Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/226401
Game Preview: Rutgers neers. A year ago, the Scarlet Knights went 9-4, earned a share of the Big East championship and were a quarter away from a BCS bowl berth. This season has been more of a struggle for Rutgers, but the program is in good hands with Flood, Vorkunov said. "[The 2012 season was] a good introductory year for Kyle Flood," he said "This year, it's regressed and stagnated. It hasn't helped the fact that they've gone 6-6 and had to win their last game this season just to qualify for a bowl game. They've had some recruiting hits. It was a forgettable month for the program. "Going into the Big Ten, it's not the best way to go into the conference against much harder competition." Rutgers finished the regular season 98th nationally in rushing offense (133.67 yards per game), but missed starting running back Paul James for four games due to injury. In his eight games, the redshirt sophomore rushed for 833 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns and was complemented by freshman Justin Goodwin's 518 yards and five touchdowns. "[Rutgers has] Paul James, who before he got hurt was one of the leading rushers in the country," Vorkunov said. "He's back now and should be fully healthy for the bowl game against Notre Dame. He's a surprisingly strong and quick runner with good vision. He was a former walk-on and he's the leading rusher. "They do that very well when he's healthy, and Justin Goodwin is the No. 2 back behind him. He's pretty adept at that role and kind of gives a change of pace." The Scarlet Knights' passing attack struggled for much of the season, leading to a late change at the top of the depth chart at quarterback. Junior Gary Nova started the first 10 games before his 14 interceptions cost him his spot in the lineup. Senior Chas Dodd replaced him and engineered the 31-6 win over 2-10 South Florida Dec. 7. "They were supposed to have a strong receiving corps and Tyler Kroft at tight end, but that hasn't really ma- Game Info Notre Dame vs. Rutgers Date: Dec. 28, 2013. Site: Yankee Stadium (52,325). Kickoff: 12:15 p.m. EST. Television: ESPN. Radio: This broadcast can be heard on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (channel 129). Series Facts: This is the fifth meeting between Notre Dame and Rutgers. The Irish hold a 4-0 advantage over the Scarlet Knights, and won the last meeting 42-0 in South Bend in 2002. Coaches: Notre Dame — Brian Kelly (36-15, fourth season); Rutgers — Kyle Flood (15-10, second season). Noting Rutgers: Notre Dame has outscored the Scarlet Knights 197-17 in four all-time meetings … In three of those matchups, the Irish earned a shutout … Lou Holtz's final game at Notre Dame Stadium was a 62-0 win over the Scarlet Knights in 1996 (Holtz referred to Rutgers as "Ruptures" to the players leading up to the game) … This will be Notre Dame's second game at the new Yankee Stadium; the Irish defeated Army 27-3 in November 2010.