Dave Roberts, Baylor's first-year coach, called his Bears "probably about as bad a football team as there is right now in America" after a 35-14 loss to Texas Tech last week.
Hey Dave, ever hear of Rutgers?The Scarlet Knights (0-6) have a corner on the bottom-of-the-barrel market this season. And they've got the numbers to prove it, too.
After Thursday night's 50-3 loss to Syracuse, Rutgers:
- is off to its worst start since an 0-7 season in 1902,
- has a nine-game losing streak, matching the second longest in school history. The longest is 14 in a row from 1900-02,
- has been outscored 89-0 in the third period this season,
- has been outgained in 16 of 17 games under Shea, including 615-80 against the Orangemen,
- is 2-15 under second-year coach Terry Shea, with the wins coming against Villanova and Temple,
- has started five different quarterbacks in 17 games, with a sixth, freshman Mike McMahon set to start sometime this season.
Rutgers entered Thursday's game against Syracuse ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in seven major categories.
The Scarlet Knights were 107th of 112 Division I-A teams in scoring (12.2 points per game) and 105th in total offense (270 yards). On defense, they were 110th in scoring (45.2), 104th in both total defense (459.8 yards) and pass efficiency (163.8 rating) and 103rd against the run (239.6 yards). On turnover margin, they are 106th at minus 2 per game.
The numbers will be worse next week. Rutgers managed only 80 yards - minus 14 yards and no first downs in the second half. Syracuse, meanwhile, piled up 358 of its 615 yards on the ground.
But the ultimate insult came with 2:45 left and Syracuse at the Rutgers 1. Backup quarterback Keith Downing dropped to a knee three straight times to wind down the clock.
"I think that was a little more embarrassing," safety Thomas Kelly said. "They can say they had compassion for us and they still put up 50 points."
So what's wrong with Rutgers, anyway?
In a nutshell, the Rutgers players just aren't as big, fast or talented as their opponents. Poor recruiting will do that, and when 10 freshmen end up with playing time, it's a good indication there's not much depth, either.
"We're just misfiring and dropping balls," Shea said. "We just don't seem to make any plays, let alone a big play."
And even though the Big East is as weak as its ever been, the Scarlet Knights are the weakest link.
"Obviously, we're not a real strong team among some of the tougher teams in the conference," Shea said. "We have to play letter perfect to have an opportunity to be successful."
Rutgers' best chance at victory could come next Saturday at Army, but don't hold your breath. The Scarlet Knights are 0-8 on the road under Shea.
Local newspapers are having a field day at Rutgers' expense. One referred to Shea's offense as West Coast Nonsense, while another labled the school "Rotgers."
On Friday, the university announced that embattled Athletic Director Fred Gruninger, who already has hired and fired three coaches during his 25-year tenure, will resign at the end of the academic year.
Rutgers' futility has reached new lows the past two games.
In a 48-0 loss at West Virginia last Saturday, Rutgers never made it to the WVU 20, failed on third down 15 of 16 times and Jared Slovan set a Mountaineer Field record with 13 punts.
Against Syracuse, the Rutgers players missed tackles, blocks, passes and coverages, allowing Donovan McNabb to run for two TDs and pass for two others in just over two quarters.
In one third-quarter sequence from the Rutgers 39, McMahon threw a pass too low for Bill Powell to handle, a wide-open Walter King dropped a perfect pass at the Orange 40, and then McMahon was sacked for a 9-yard loss.
When Syracuse took over, Kyle McIntosh took a handoff and broke into the clear as cornerback Kevin Williams closed in. But McIntosh zipped right past him for a 37-yard gain. Six plays later, McNabb scored from 3 yards out for a 37-3 lead.
"Their speed made it seem like our feet were in the sand," Shea said. "We have addressed the tackling issue, it is a top priority and greatest liability."
Says center Jack McKiernan, a fifth-year senior: "All I want is that feeling back again. The feeling of being in a locker room after a win, the feeling of being on the field for the last play of the game and walking off a winner."
Bring on Army.
BOWDEN TRIFECTA: The coaching Bowdens pulled off a trifecta last week, with Florida State, Auburn and Tulane all winning - and outscoring the their opponents by a combined 111-6.
Bobby's Seminoles beat Miami 47-0.
Terry's Tigers beat South Carolina 23-6.
Tommy's Green Wave beat Army 41-0.