Rutgers national perception

[JL23]

Down here in Florida visiting my Dad, in Publix he's wearing Rutgers gear and a Gator fan comes up to me and immediately starts talking college FB, and specifically Rutgers
Guy dead serious is convinced Schiano is going to get us over the hump and into the playoffs in a few years, and thinks we're on the precipitous of big things

Two things stood out to me w/this guy:
1. He didn't hesitate - legit convinced Rutgers is going to be a power in the not-so-distant future, regardless of history, tough league, NIL, etc.
2. He wasn't wearing jorts

He also thought Kirby Smart was "overrated" and that UF is going to reclaim the Spurrier/Urban glory years soon as well, so I'm not sure if I can take him seriously or not
Either way, it was good to see someone from a distance realize the vast potential and believe in what Greg's building

 

[Knight Shift]

Down here in Florida visiting my Dad, in Publix wearing Rutgers gear and a Gator fan comes up to me and immediately starts talking college FB, and specifically Rutgers
Guy dead serious is convinced Schiano is going to get us over the hump and into the playoffs in a few years, and thinks we're on the precipitous of big things

Two things stood out to me w/this guy:
1. He didn't hesitate - legit convinced we're going to be a power in the not-so-distant future, regardless of history, tough league, NIL, etc.
2. He wasn't wearing jorts

He also thought Kirby Smart was "overrated" and that UF is going to reclaim the Spurrier/Urban glory years soon as well, so I'm not sure if I can take him seriously or not
Either way, it was good to see someone from a distance realize our potential and believe in what Greg's building

Good to hear. Florida people know college football.

Did he have any thoughts on Florida State?

 

[Section124]

I was playing golf in CA in 2018 with a local HS football coach. The whole round he was talking about what a great job Schiano 1.0 had done and we needed him back. Nationally we are seen as a joke program by the normal "fans". A guy in my RI office is a born/raised Buckeye and he just knocks our program in a passive aggressive way. We need to beat them to change that perception.

 

[RU Jeep]

For RU to have any chance to climb the ladder we need a (much) better perception as well as physical (attendance/ratings) and financial support HERE

To me, what RU football has done the last couple of years has been tremendous. In my experience, the vast majority do not see it the same way. Certainly when I look in the upper deck, it is clear that we have not captured our own market (yet).

 

[JL23]

Good to hear. Florida people know college football.

Did he have any thoughts on Florida State?

Good to hear. Florida people know college football.

Did he have any thoughts on Florida State?

We briefly discussed them (5 minutes or so) but the main topic was Rutgers for about 20 minutes.

Similar to the guy at the pool yesterday who I was talking to, the sentiment is the same amongst most rational locals; Noles will be improved, last year sucked, too much talent and resources to be down for long especially playing the ACC, need out of the ACC immediately, and verdict still out on Norvell

Most people down here think they're going to the SEC, but I'm still hearing B1G
Time will tell

 

[Knight Shift]

We briefly discussed them (5 minutes or so) but the main topic was Rutgers for about 20 minutes.

Similar to the guy at the pool yesterday who I was talking to, the sentiment is the same amongst most rational locals; Noles will be improved, last year sucked, too much talent and resources to be down for long especially playing the ACC, need out of the ACC immediately, and verdict still out on Norvell

Most people down here think they're going to the SEC, but I'm still hearing B1G
Time will tell

Guessing you did not get to it, but anything about UCF and Scott Frost?

 

[JL23]

Guessing you did not get to it, but anything about UCF and Scott Frost?

We did not discuss them
Did see a few people around town though w/UCF gear, one w/USF gear, no UM gear, a few FSU gear and tons of UF gear

 

[yesrutgers01]

I have had similar conversations across the country as long as you get away from NY/NJ/Pa/Ct...What college fans are noticing is that it is a steady climb and not just a single season purchase to become good. They also recognize the brand that we are building across the country for HS players. If you are serious about both football, education and personal success, Rutgers can provide it.

As much as many people think that every kid and their family are looking for NIL $$$ first and everything else after- that is not actually true. There are some very talented football players out there that are also smart enough to know where the real money and success in life is going to come from. And these are the kids Greg is going after.

 

[koleszar]

Down here in Florida visiting my Dad, in Publix wearing Rutgers gear and a Gator fan comes up to me and immediately starts talking college FB, and specifically Rutgers
Guy dead serious is convinced Schiano is going to get us over the hump and into the playoffs in a few years, and thinks we're on the precipitous of big things

Two things stood out to me w/this guy:
1. He didn't hesitate - legit convinced we're going to be a power in the not-so-distant future, regardless of history, tough league, NIL, etc.
2. He wasn't wearing jorts

He also thought Kirby Smart was "overrated" and that UF is going to reclaim the Spurrier/Urban glory years soon as well, so I'm not sure if I can take him seriously or not
Either way, it was good to see someone from a distance realize our potential and believe in what Greg's building

O I forgot to tell you in our other convo, I'm walking out of Swan River restaurant (Naples) guy is slowly driving by looking at me, finally yells, "Hey is that a Rutgers hat?" I give him the thumbs up and he yells "Go Scarlet Knights, Schiano's going to do it". Lots of Jersey down there.

 

[JL23]

O I forgot to tell you in our other convo, I'm walking out of Swan River restaurant (Naples) guy is slowly driving by looking at me, finally yells, "Hey is that a Rutgers hat?" I give him the thumbs up and he yells "Go Scarlet Knights, Schiano's going to do it". Lots of Jersey down there.

I haven't tried Swan River - how was it?
A ton of northerners down here, and a good amount of Rutgers fans as well

Never heard anyone say anything negative about Rutgers down here
However, did a tour of the Shoe in CBus last week while there for work, and they clearly look down on us

 

[koleszar]

I haven't tried Swan River - how was it?
A ton of northerners down here, and a good amount of Rutgers fans as well

Never heard anyone say anything negative about Rutgers down here
However, did a tour of the Shoe in CBus last week while there for work, and they clearly look down on us

I really like Swan River, typical seafood place pricing, my wife loves their clam strips. Also, Jimmy P's Charred (Bonita Springs). Jimmy P's is pricey, but when done, you know why you're paying for it. The Wagyu Ribeye was worth the splurge. Another good one is the Old Florida Chop house(Bonita Springs). We only stumbled on it because we stayed at the Trianon (would not recommend staying there). It's three of the places we try to hit while down there and you will need reservations.

 

[JL23]

I really like Swan River, typical seafood place pricing, my wife loves their clam strips. Also, Jimmy P's Charred (Bonita Springs). Jimmy P's is pricey, but when done, you know why you're paying for it. The Wagyu Ribeye was worth the splurge. Another good one is the Old Florida Chop house(Bonita Springs). We only stumbled on it because we stayed at the Trianon (would not recommend staying there). It's three of the places we try to hit while down there and you will need reservations.

Gotcha, will let my wife know as she handles all that stuff (teacher who has off all summer while I'm still working lol)
She usually likes hitting 5th Ave - great scenery and beautiful architecture, but it definitely hits you in the wallet
To your point re. those 3 spots, wouldn't mind a change of scenery (and hopefully, a little lighter bill at the end)

 

[JackiCrooks7]

I'm glad you had a positive interaction but the national perception of Rutgers football and RU sports in general is probably at its lowpoint since before Schiano originally took over. That's just the bottom line. We had a chance to change that with two lottery picks on our basketball team this year but failed miserably. As for football, it's nice to see us in minor bowls but we need to start playing competitive games against the big boys before anyone takes Rutgers seriously again like they did in the second half of the 2000s.

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

I'm glad you had a positive interaction but the national perception of Rutgers football and RU sports in general is probably at its lowpoint since before Schiano originally took over. That's just the bottom line. We had a chance to change that with two lottery picks on our basketball team this year but failed miserably. As for football, it's nice to see us in minor bowls but we need to start playing competitive games against the big boys before anyone takes Rutgers seriously again like they did in the second half of the 2000s.

If you think this is the low point since before GS 1.0, give me some of what you’re smoking. You’ve clearly blocked out the Ash years, which I guess I understand.

 

[mdk02]

My brother went to Trinity University (San Antonio) and has lived in Texas for close to 50 years. First of all Rutgers has a solid academic reputation down there. Although (it's Texas) UT grads say not quite as good as UT and A&M grads say not quite as good as A&M. Anyway, they have a generally positive impression of Schiano, but seriously underrate the NJ HS talent. The coaches down there don't necessarily agree

 

[yesrutgers01]

I'm glad you had a positive interaction but the national perception of Rutgers football and RU sports in general is probably at its lowpoint since before Schiano originally took over. That's just the bottom line. We had a chance to change that with two lottery picks on our basketball team this year but failed miserably. As for football, it's nice to see us in minor bowls but we need to start playing competitive games against the big boys before anyone takes Rutgers seriously again like they did in the second half of the 2000s.

ut oh- looks like one of our resident trolls found their way in...

 

[mdk02]

I'm glad you had a positive interaction but the national perception of Rutgers football and RU sports in general is probably at its lowpoint since before Schiano originally took over. That's just the bottom line. We had a chance to change that with two lottery picks on our basketball team this year but failed miserably. As for football, it's nice to see us in minor bowls but we need to start playing competitive games against the big boys before anyone takes Rutgers seriously again like they did in the second half of the 2000s.

My memory must be slipping. Which bowl did the 2001 team play in?

 

[Anon1751457139]

Down here in Florida visiting my Dad, in Publix wearing Rutgers gear and a Gator fan comes up to me and immediately starts talking college FB, and specifically Rutgers
Guy dead serious is convinced Schiano is going to get us over the hump and into the playoffs in a few years, and thinks we're on the precipitous of big things

Two things stood out to me w/this guy:
1. He didn't hesitate - legit convinced we're going to be a power in the not-so-distant future, regardless of history, tough league, NIL, etc.
2. He wasn't wearing jorts

He also thought Kirby Smart was "overrated" and that UF is going to reclaim the Spurrier/Urban glory years soon as well, so I'm not sure if I can take him seriously or not
Either way, it was good to see someone from a distance realize our potential and believe in what Greg's building

Same thing in Connecticut. Rutgers football is highly regarded,as is the academic side.
.
.

 

[Virginiarufan]

It’s good to be highly regarded in CT especially since uconn fans hate us with a passion. I can tell you that we have a good reputation in Virginia after beating VT twice in a row.

 

[JackiCrooks7]

My memory must be slipping. Which bowl did the 2001 team play in?

There were way less bowls back then. Don't forget, the 1998-99 team went 5-6 and Terry Shea was coach of the year. That's almost good enough to make a bowl these days.

 

[bigmatt718]

It’s good to be highly regarded in CT especially since uconn fans hate us with a passion. I can tell you that we have a good reputation in Virginia after beating VT twice in a row.

UConn has been jealous of us getting into the B1G because they think a good basketball team supercedes a dogshit football team when the B1G is a football conference first and foremost. I'm not even going to go into the fact that Rutgers runs laps around UConn academically who isn't even top public in New England anymore (UMass passed them in US News, plus they aren't AAU).

 

[RU#1fan]

There were way less bowls back then. Don't forget, the 1998-99 team went 5-6 and Terry Shea was coach of the year. That's almost good enough to make a bowl these days.

And that was a small miracle. QB McMahon running for his life with our porous OL.

 

[ru66+]

As we all know RU is 15th among top public schools according to US news....

 

[bigmatt718]

As we all know RU is 15th among top public schools according to US news....

And Numero Uno among public schools in the entire Northeast. Better than PSU, Pitt, Maryland, Delaware, UConn, all of the SUNYs, etc.

 

[Knight177lb]

My brother went to Trinity University (San Antonio) and has lived in Texas for close to 50 years. First of all Rutgers has a solid academic reputation down there. Although (it's Texas) UT grads say not quite as good as UT and A&M grads say not quite as good as A&M. Anyway, they have a generally positive impression of Schiano, but seriously underrate the NJ HS talent. The coaches down there don't necessarily agree

I work with guys from Texas and it's great talking about college football with them. They really know everything about every team in the country including Rutgers which they have nothing bad to say about in recent years. It's really different than having a conversation with someone in the Northeast.