-team reps during Sunday night’s practice.Oct 29 2013

Three true freshman defensive backs pressed into action as unit deals with loss of two key contributors

A cracked bone and baseball aspirations have made the Rutgers football team’s cornerback group resemble freshman orientation. Senior Lew Toler, who transferred from Western Michigan with his last year of eligibility, broke his arm during the first quarter of the Scarlet Knights’ 24-10 loss Oct. 5 to Louisville. Redshirt freshman Ian Thomas left the program last Tuesday in pursuit of a baseball career.Oct 25 2013

RU aspires for BCS bowl appearance

Thanks to Central Florida, the Rutgers football team’s chances at a BCS bowl berth are still attainable. UCF defeated previously undefeated Louisville last Friday, 38-35. Central Florida now controls its own destiny in the conference. But if Rutgers (4-2, 1-1) defeats UCF, there is a chance all three programs could finish 7-1 in the league, forcing a tie breaker scenario.Oct 25 2013

RU progress impresses Jordan

RU progress impresses Jordan

Rookies anticipate added time

The subtraction of redshirt freshman Ian Thomas reveals a Rutgers football cornerback unit riddled with question marks and inexperience. Asked if opposing offenses would attack the Scarlet Knights’ young secondary, Nadir Barnwell simply answered the way many opposing offensive coordinators plan to. “I would,” the freshman cornerback said after yesterday’s practice.Oct 17 2013

James continues recovery in bye week

Coming off its worst rushing performance of the season Thursday against Louisville, the Rutgers football team will be without sophomore running back P.J. James during its bye week. “He will be re-evaluated at the end of the bye week,” said head coach Kyle Flood via teleconference. “We will have a little bit of an update in terms of timeframe. He will not practice this week. He is not at that point yet where he needs to do that.”Oct 15 2013

Knights blow chances to reverse fate at Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY. — When Louisville kicker John Wallace’s 45-yard attempt missed wide right in the fourth quarter, the Rutgers football team took over with 5:52 remaining in the contest. But junior quarterback Gary Nova tossed his fourth interception of the game three plays later.Oct 11 2013

RU tastes redemption against No. 8 Cards

After Louisville’s Terrell Floyd picked off junior quarterback Gary Nova on Nov. 29, 2012, a sea of black made its way out of High Point Solutions Stadium. With the interception, the Cardinals secured their 20-17 come-from-behind victory against the Rutgers football team, along with the Big East conference’s automatic BCS berth.Oct 10 2013

Judge provides leadership in final season

OLB returns for RU after kidney injury

Jamal Merrell did not think he needed to wear street clothes during the Rutgers football team’s victory Saturday against Southern Methodist. It also was not the only game the senior linebacker felt he did not need to sit out because of an injury. “I felt I was ready to go for every game, but we have the best medical staff and it was up in their hands and I trust them,” Merrell said.Oct 8 2013

Last season’s defeat against Louisville still stings

The night of Nov. 29, 2012 vividly plays in the back of Kevin Snyder’s head.Last year’s 20-17 loss to Louisville should be the freshest memory for the rest of the Rutgers football team for obvious reasons. “That was something we worked really hard for,” Snyder said. “[A] BCS berth, and they came in our place and took it from us.”Oct 7 2013

Huggins readies for increase in carries

Junior running back Savon Huggins is well aware of the famed “Pony Express” Southern Methodist once possessed in its backfield. “Everyone has seen the SMU special with Craig James and Eric Dickerson,” Huggins said, referring to the ESPN 30 for 30 series documentary titled “The Pony Express.”Oct 4 2013

Seagears returns to team after transfer

Reserve’s role to increase for SMU matchup

Junior defensive end David Milewski first witnessed Daryl Stephenson’s potential in the basketball gymnasium at Sayreville War Memorial (N.J.) High School. “Seeing him run up and down the court, being able to jump the way he does and how quickly his feet move on the basketball court, it translated to football and you could just see at his size, how purely athletic and fast he is,” Milewski said.Oct 3 2013

Rutgers uses bye for leisure, preparation

When DePaul Catholic (N.J.) High School defeated Don Bosco (N.J.) Prep on Saturday, 35-25, Leonte Carroo was there to see his former team lose its third game of the season. The Rutgers football sophomore wide receiver admitted it was not the Don Bosco’s best performance.Oct 1 2013

Merrell ruled inactive for matchup with ’Stangs

Jamal Merrell is well aware he and his brother — senior defensive tackle Jamil Merrell — have not played together at the same time this season. “It’s just football. We talk to each other all the time. It’s something that we already know,” the senior outside linebacker said.Sep 27 2013

RB embraces added role in RU backfield

When sophomore running back P.J. James found out he was would miss the Rutgers football team’s next two games, Savon Huggins understood his pain. “I told him I’m here for him,” the junior running back said.Sep 26 2013

D-line proves its worth against Hogs

Sophomore defensive tackle Darius Hamilton was well aware of the Arkansas offensive line’s size advantage. “No question, they were huge up front,” Hamilton said. “One of their tackles was like 6-foot-10 and my guard was like 6-foot-7. They were all over 300 pounds so they were a big team and physical up front. I just think we were ready to play.”Sep 25 2013

Gause shows potential in starting role

Quentin Gause thought he provided the spark the Rutgers football team needed Saturday when he returned an Arkansas fumble for a touchdown.The sophomore outside linebacker raced into the end zone, bringing the Scarlet Knights within 10 points.Sep 24 2013

James sidelined with injury to lower leg

Junior running back P.J. James, who at one point led the country in rushing yards, will miss at least two games with what Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood described as a lower leg injury. James sustained the injury in the Scarlet Knights’ 28-24 victory Saturday against Arkansas.Sep 23 2013

Secondary struggles with tackling issues

Ian Thomas had no idea the Rutgers football team’s secondary allowed Eastern Michigan quarterback Tyler Benz to throw for 335 yards last Saturday. He was more concerned about the final score.Sep 20 2013

Bielema prepares for QB uncertainty

When Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema shake hands at the end of tomorrow’s game, it will not be the first time both men have met.Sep 20 2013

Hogs present running challenge

P.J. James swears he will not think about Arkansas’ running backs Saturday when he gets his first carry. “Our defense does a great job of stopping the run,” the sophomore running back said. “I feel like it’s not really a battle between [the other running backs and me] because I feel like our defense is just going to stop them.”Sep 20 2013

Thompson sparks energy in trenches

Even among his friends from home, Marcus Thompson is known as the energetic guy of the group. The senior defensive end said his buddies from Oakland Park, Fla. — Kevin and Keeven — have been on campus for the last month, giving him advice and helping him stay focused.Sep 19 2013

Gause, Jacobs platoon at OLB

As the Rutgers football team gets set to host the program’s first SEC opponent Saturday against Arkansas, sophomore linebacker Quentin Gause could hardly contain his excitement.Sep 18 2013

Dodd embraces opportunity

Senior quarterback Chas Dodd has been in this position before. When former signal caller Tom Savage sat out Oct. 8, 2010 against Connecticut, Dodd was called into action.Sep 17 2013

Pratt shows off special teams prowess against EMU

When senior safety Jeremy Deering left Saturday’s game after sustaining an injury on the Rutgers football team’s opening kickoff, Quron Pratt knew he would have to fill another roll.Sep 16 2013

Potential MAC upset looms heavily

Bring up the fact Eastern Michigan resides in the Mid-American Conference, and Leonte Carroo is quick to point out what the last MAC team the Rutgers football team played did to the Scarlet Knights. “They have a pride thing,” said the sophomore wide receiver. “When they play big-time schools, they’re not going to lay down for anybody.Sep 13 2013

Schiano lost players’ faith, report says

Just one week into his second season as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, former Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano is already having problems in his locker room.Sep 13 2013

Defensive line deals with injuries, suspensions as unit continues to develop consistent pass pressure

If the first two games serve as a litmus test for the fate of the Rutgers football team’s defensive line this season, junior defensive end David Milewski believes the Scarlet Knights will do just fine.Sep 13 2013

Merrell eyes season debut versus EMU

After a productive junior campaign and becoming a team captain, it was supposed to be a breakout season for Jamil Merrell. But Two games into the season, the senior defensive end has yet to play in a game.Sep 12 2013

Page taps into potential in first contest

For Al Page, Saturday’s game against Norfolk State was a series of emotions the sophomore defensive tackle had a hard time controlling. Seeing the first game action of his career, Page blew up the Spartan offensive line for 1.5 sacks.Sep 10 2013

Huggins’ carry load increases despite demotion

All eyes were on P.J. James during the Rutgers football team’s 38-0 victory Saturday against Norfolk State, as the sophomore running back carried the ball 18 times for 119 yards and three scores. But Savon Huggins actually had the most carries for the Scarlet Knights (1-1).Sep 9 2013

Adrian praises RU athleticism

This will be Pete Adrian’s third trip to Piscataway as head coach of Norfolk State, and one thing has always stood out to him about the Rutgers football team. “From top to bottom they have so many good individuals and guys who want to make them work and early in the season want to get out and play,” Adrian said. “I just think they’re an outstanding football team from top to bottom.”Sep 6 2013

Growing Pains

When Gary Nova walked off Heinz Field on Nov. 24, 2012 after a 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh, he never envisioned he would still be waiting for his next win more than nine months later. He admitted it has been tough on him.Sep 6 2013

Federico moves on from last-minute miss

Kyle Federico thought everything went the way it should have. The snap was perfect, the holder made no mistakes, and the freshman kicker even thought his kick and follow through all went as planned.Sep 5 2013

Kroft takes reins from Carrezola

When Tyler Kroft glanced at the depth chart earlier this week, it was a bittersweet moment for the sophomore tight end. Head coach Kyle Flood named Kroft to the starting lineup for Saturday’s home opener against Norfolk State.Sep 4 2013

Secondary learns from mistakes against Bulldogs

Allowing more than 50 points and 450 passing yards would make any secondary coach cringe. Junior cornerback Gareef Glashen was a little more blunt about his performance Thursday at Fresno State.Sep 3 2013

Four takeaways from the Fresno game

Here are four takeaways from the Rutgers football team’s 52-51 overtime loss Thursday night to Fresno State, the first season-opening Scarlet Knights loss since 2009 against Cincinnati.Sep 3 2013

Knights shave heads for charitable cause

After the Rutgers baseball team’s 4-2 victory against Connecticut yesterday, the team made its way to the practice field, where chairs and electric razors were waiting. It was all a part of the Scarlet Knights support for the Vs. Cancer Foundation, as the Knights shaved off all of their hair for charity. May 6 2013

Knights clinch series win against Huskies

Thanks to timely hitting and solid pitching performances, the Rutgers baseball team was able to avoid a home series loss to Connecticut yesterday with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory. May 6 2013

Reliever may see time in starting rotation

Senior lefthander Rob Corsi made his second straight start yesterday against Connecticut as senior lefthander Tyler Gebler continues to deal with a sore shoulder. But that did not stop the Toms River, N.J., native from making an appearance in the game. May 6 2013

Connecticut begins crucial homestand

When Delaware beat the Rutgers baseball team Wednesday, it marked the Scarlet Knights’ fifth straight loss that began last Friday against Oklahoma St. Right now is not the best time for a losing streak, and senior catcher Jeff Melillo knows how imperative the next six conference games are for the Knights. May 3 2013

Rutgers stumbles in rematch

Double plays are usually what Rutgers baseball head coach Fred Hill wants from his defense. What he does not expect is two runs to cross the plate because of them. Delaware managed to do just that in the second and fourth innings, respectively, an effort that gave the Blue Hens a 4-2 win against the Scarlet Knights (20-24, 8-7). May 2 2013

Redshirt freshman recognized for improvement

With the ball on the turf after a fumble in the Rutgers football team’s spring game Saturday, it was only appropriate Ian Thomas was there to recover it. The redshirt freshman cornerback scooped up the loose fumble and ran 24 yards for the touchdown, extending the team’s lead to 24-0. Apr 29 2013

Coleman continues rehab on knee

Dressed in a cutoff shirt in the Hale Center, it is evident junior wide receiver Brandon Coleman has focused more on his upper body than everything else. What is not visible is the work he is doing to his lower half, a constant grind to get his recently surgically repaired right knee ready in time for training camp in August. Apr 26 2013

Knights gear up for Omaha road trip

For Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill, there was a big takeaway from the Scarlet Knights’ 9-5 victory Wednesday against Wagner. “At the plate, it was good to see contributions from everyone,” Hill said after the win. “We had an aggressive approach and jumped out early again.” Apr 26 2013

Freshman pitches past Seahawks

Howie Brey said it took him a while to get rid of the jitters associated with playing as a freshman. But the reliever delivered another important performance for the Rutgers baseball team yesterday, an appearance that helped the Scarlet Knights (20-19, 8-7) capture a 9-5 home victory against Wagner (15-23) at Bainton Field. Apr 25 2013

Sophomore takes hill in road contest

Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill was disappointed the Scarlet Knights were unable to get at least one victory this weekend against Pittsburgh. But he also knows his team has some time to recover what made them successful in Big East play. Apr 23 2013

Loss in ninth inning completes Panthers sweep

After senior righthander Charlie Law left in the bottom of the ninth with one runner on in a 3-3 ballgame, freshman reliever Howie Brey was called in for the Rutgers baseball team to duplicate his late-game heroics from earlier last week. Apr 22 2013

Linemen fill roles along offense front

When the ball is snapped during spring practice, Taj Alexander can always tell when senior tackle Andre Civil is making a play. “We call him ‘old man’,” said the junior guard. “He has a certain thump when he hits.” If Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood keeps his first-team offense intact in time for the Scarlet Knights’ opener against Fresno State, Alexander will hear that distinct sound coming to the right of him throughout the year. Apr 19 2013

Offense enters Pittsburgh series on hot streak

It was only appropriate Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight” played in the background after the Rutgers baseball team’s 7-6 win Wednesday against Monmouth. Eight out of the Scarlet Knights’ next nine games will take place away from Bainton Field as the road stand begins today against Pittsburgh. Apr 19 2013

Heir Jordan

Rookie propels RU in victory

As Monmouth centerfielder Kyle Perry popped up behind home plate to senior catcher Jeff Melillo with two outs in the top of the seventh, it signaled the start of freshman Howie Brey’s most important relief appearance in his short career. Brey was able to last into the ninth, as the Rutgers baseball team (18-16, 8-4) defeated the Hawks, 7-6, yesterday at Bainton Field. Apr 18 2013

Sophomore reliever delivers in back-and-forth road win

Back-and-forth contests have been a constant for the Rutgers baseball team during its midweek games. While yesterday’s game against Lafayette (6-31) was no different, the Scarlet Knights (17-16, 8-4) were able to escape Easton, Pa., with a 14-8 win against the Leopards. While Lafayette managed to plate runs in three of its first five innings, sophomore righthander Jon Young prevented any runs after that. Apr 17 2013

RU visits struggling Leopards

The Rutgers baseball team has been here before. After the Scarlet Knights (16-16, 8-4) took two of three March 22-23 against then-No. 4 Louisville, they responded with a 9-3 loss to Rider. They then won six of nine before suffering a last inning loss of 15-14 at the hands of Fordham, who was 12-19 before the win. Apr 16 2013

Hill credits rotation for recent success

When Charlie Law walked off Bainton Field on Sunday in the eighth inning against Cincinnati, he capped one of the more successful series for head coach Fred Hill’s weekend rotation. “For the most part, [senior lefthander Rob] Smorol and [senior righthander Tyler] Gebler have been pitching real well, so [Law’s performance] gives us a third option,” Hill said. Apr 16 2013

Career start powers RU to series win

Senior righthander Charlie Law said earlier in the week that the Rutgers baseball team needed a good performance against Cincinnati. Law controlled the Scarlet Knights’ outcome against the Bearcats yesterday, and the Mainland, N.J., native delivered a 7-2 win in arguably his best outing of the year. Law lasted eight innings for head coach Fred Hill — a career high — and allowed just three hits in his third win this season. Apr 15 2013

Baseball: Cincinnati presents redemption for midweek loss

Losers of three of its last five, the Rutgers baseball team still has a chance to solidify itself atop the Big East standings with a series win at home against Cincinnati. A loss to Fordham will not help the Scarlet Knights (14-15, 6-3) record-wise, but senior righthander Charlie Law was able to pick out the positives from the defeat yesterday before practice. “We can potentially use it as a blessing in disguise because we had a really good comeback practice [Wednesday],” Law said. Apr 12 2013

Fordham upsets RU in eighth inning

Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill was clear it would be a disappointment if the Scarlet Knights dropped midweek games to less talented opponents. Disappointment is an understatement, thanks to a four-run eighth inning by Fordham (12-20) yesterday to defeat Rutgers (14-15, 6-3), 15-14. “Both teams played pretty hard, but there’s not much we can do,” said freshman third baseman Matt Tietz, who hit 3-for-4 in the loss. “Kudos to both teams, but it was a tough loss.” Apr 10 2013

Rutgers sets for rebound versus Rams

After Sunday’s 5-3 loss to Seton Hall, Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill could not quite put a finger on what his team needed to take out of its performance. But then he got hold of the stat sheet. “I don’t know to be honest with you,” Hill said. “I guess we have to start swinging the bats better. If we swing the bats better with the defense we are presently playing and the pitching we’re getting, we’ll be alright.” Apr 9 2013

Knights drop Big East series

It was sophomore outfielder Vinny Zarrillo’s drive to right field in the bottom of the seventh that summed up how the Rutgers baseball team was doing against Seton Hall lefthander Greg Terhune. It was a deep hit, but found its way into outfielder Scott Kalamar’s glove on the warning track. The bad luck was prevalent during Terhune’s one-hitter against the Scarlet Knights in yesterday’s 5-3 loss to the Pirates at Bainton Field. Apr 8 2013

Football: Freshmen vie to complement Huggins

When Dontea Ayers first arrived on campus, he was far from hesitant to contact Savon Huggins with concerns. “I had a lot of questions,” Ayers said. “I was blowing up Savon’s phone a lot.” The aspirations for the freshman running back to become Huggins’ complement in the Rutgers football team’s backfield have led the Salisbury, Md., native to rely on the veteran in front of him for answers on everything from the playbook to how to break down practice film. Apr 8 2013

Men's Basketball: Former UCLA?head coach interested in Rutgers