Rutgers' Ray Rice Ready to Run

Last week against UCONN, Rice's ankle got crushed late in the 4th quarter (after he should have been pulled) and he was forced to leave the game. But don't worry Rutgers fans, Ray Rice feels great and will be ready to go for Thursday's game against Louisville. A Rutgers assistant confirmed that Rice will be fine in a conversation with me on Saturday. Rice has averaged almost 28 carries and 150 yards a game during Rutgers' 8-0 start. The "bye" week couldn't have come at a better time for Rutgers. Rutgers absolutely needs Rice (among other things) if they are to have a chance against Louisville in the first game ever between ranked teams at the newly coined 'R House'. WVU proved that Louisville's run defense isn't very special last week as they gave up 350 rushing yards. An injured Slaton and QB White both had over 100 yards rushing. While Rutgers QB Mike Teel is no Pat White, or even Mike McMahon for that matter, the Rutgers defense is far better than that of the Mountaineers. Lets hope, for the good of Big East competitiveness and good TV, that the Rutgers defense lives up to its #1 national pass ranking and manages to slow down Brian Brohm. This is being billed as the biggest game home game in Rutgers history since college football was born there over 100 years ago. Its bigger than when the Longhorns or the Fighting Irish visited, or even when the top rated Hokies or Hurricanes came to town. This is more than just a chance to spoil a good team's season. It is more important than staying undefeated or staying alive in the hunt for Big East championship or a BCS bowl game. This is a chance to validate that Rutgers is indeed a serious contender in college football and not just a benefactor of soft schedule and a weak conference. If Rutgers gets blown out, New Jersey will jump off the bandwagon faster than it takes Tony Soprano to inhale a man sized serving of sausage and peppers. Top NJ high schoolers will snap out of it and sign with established programs like they have done forever. Rutgers will continue to make budget cuts on athletic programs. Schiano, if still offered the Miami job, will jump ship to fix the U. If that happens, Rutgers will soon be the Big East doormat once again. Much more than a win, Rutgers needs to confirm the respect it has gained with an 8-0 start this year. If that means that Rutgers loses on a last second field goal, I'll sadly accept it. R!!!!!!!!!