Big Ten Power Rankings: Newcomers Look Decent

Aug 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars safety Taylor Taliulu (30) goes up for the ball against Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Andre Hunt and Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Talib Abdur-Ra

8.) Rutgers (1-0)

Last Week: 41-38 win over Washington State

I’ll admit it: Rutgers surprised me a little. I wasn’t sure Gary Nova would be able to provide enough offense to duel against Washington State, but I also forgot his running back was Paul James. When healthy, James is one of the best backs in the country and he put that on display against Mike Leach and Co. There’s no question that the Cougars are a bad team, but they can score points at will and Rutgers kept up. If Ralph Friedgen can ignite this offense, Rutgers could win a lot more games than some think. With Howard up next, Penn State at home followed by @Navy and Tulane, Rutgers might start the year off 5-1.

Next Week: Howard, 12:00 PM on BTN