04/25/24
November 23, 2006
Scarlet Knight in Shining Armor: Having struggled his first 5 years at Rutgers, Head Coach Greg Schiano has transformed his team into a dynamic program and legitimate national title contender.
When No.15 Rutgers (9-1) takes the field against Syracuse (5-5) in Piscataway this Saturday, all the glitz and the glamor associated with the team will be gone. The media circus and the hype machine that has stalked the Scarlet Knights over the past few weeks will have long since departed. In a miserable 30-11 loss to Cincinnati last week, the clock officially struck 12 for the Cinderella squad from New Brunswick. No more talk of a national title. No more undefeated season. But with all that said, nothing should be taken away from the miraculous job Head Coach Greg Schiano and crew have done in this remarkable season. Like Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, Schiano has single-handedly ressurected the Rutgers' football program and put the Scarlet Knights on the BCS map. After going 19-39 in his first 5 years, Schiano's recruiting and persistent belief in his system finally came to fruition leading Rutgers to its best season in 30 years. It has been "THE" story in college football this year. More than the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, more than Heisman Trophy race, and thankfully more than the "Orange Brawl" down in Miami. Big Time college football in "THE" Big Time market. It is something the networks and ESPN have dreamed of for years and something the New York area has not experienced since the days when Columbia and Ivy League football really mattered. Most experts will have you believe that Schiano's revelation season will soon have him moving on to bigger and better things. Having been rumored to possibly take over in Miami (where he once coached) or in Alabama for Mike Shula, that may very well be possible. However, I think that would be a shame if he did and, honestly, I don't quite buy it. Sure, Schiano could move on to a big-time school and be successful. But why pass up the chance to be a "Legend"? Because if he stays and if Rutgers can repeat or, better yet, improve on this season, that is exactly what he will become. He will be Rutger's Bear Bryant, Joe Pa, and Knute Rockne rolled all up into one. Delivering the school and the program from near oblivion into national prominence. And trust me, don't think for one second Schiano hasn't thought of that. He is a man fully aware of his position and has not shyed away from the spotlight that the Metropolitan area naturally offers a man of his stature. The money, the perks, and the temptation will be there for him to go and it will be coming from all angles. The question is how much does he value his legacy at the place that gave him his start, at the school that gave him his first taste of the big time? Only time will tell. As for now, just enjoy the ride and the ensuing Bowl Game. Because college football finally matters now in New York and maybe all of us can finally begin to understand what all the fuss is about.
posted by chrisbracey to commentary at 09:53 PM - 0 comments