Even though I saw this Rutgers team as a 4- or perhaps 5-win team at best, I was as shocked as anyone over that UMass game. It's one thing to lose, but as bad as that was, to be just thoroughly dominated was another thing altogether. Even those window-dressing TDs near the end didn't do much to cover up the stink.
That said: I expect Rutgers wins this one tonight. I don't think the game will be a thing of beauty, but I think you get out of there with something like a 20-16 kind of win. Rutgers won't get pantsed again, and if they do, then they really are that bad, which I doubt. But there won't be any excuses. No one ought to be sleepwalking; no one can say the wrong QB started; and Bill O'Brien did not coach against your offense every day in practice two seasons ago. The light will be on, so whatever version of Rutgers you get tonight should be its best version. And I think that is a lot better than the one that played UMass. It's not great -- it'll be a long season for you guys, and -- but it's good enough to get this one.