And then, depression set in...

[RU848789]

Haven't been this depressed about the football program since the Shea Error. Left with 5 mnutes left in the 3Q, down 57-0 and didn't even know the final score until I saw the 78-0 headline on a post on the board. This was just beyond bad. 16 years after Schiano arrived and injected life into the biggest laughingstock of a 1A program in existence, we're back to square one or worse.

And after these two weeks of shellackings, I'm a little worried about if we have the right coach. I want to believe it and he started off well with a few decent recruits and a lot of good verbals before his first season and I like everything I read/heard about him instilling discipline and better strength and conditioning.

However, while I know the talent Flood recruited wasn't that great, I simply can't believe the talent gap is so wide we couldn't get a first down or execute anything at all or tackle anyone - this team gave up even worse than it did against OSU. Some of that has to be on the staff and that has me at least concerned. We're only 2 years removed from beating this team!

I do remember 80-7 and many other blowouts in Greg's first 2 years, but I really didn't think we had fallen to Shea levels, talent-wise. Maybe we have and maybe this year's OSU and UM are better, relatively speaking, than the #1 and #9 Miami and VT teams we lost to in consecutive weeks by 61-0 and 50-0 in Greg's first year, but I don't think that's the case (although I'd much rather that to be the case than the alternative that Ash isn't going to cut it).

Anyway, I knew we were that bad in Greg's first year, but I had loved the energy and discipline he had brought to the team, as well as the hope coming out of the "meeting" and the recruits he pulled in that year. I don't know that we're that bad this year, which is why I'm now so depressed about the state of the program and even the coaching staff. Somebody talk me down from the ledge, please. Thanks...

 

[msebuck]

Look, man. It's going to be tough...for a while. Meyer and Harbaugh can recruit the best of the best. Think about that. We get who we want throughout the country...except those who want to stay in the south. Bama, FSU, Clemson, etc... take them. You guys are working with a stacked deck. You need to get state pride in. Win NJ, win NY, then win New England. It won't be easy and it'll take a while but that's the first step. If you can generate pride for playing for Rutgers, you'll be better than half the bottom of the big ten. This is a long haul, it's not a short term miracle. Please understand that. You guys do have great talent pool in Jersey and NY, but they need to get the idea that you're the place to go. It takes time to build. You will suffer bad defeats against the powers. It's gonna happen, nothing you can do. But, don't lose hope, and remember you have to win the local guys first. Do IT!

 

[msebuck]

Get the high school coaches tuned in to Rutgers football, make them look less than desirable when a guy goes outside Rutgers. State pride is first and NJ and NY have some good players. The lineman you may need to get from the midwest, but you might be able to beat MSU for OSU's second best.

 

[MozRU]

Look, man. It's going to be tough...for a while. Meyer and Harbaugh can recruit the best of the best. Think about that. We get who we want throughout the country...except those who want to stay in the south. Bama, FSU, Clemson, etc... take them. You guys are working with a stacked deck. You need to get state pride in. Win NJ, win NY, then win New England. It won't be easy and it'll take a while but that's the first step. If you can generate pride for playing for Rutgers, you'll be better than half the bottom of the big ten. This is a long haul, it's not a short term miracle. Please understand that. You guys do have great talent pool in Jersey and NY, but they need to get the idea that you're the place to go. It takes time to build. You will suffer bad defeats against the powers. It's gonna happen, nothing you can do. But, don't lose hope, and remember you have to win the local guys first. Do IT!

You're not from around here I see

 

[RU848789]

Look, man. It's going to be tough...for a while. Meyer and Harbaugh can recruit the best of the best. Think about that. We get who we want throughout the country...except those who want to stay in the south. Bama, FSU, Clemson, etc... take them. You guys are working with a stacked deck. You need to get state pride in. Win NJ, win NY, then win New England. It won't be easy and it'll take a while but that's the first step. If you can generate pride for playing for Rutgers, you'll be better than half the bottom of the big ten. This is a long haul, it's not a short term miracle. Please understand that. You guys do have great talent pool in Jersey and NY, but they need to get the idea that you're the place to go. It takes time to build. You will suffer bad defeats against the powers. It's gonna happen, nothing you can do. But, don't lose hope, and remember you have to win the local guys first. Do IT!

We know all that - been through that with Schiano and after a few years, he delivered, building a program we were all proud of. But it looks like that's all gone now and I know it's mostly due to Flood's bad recruiting, but I'm worried that's not all of it...

 

[msebuck]

We know all that - been through that with Schiano and after a few years, he delivered, building a program we were all proud of. But it looks like that's all gone now and I know it's mostly due to Flood's bad recruiting, but I'm worried that's not all of it...

I don't know your history under flood. But, it is absolutely the first step to get your high school coaches to want your players to go Rutgers. No doubt. Ohio is all about Ohio State (unless you're Toledo, some of those asses should be charge with treason ) You build this program with the populace. Pride in your state. Pride in NJ football. Pride in your HS players. What can they do better at UM or OSU? Eliminate it. Convince them to stay home. Tall task in short term, but long term it can be done.

 

[msebuck]

I don't know your history under flood. But, it is absolutely the first step to get your high school coaches to want your players to go Rutgers. No doubt. Ohio is all about Ohio State (unless you're Toledo, some of those asses should be charge with treason ) You build this program with the populace. Pride in your state. Pride in NJ football. Pride in your HS players. What can they do better at UM or OSU? Eliminate it. Convince them to stay home. Tall task in short term, but long term it can be done.

You guys need to keep this going for a long time even if you're losing badly by some of the big ten programs. They've been here a while. They know what they need to do to have cushion jobs. You're looking to compete. Keep the faith, good hires and emphasize your state(or area) pride.

 

[msebuck]

Many OSU fans see the potential in Rutgers. We know it's there. We know you guys can play good football. Jersey and NY have good football players. It's the getting there that's the hiccup. We are not sure how youre going to get there. But it's there. Most of us think you guys are not going to be able to capitalize on it. But, we are rooting for you to do so. You want to be here and we want you to be (not too against us) successful.

 

[msebuck]

It's like we view it as a damned shame that you aren't there yet. You can be. It's a tall order with us and UM and PSU going after your guys, but damn it. Play for your state and bring the glory home. (sorry, Ohioans like fighting for our state, especially against the Michigan horde .)

 

[msebuck]

Haven't been this depressed about the football program since the Shea Error. Left with 5 mnutes left in the 3Q, down 57-0 and didn't even know the final score until I saw the 78-0 headline on a post on the board. This was just beyond bad. 16 years after Schiano arrived and injected life into the biggest laughingstock of a 1A program in existence, we're back to square one or worse.

And after these two weeks of shellackings, I'm a little worried about if we have the right coach. I want to believe it and he started off well with a few decent recruits and a lot of good verbals before his first season and I like everything I read/heard about him instilling discipline and better strength and conditioning.

However, while I know the talent Flood recruited wasn't that great, I simply can't believe the talent gap is so wide we couldn't get a first down or execute anything at all or tackle anyone - this team gave up even worse than it did against OSU. Some of that has to be on the staff and that has me at least concerned. We're only 2 years removed from beating this team!

I do remember 80-7 and many other blowouts in Greg's first 2 years, but I really didn't think we had fallen to Shea levels, talent-wise. Maybe we have and maybe this year's OSU and UM are better, relatively speaking, than the #1 and #9 Miami and VT teams we lost to in consecutive weeks by 61-0 and 50-0 in Greg's first year, but I don't think that's the case (although I'd much rather that to be the case than the alternative that Ash isn't going to cut it).

Anyway, I knew we were that bad in Greg's first year, but I had loved the energy and discipline he had brought to the team, as well as the hope coming out of the "meeting" and the recruits he pulled in that year. I don't know that we're that bad this year, which is why I'm now so depressed about the state of the program and even the coaching staff. Somebody talk me down from the ledge, please. Thanks...

Michigan wanted to destroy you, ok? You guys have some perceived rivalry with them and Harbaugh thinks running up the score will persuade your (parasmaus) recruits to join him in Ann Arbor. That's all it is. And he has a hard time turning off the o'l "enthusiasm unknown to mankind" which can actually get good player hurt or tired. The guy wants to rub your faces in it, even with the second team. You aren't going to be competitive in those games yet, so fugheddaboutit. Your population should try to sell Rutgers to your instate and nearby out of state HS players. Short term, the best guys will go to the best teams, but long term, you establish some history with the coaches and one or two great guys come to you and then you knock off a big shot. Next 2 more guys come and the trend snowballs a little. That's how you get better. It's a long journey. Don't give up yet.

 

[hailtoyourvictor]

Michigan wanted to destroy you, ok? You guys have some perceived rivalry with them and Harbaugh thinks running up the score will persuade your (parasmaus) recruits to join him in Ann Arbor. That's all it is. And he has a hard time turning off the o'l "enthusiasm unknown to mankind" which can actually get good player hurt or tired. The guy wants to rub your faces in it, even with the second team. You aren't going to be competitive in those games yet, so fugheddaboutit. Your population should try to sell Rutgers to your instate and nearby out of state HS players. Short term, the best guys will go to the best teams, but long term, you establish some history with the coaches and one or two great guys come to you and then you knock off a big shot. Next 2 more guys come and the trend snowballs a little. That's how you get better. It's a long journey. Don't give up yet.

wut

 

[Saint Puppy]

As a long time Rutgers fan I think I have pretty thick skin (as many of us so), but I will say I am flat out embarrassed by this loss. Sorry can't put this on Ash - we jsut don't have the horses to compete. It may turn out he is not a good coach, but the only thing I'm convinced of right now is that Flood screwed us six ways to Sunday.

 

[msebuck]

wut

Harbaugh hates Rutgers guys. He wanted to run up the score. That's the "wut"

 

[msebuck]

wut

And your victor is Ohio State

 

[msebuck]

Harbaugh hates Rutgers guys. He wanted to run up the score. That's the "wut"

He's trying to win the recruiting battle by showing that Rutgers (the state university of New Jersey, damn it) is not the place for high quality football recruits.

 

[msebuck]

He's trying to win the recruiting battle by showing that Rutgers (the state university of New Jersey, damn it) is not the place for high quality football recruits.

If it were Ohio, we'd take him out and lynch and burn him, but you know, we're a little biased against Michigan.

 

[RU848789]

Michigan wanted to destroy you, ok? You guys have some perceived rivalry with them and Harbaugh thinks running up the score will persuade your (parasmaus) recruits to join him in Ann Arbor. That's all it is. And he has a hard time turning off the o'l "enthusiasm unknown to mankind" which can actually get good player hurt or tired. The guy wants to rub your faces in it, even with the second team. You aren't going to be competitive in those games yet, so fugheddaboutit. Your population should try to sell Rutgers to your instate and nearby out of state HS players. Short term, the best guys will go to the best teams, but long term, you establish some history with the coaches and one or two great guys come to you and then you knock off a big shot. Next 2 more guys come and the trend snowballs a little. That's how you get better. It's a long journey. Don't give up yet.

I'll assume you mean well, but lecturing a fan base, which just got embarrassed 2 weeks in a row, about extraordinarily obvious things gets old quickly, especially when we went through all of those steps under Schiano, who showed how to turn the worst team in 1A into a pretty successful program. You've said nothing most of us don't already know.

 

[Knightmoves]

In my opinion there are no words to describe the way long time RU fans are feeling right now. A feeling of Numbness is one that comes to mind, but that doesn't quite cover it. Absolute futility over a very long period of time is what the current FB situation looks like, and it is now unknown if there is hope for the program in the short term.

Needless to say today is a day that some of us may want to leave the Block R gear in the closet. The thought of running into other CFB fans while wearing RU gear is not very appealing to me at this point. I received a few mocking texts during the game last nite and am sure to take some ribbing from my golf buddies today at the course.

Of course I can always go with the standard response when someone pokes fun about RU's recent performance on the field:

" I didn't see the game"

 

[msebuck]

I'll assume you mean well, but lecturing a fan base, which just got embarrassed 2 weeks in a row, about extraordinarily obvious things gets old quickly, especially when we went through all of those steps under Schiano, who showed how to turn the worst team in 1A into a pretty successful program. You've said nothing most of us don't already know.

Well, ok. If you know it already, fine. But, many of you are giving up already. How can that happen? It can't. You can't expect recruits to come to you if you feel sorry for yourselves. It's not attractive, just not. You will get destroyed. The big ten bottoms will NOT feel sorry for you. What are your other opportunities? No big coach is going to come here and magically turn things around. It ain't happening. You have to do it with state and school pride, and good news! You have the talent pool. Against all odds, this is the first step. You will always be the whipping boy if you forget this. It's hard, but you have to start somewhere first.

 

[msebuck]

I'll assume you mean well, but lecturing a fan base, which just got embarrassed 2 weeks in a row, about extraordinarily obvious things gets old quickly, especially when we went through all of those steps under Schiano, who showed how to turn the worst team in 1A into a pretty successful program. You've said nothing most of us don't already know.

Look, what are your paths to success? Rutgers will not recruit nationally facing OSU, UM, and ******* Maryland. It's not about the coaches. YOU, the people have to instill that pride in your High School players. Nearly every HS player in Ohio wants to play for OSU. The others want to play for UM (if their parents are messed up) or ND if they're really catholic.

 

[msebuck]

Good thing about NJ? There's only one big time program there. You guys. It's a long road and it starts at the bottom. You can recruit nationally (do you think you can?) or you can try to instill pride in your guys at home (and you guys have a lot of talent in your area). And eventually, you might get national recognition, but where are you without one of these? Come on guys, you can do it. Pride about playing for the state of New Jersey. Where else are you going to start?

 

[LevaosLectures]

Get the high school coaches tuned in to Rutgers football, make them look less than desirable when a guy goes outside Rutgers. State pride is first and NJ and NY have some good players. The lineman you may need to get from the midwest, but you might be able to beat MSU for OSU's second best.

Oh piss off

 

[FastMJ]

Good thing about NJ? There's only one big time program there. You guys. It's a long road and it starts at the bottom. You can recruit nationally (do you think you can?) or you can try to instill pride in your guys at home (and you guys have a lot of talent in your area). And eventually, you might get national recognition, but where are you without one of these? Come on guys, you can do it. Pride about playing for the state of New Jersey. Where else are you going to start?

Thanks for the encouragement. We're just too pissed off right now to be counseled about what we need.

 

[JMORC2003]

I don't know your history under flood. But, it is absolutely the first step to get your high school coaches to want your players to go Rutgers. No doubt. Ohio is all about Ohio State (unless you're Toledo, some of those asses should be charge with treason ) You build this program with the populace. Pride in your state. Pride in NJ football. Pride in your HS players. What can they do better at UM or OSU? Eliminate it. Convince them to stay home. Tall task in short term, but long term it can be done.

I think we all know that. We're not new to college football, we just suck at it.

 

[RUtrumpet92_rivals498139]

He's right, that is what Schiano did. It is tough to see us down in a hole again when we dug our way to respectability under Schiano. Time to roll up the sleeves and make it happen again.

 

[shields]

Nothing wrong with what the gentleman wrote. And again when we finally get the Big Ten money will be a big help. Feel like we are shopping at Walmart and the other schools shop at Sax's fifth avenue. And QB play is just terrible.

 

[rvenesk]

We know all that - been through that with Schiano and after a few years, he delivered, building a program we were all proud of. But it looks like that's all gone now and I know it's mostly due to Flood's bad recruiting, but I'm worried that's not all of it...

Calling the young guys on the team "bad recruits" won't help your cause that's for sure, their parents read these forums and so do recruits. These kids stayed committed to Rutgers all through last years debacle and the upheaval that followed. Now they're standing on the sidelines watching in horror just like you are. Maybe they aren't all 4-5 star recruits, but there are coaches who have made winning teams out of 2 and 3 star recruits+walk ons.
These kids are working hard and doing everything asked of them, I never realized how little interest NJ had in their state university football team, the lack of support from a supposedly wealthy state is eye opening! I realize you are a loyal fan, but I'm talking in general.

 

[Knight Shift]

Calling the young guys on the team "bad recruits" won't help your cause that's for sure, their parents read these forums and so do recruits. These kids stayed committed to Rutgers all through last years debacle and the upheaval that followed. Now they're standing on the sidelines watching in horror just like you are. Maybe they aren't all 4-5 star recruits, but there are coaches who have made winning teams out of 2 and 3 star recruits+walk ons.
These kids are working hard and doing everything asked of them, I never realized how little interest NJ had in their state university football team, the lack of support from a supposedly wealthy state is eye opening! I realize you are a loyal fan, but I'm talking in general.

Solid first post, and I have been shouted down on this point multiple times by some of the board "Experts" who only spout "Facts" because they have an everlasting need to prove that they are/were "right" about things. Agree wholeheartedly that we can look more competitive with the players we have. Multiple ex-players, commentators, and others have called to slow the offense down, especially against tOSU and Michigan. It is plain common sense. You keep running into a brick wall with 1:30 of three an outs--what does that get your defense except worn out.

 

[cRURah]

talked off the ledge by fans of conference foes. We have hit rock bottom.

 

[cRURah]

Solid first post, and I have been shouted down on this point multiple times by some of the board "Experts" who only spout "Facts" because they have an everlasting need to prove that they are/were "right" about things. Agree wholeheartedly that we can look more competitive with the players we have. Multiple ex-players, commentators, and others have called to slow the offense down, especially against tOSU and Michigan. It is plain common sense. You keep running into a brick wall with 1:30 of three an outs--what does that get your defense except worn out.

This is so basic that it makes me wonder, why does Ash not understand this concept?

 

[Knight Shift]

This is so basic that it makes me wonder, why does Ash not understand this concept?

In the post game presser, Ash did say something to the effect of "This is ALL on me."

 

[anon_ivydyf0amkzay]

[poop][sick]:flush_O

 

[rurichdog]

Well, ok. If you know it already, fine. But, many of you are giving up already. How can that happen? It can't. You can't expect recruits to come to you if you feel sorry for yourselves. It's not attractive, just not. You will get destroyed. The big ten bottoms will NOT feel sorry for you. What are your other opportunities? No big coach is going to come here and magically turn things around. It ain't happening. You have to do it with state and school pride, and good news! You have the talent pool. Against all odds, this is the first step. You will always be the whipping boy if you forget this. It's hard, but you have to start somewhere first.

Already?!?!? Son, you have no idea how long we've hung on & how many times we've been through this. You've not seen as many losses in your lifetime as I've seen the past 4 years. You're not helping & you have no clue. Enjoy your team's never ending success, enjoy our state's top players, and beat Michigan's brains in.

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Depressing? Sheeesh. Don't tie your self-worth to your team, in defeat or in victory. Keep perspective. It's a game, afterall. That's a tough proposition for a "fanatical." Sure.

That said, want to do improve the product? Increase your donation. $$$ = victories, assuming these $ are managed competently. Until then, until "we" have working capital equal to UM and OSU, reset your program expectations. RU is a long way away from the top B1G programs.

Keep Calm. And Donate On.

 

[Knight Shift]

Depressing? Sheeesh. Don't tie your self-worth to your team, in defeat or in victory. Keep perspective. It's a game, afterall. That's a tough proposition for a "fanatical." Sure.

That said, want to do improve the product? Increase your donation. $$$ = victories, assuming these $ are managed competently. Until then, until "we" have working capital equal to UM and OSU, reset your program expectations. RU is a long way away from the top B1G programs.

Keep Calm. And Donate On.

Yes. Never get depressed when a sports team loses. We had a lot of laughs on the car ride home.

 

[LevaosLectures]

I think it's fair to compartmentalize sports feelings and real feelings.

In sports terms though last night doesn't compare to the heartbreak of Louisville 2012 or PSU 2014.

 

[RU31trap]

When you start a new job you only have so many opportunities to point the finger at the old regime. Let's stop it with the Flood attacks, they're getting old. If you're serious about pointing the finger I would start with:

1. Your Governor for keeping your University President on a short leash.
2. Your University President for not giving a **** about athletics
3. A BOG who could care less about athletics
4. State Residents who don't like us for a multitude of reasons, not to mention root for us to lose

 

[RUinPinehurst]

When you start a new job you only have so many opportunities to point the finger at the old regime. Let's stop it with the Flood attacks, they're getting old. If you're serious about pointing the finger I would start with:

1. Your Governor for keeping your University President on a short leash.
2. Your University President for not giving a **** about athletics
3. A BOG who could care less about athletes
4. State Residents who don't like us for a multitude of reasons, not to mention root for us to lose

Do not count on that support. Key to improving the product is $ from boosters. Political support will follow the $. Always.

 

[rufeelinit]

Problem is our NJ High School coaching fraternity is nearly as impressionable as their players. They see results like this and they easily fall off the RU bandwagon (if there ever was one) as well. It takes a very resolute kid not to have doubts after outcomes like this.

 

[KevH]

I'll assume you mean well, but lecturing a fan base, which just got embarrassed 2 weeks in a row, about extraordinarily obvious things gets old quickly, especially when we went through all of those steps under Schiano, who showed how to turn the worst team in 1A into a pretty successful program. You've said nothing most of us don't already know.

Cut the guy some slack. He's trying to talk you down from the ledge... as requested.